High School Counselors & Parents

Crowd of students and guests attend an outdoor recruitment event in front of the union decorated with the Red Wolf banner.
Whether you're a parent, guardian, or school counselor, your support helps students succeed. Explore admissions info, key dates, campus life, and more, so you can confidently guide your student from application to graduation.

Getting to know A-State

Whether your student is just beginning to explore colleges or is preparing to apply, these resources will help you both feel confident in the process.
Students walk around campus during a Pack Preview event.
Arkansas State University offers 160+ degree programs, immersive learning experiences, and a welcoming campus community. Encourage your student to visit, either in person or virtually, to see what A-State is all about.

 

A mom and her daughter look at information during a Pack Preview event.
From ACT scores to immunization records, college applications come with a lot of moving parts. Help your student stay organized and aware of deadlines, especially for scholarships and housing.

 

Your Timeline to A-State

Use this step-by-step checklist to help your student stay on track throughout their junior and senior years of high school. These key milestones can help you guide, remind, and support them as they prepare for college.

Junior year is the perfect time to begin exploring college options and laying the groundwork for a successful senior year. Help your student start strong with these important first steps:

  • Begin researching colleges and majors
  • Attend college fairs and preview days
  • Encourage your student to take the ACT or SAT
  • Meet with students to review classes and credits
  • Talk about senior-year course selections
  • Explore financial aid options early
  • Visit college campuses (virtually or in person)

As senior year begins, there are several key steps you can take to help your student stay ahead of important deadlines, especially for admission and scholarships.

  • Visit A-State or attend a campus Preview Day
  • Complete and submit the A-State admission application
  • Make sure your student registers for the October ACT. This is the last test accepted for A-State scholarship consideration
  • Support your student in drafting and revising essays (if applying elsewhere)
  • Encourage students to request recommendation letters from teachers or counselors
  • Ensure immunization records are submitted (two MMRs required)
  • Help your student apply for on-campus housing (applications open in October for admitted students)

This is a key window for confirming housing, financial aid, and orientation. Staying ahead here helps ensure your student has the best options available.

  • Finish the housing application—space is limited and fills quickly
  • Register early for New Student Orientation (NSO) to access preferred course times
  • Help your student submit the FAFSA. Use A-State’s school code: 001090
  • Make sure 7-semester transcripts are sent to A-State

These final steps will help your student transition smoothly to college life. Be sure everything is in place so they’re ready to start strong as a Red Wolf.

  • Register for AP Exams (if applicable)
  • Encourage early attendance at NSO for the best class availability
  • Submit final high school transcripts after graduation
  • Celebrate this exciting milestone—your student is A-State bound!

Life at A-State

Help your student picture themself here, both in and out of the classroom.
Students let loose at SAB’s foam party in front of the student union.

Student Life

With over 150 student organizations, NCAA D1 sports, and a welcoming community, students find plenty of ways to get involved.

Brick and panel-style campus housing building glows in the reflection of a colorful sunset sky.

Housing & Dining

Our residence halls are safe, social, and steps away from classes. Freshmen are encouraged to live on campus for the full experience.

Group of students collaborate on homework at a shared table with notes, laptops, and sunset in the background.

Student Support

From tutoring to health and wellness, students have access to every resource they need to succeed.

Staying Informed & Involved

A-State values parent and counselor involvement while also protecting student privacy.
Student at a table looks at phone while eating, surrounded by others socializing in a casual dining setting.

A-State Text Alerts

Stay in the loop. Sign up for A-State text alerts to receive important admissions updates, reminders, and deadline notifications right to your phone.
Red Wolves mascot Howl poses with a tour guide near the podium during a financial aid and scholarships event.
Help your student plan with confidence. Explore scholarships, FAFSA tips, deadlines, and more, to make paying for college easier.
A student in a Red Wolves t shirt works on a laptop in the library.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. Students must complete a FERPA Consent Form to give parents, guardians, or others access to their academic records.

Not Sure Where to Start? Contact Pack Support.

Get your general questions answered and let our Pack Support Team guide you to the right person. Please note that our Pack Support Team can not share personal student information.

Graduation & Beyond

Whether you’re celebrating a graduation or planning ahead, we’ll help you support your student’s long-term success.
A recent graduate smiles as she crosses the stage at commencement.
Commencement Ceremony
Find ceremony details, livestream options, and ways to celebrate wherever you are.
A student is recognized at the annual College of Agriculture student honors ceremony.
Career Services
Students can explore graduate programs, study abroad, or jump right into a career. A-State offers career coaching and alumni networking to help them succeed after graduation.
Have Questions?

Connect With Us.

We’re here to help your student, and you, every step of the way. Whether it’s about applications, scholarships, housing, or what life is like at A-State, just reach out.