Preparing for college
It’s never too early to prepare for college
Whether your student is in high school, middle school or elementary school, Access ASU believes their path to academic success is already in progress. Special events, summer programs and engagement in traditions are a few ways to foster a college-going mindset. Regardless of circumstance, college attainment is possible.
4-3-2-1: Countdown to admission
To be admitted to ASU, you will need to graduate high school with having completed:
4 years of math and English (non-ESL/ELL courses)
3 years of lab sciences
2 years of social sciences and the same second language
1 year of fine arts or career and technical education
Aptitude requirements
In addition to the 16 core competency requirements, to be admitted to ASU, you will need to meet one of the following:
Top 25% in high school graduating class
3.00 GPA in competency courses (4.00 = "A")
ACT: 22 (24 nonresidents)
SAT: 1120 (1180 nonresidents)
Start with a visit
Exploring one of the ASU campus locations is a great way to introduce Future Sun Devils of any age to the university. The Downtown Phoenix, Polytechnic, Tempe and West campuses each have their own identity, so we encourage you to explore each one.
Sample high school academic plan
English
Algebra 1
Integrated sciences
Geography
Fine arts elective
English
Geometry
Biology
World history
Career and Technical education elective
English
Algebra 2
Chemistry
American History
Second language elective
English
Pre-Calculus
Physics
U.S. Government
Fine arts elective
Prepare financially
In addition to meeting the admission requirements, part of preparing for college includes earning merit and need-based scholarships. Volunteering at school and in the community can help students meet specific scholarship requirements. The ASU Scholarship Portal is a good place to start looking for aid. It’s also important that students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid each year beginning in 12th grade. The FAFSA will help the university determine a student’s financial need for the following academic year.