First Year Studies at Arkansas State University provides students who do not meet the regular admission standards of the university an opportunity to attend ASU as regularly enrolled students.  This program was formerly known as the Academic Success Institute.  Students admitted through First Year Studies are provided additional services and resources to help them make a smooth and successful transition to the university.

Students may be admitted to ASU through First Year Studies if they have a composite of 18 on the ACT or an equivalent score on SAT, Compass or Asset and a minimum grade point average of a 2.3.

 

FAQ’S

What can I expect if I am admitted through First Year Studies at ASU?

At First Year Studies, the emphasis is on meeting the needs of students admitted through our program and helping them to be successful.  We take a personal interest in you and work with you to make the most of your college experience.  Your Making Connections instructor is also your academic advisor. He or she meets with you individually and monitors your progress during your first year.  If difficulties arise, your academic advisor will work with the FYS Services Coordinator to identify the resources and services that can best help you.

What will be expected of me as a FYS student at ASU?

You must maintain a minimum grade point average of a 2.0 with a C or above in developmental courses (if your test scores require that you take them) for the two semesters that you are in First Year Studies.  If you do not meet that requirement at the end of either of your first two semesters in college, you will be suspended and can only return after completing 12 credited hours at another college or university with a 2.0 GPA.

You will be expected to meet the ASU attendance policy for freshmen and sophomores, meet with your advisor and instructors as requested and attend any required activities.  If you are having difficulty in a class you will be expected to follow through on tutoring, supplemental instruction, study groups or other activities that may be employed to help you get back on track.

What courses will I take as an FYS student?

You are officially listed as undecided while you are in First Year Studies.  However, your advisor will work with you to ensure that you are taking the correct courses for your planned major if you have one.  All students at ASU take Making Connections their first semester.  If you have below a 19 on your ACT or the equivalent in math, reading or English, you will be required to take developmental courses in those areas.  If you have one, two or no developmental courses to take, the rest of your schedule will consist of general education courses such as English Composition, US History, College Algebra, Psychology, etc in addition to Making Connections.  The first semester you will be limited to twelve hours, but the second semester you may take 15-16 hours, if you did well in your first semester.  FYS students take only one course that is not required for all other ASU students which is a two-hour continuation of Making Connections during second semester.

What about student organizations and living on campus?

FYS students are no different than any other freshman.  You may live in any of the appropriate freshman residence halls and request any roommate that you wish.  You are strongly encouraged to participate in campus activities, but obviously not to the extent that it has a negative impact on your academic life. 

What if I raise my test scores or grade point average?

Even if you have already been admitted through First Year Studies, you can be regularly admitted if you meet the ACT composite of a 21 or equivalent and a 2.5 GPA.   You will be notified by the Office of Admissions of your status change.

 

Information for Students

Orientation

Please be sure and sign up for an orientation session as early as possible.  FYS students attend the same orientations as other admitted freshmen.  Click on http://www.astate.edu/a/student-affairs/nso/index.dot  for information about orientation.

Financial Aid

If you plan to use financial aid of any kind to attend college, please be sure and complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) located at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/as soon as possible.  You will want to have all of your financial aid in order to start school in the fall.  Our financial aid office recommends that you complete the FAFSA by March 1 or as soon thereafter as possible.  If you have a scholarship, be sure that you know what the requirements are for the scholarship.  If you have questions about financial aid you may contact our Financial Aid office at 870-972-2310 or click on http://www.astate.edu/finaid/ for information.

Residence Life

If you wish to live on campus, please go to http://www.astate.edu/student-affairs/reslife/  for information on living in the residence halls and an application.  Please make sure you make application in a timely manner as our residence halls are usually full.

Fees

FYS students pay the same tuition and fees as all other ASU students, but there is an additional one-time fee of $250 to help defray the cost of the extra services that are provided to students admitted through First Year Studies.

 

 

Contact Information

For more information about admission through First Year Studies, please contact us at 870-972-2080 or pbradber@astate.edu.