myBama
Undergraduate Admissions

Freshman FAQs

Freshman FAQs

Applying to UA

Is The University of Alabama test optional?

UA is updating its holistic admissions review process for students applying as first-year undergraduate students for the 2027 and 2028 academic years. Students applying for a 2027 entry term will be required to submit standardized test score (ACT or SAT) if their cumulative high school GPA is below 3.0. Learn more about the 2028 requirements and the holistic admissions process on the Testing Requirements page.

What are your deadlines for applying for admission, financial aid, scholarships and housing?

The University of Alabama offers rolling admission, but you should review priority deadlines according to the steps to enrollment for your intended entry term to ensure full consideration.

Visit the Scholarship/Aid Timeline on the Afford website for information regarding scholarship and financial aid timelines.

Is it too late to apply for admission?

The University of Alabama offers rolling admission, but does have a priority deadline for some steps in the enrollment process.

How can I find someone to talk to about my major?

Start with the Undergraduate Majors and Programs list – you can also find links below of colleges and schools with opportunities for undergraduate students. If you’d like more information, contact your admissions advisor or call Undergraduate Admissions at 1-800-933-BAMA.

What if I don’t know what to major in?

At The University of Alabama, you’ll have plenty of time and resources to find out. You might want to begin by exploring coursework and programs using our Undergraduate Academic Catalog. At our Career Center, career counselors can help you pinpoint your interests and choose a major based on those interests. Another way to explore your options is through Exploring 4 Success (E4S) – a student success program in the Capstone Center designed to guide you through the major exploration process and includes college-based advising at the conclusion of your freshman year.

Enrollment and Scholarships

What scholarships are available at UA?

Visit UA’s Scholarships website to learn more about opportunities available to you. You may also reach out to scholarships@ua.edu or call Undergraduate Admissions at 205-348-8201.

Where can I find information about financial aid?

Visit UA’s Student Financial Aid website to learn more about opportunities available to you. You may also reach out to financialaid@ua.edu or call Undergraduate Admissions at 205-348-6756.

How do I select my room on campus?

To participate in room selection you must be admitted to UA and have completed your housing application by February 1. Students who are admitted after February 1 and/or complete their housing application after this priority date will be assigned a room. For more information, contact your admissions advisor or call Undergraduate Admissions at 1-800-933-BAMA.

Does UA offer orientation sessions?

Yes, freshman students are required to attend Bama Bound Orientation, UA’s new student orientation. This includes registration for the first semester’s classes, placement testing and seminars on UA policies, procedures and services. For more information, visit UA’s Bama Bound Orientation website.

Support at UA

What kinds of career planning and placement services does UA offer?

From aptitude/personality tests to résumé services and on-campus interviews, UA’s Career Center works with students to help them find the careers they want. We encourage our students to contact the Career Center early so planning can start their first semester.

What kinds of services are available for students with physical or learning disabilities?

The University of Alabama is committed to making its programs and services accessible to all qualified students. UA offers a wide variety of support programs and services. Check out the Capstone Center for Student Success and Office of Disability Services, two of our campus centers for disability-related accommodations and support.

What if I need special help with my coursework? What kinds of programs are available?

Contact the Capstone Center for Student Success. UA students have access to workshops on study skills and time management as well as individualized counseling and instruction, tutors and specialized review sessions.

How big are classes at UA?

Our student-to-faculty ratio is 19:1. Some of your classes might have large lecture sections with smaller discussion or lab sections that provide more individualized attention. Many classes, including freshman composition, will be small and will include lots of student-faculty interaction. For the most up-to-date information on class sizes, please visit the Office of Institutional Research and Assessment.

How long will it take me to graduate?

Most of our academic programs are based on four-year curricula, as seen in the Undergraduate Academic Catalog. In most UA degree programs, you can complete all of your major and University requirements in four years (eight semesters), and the courses that fill your major and Universitywide requirements will be available during that four year period. That does not take into account special circumstances, such as double majors and minors or changing majors. To ensure you are always on track to reach your goals, talk to your academic advisor. 

What student organizations are available on campus?

Visit The SOURCE for a current listing of UA student organizations. Once on campus, you should attend Get On Board Day at the beginning of each fall and spring semester. Many organizations set up a display table to provide a snapshot of what the organization is all about.

What dining options are available on campus?

Bama Dining provides several meal plan options for students. Visit the Bama Dining website to learn about meal plans, mobile ordering, restaurant locations on campus and the food truck schedule. The University of Alabama requires students living in on-campus housing to participate in the Residential On-Campus Meal Plan. For more information, contact your admissions advisor or call Undergraduate Admissions at 1-800-933-BAMA.