essay for honors program

Albert Dorman Honors College

Tips for Writing an Honors College Essay

Writing an Honors College Essay (Max. 400 words)

A college essay is a chance for you to tell us what all your records cannot: who you really are, how you think, and how well you write. It is not an invitation to tell a story, write a novel, or write about other people's experiences. The main point of your essay is to tell us what you have to offer and how you will take advantage of what we have to offer .

• Write an essay that addresses the topic specified  on the application form. A general essay about yourself or an experience you had is not acceptable.
• Do not write your essay as if it were a novel. "The baby cried until it had to be comforted by its mother;" "I could not believe as I walked into my first class that this was the beginning of my engineering career." These tell us nothing about yourself. Regardless of what you may have been told in school, write a straightforward descriptive essay that directly addresses the question asked.
• Avoid clichéd, generic, and predictable writing, such as "I want to help people." This is particularly applicable to essays for accelerated program candidates.
• Do not quote our own description of our program. We know what we have to offer; we are interested in knowing what you have to offer and how you will use what we offer . Tell us about your interests and why the Albert Dorman Honors College is the right place for you.

• Have your assignments done by seasoned writers. 24/7
• Contact us:
• +1 (213) 221-0069
• [email protected]

Honors College Essay: Tips, Prompt Examples and How to Write

Writing honors college essay

An honors college essay is an academic paper that students typically complete to establish entrance into an honors college, program, or division. An honors paper seeks to test students’ research skills and focus their analytical abilities on a subject of academic interest. 

Due to the specialized focus of the paper, students benefit from serious attention to the college essay topics, which are vital in developing the essay.

An Honors College essay is unique in terms of its requirements, structure, and background. The purpose of this article is to provide advice on writing and structuring an Honors College essay.

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Which Universities do Ask for Honors College Essay

1. uci (university of california irvine) .

The UCI has two programs, the Academic Honors Program and the Honors Program. Both are popular with many members. They are not mutually exclusive, but they have different requirements and different goals.

The Academic Honors Program is for students who want to get recognized by their professors for academic achievement. It does not require an essay but several letters of recommendation from faculty members.

You should not apply to either program if you are only interested in one or the other because there is no guarantee that either program will accept your application or that you will gain acceptance into either program.

2. VCU (Virginia Commonwealth University)

The applicants must complete the 500-word Essay on Honors. The essay should address the following topics:

• Your interests and goals, especially as they pertain to your intended major(s) and career path(s). How do you feel about being a lifelong learner?
• Your ideas about leadership, including h
• How you would define leadership, what your leadership style is, how you would use your abilities as a leader to positively impact your community in and out of college, and how you would lead if given the opportunity.

3. NJT (New Jersey Institute of Technology)

NJT requires you to write an essay and submit it along with your application.

These honors college essays usually focus on your intellectual interests and experiences, using specific examples to illustrate your points. It’s essential to select an area you are interested in and know about. 

You should also pick something that you can write about easily; it will be evident if you are writing a research paper or other academic work instead of an honors college essay, so don’t try to fake it!

4. Purdue University

Purdue University’s Honors College focuses on scholarship, leadership, research, and engagement by integrating residential and co-curricular learning opportunities with academic classroom experiences.

Your college application essay needs to breathe life into your application. It should capture your genuine personality, explaining who you are beyond a series of grades, test scores, and after-school activities. 

Take a minute and think about the college or university admission officers who will be reading your essay.

5. Stony Brook University

The Stony Brook Honors College provides an exceptional opportunity for students who want to pursue a challenging course of study in the company of talented peers. Your essay should be no longer than three double-spaced pages and should address certain questions.

It is an opportunity to explain an event that took place on any day in history; what would that event be? Discuss why you chose this particular day. Also, as this question, what do you hope to learn/experience by being present?

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How to Write a Good Honors College Essay

Honors college essays follow a formal style with a clear structure. To get your honors college essay, follow these tips:

• Think about the prompt and what you want to say.
• Brainstorm.
• Organize your thoughts into a logical outline.
• Write your introduction.
• End with a conclusion that sums up the main points of your argument and connects those points back to the prompt.

Technically, the honors college essay can be a five-paragraph essay, but it should be more than that.

It should be closer to a 10-paragraph essay, with an introduction and conclusion paragraph that are each about four or five sentences long.

The introduction and conclusion paragraphs should be about the same size. The middle of the essay should be about three paragraphs long, and each of them should be about four to five sentences long.

1. Introduction 

The introduction should have a hook which is a catchy sentence or two that gets the reader interested in reading your essay. Furthermore, it should have an explanation of why you want to go to Honors College: This is usually possible in one sentence. 

Also, there should be a thesis statement. This is usually evident in one sentence at the end of the paragraph. The thesis statement tells the reader what you plan to write about in your essay. For example: “I want to attend honors college because of their strong pre-med program.”

Write the body of your paper using transition words to connect your ideas and explain the connections between them.

The middle paragraphs should include an explanation of why you have chosen your career path and why you are interested. 

3. Conclusion

End with a strong conclusion that ties together everything you discussed within your paper, providing important takeaways for readers as well as leaving them feeling satisfied with what they just read.

Takeaways 

• You are writing an essay, not a text message. In other words, please use complete sentences and correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation. If proper English is not your strong suit, enlist someone proficient at it to help edit your essay.
• Be specific about what you want to study and why. Do not just say that you want an education; tell the reader what kind of education you want and why. This is particularly important if you plan to study something that you did not find at your high school. 
• The readers do not expect you to know everything about the field you plan to enter. They expect that you give serious consideration to it and explain why you want to pursue it beyond the fact that “it sounds interesting” or “it pays well.”
• Proofread your essays before sending them in. Errors will distract from whatever else is in those essays and may give us a negative impression of your abilities.

Things to Remember about Honor Essays

The honors essay is one of your best chances to stand out in a meaningful way from other applicants, so be sure to invest time in crafting a great response.

The admission office is looking for the following:

• The office wants to know that you understand what makes the honors program special. We have a diverse group of students and faculty who are passionate about learning and interacting across disciplines.
• What do you think this will mean for you? How will you take advantage of being in an environment that values interdisciplinary thinking?
• Your accomplishments. Let the audience know your talents. Have you excelled academically? What leadership roles have you taken on, or awards have you won? They want to discover what drives your passion for learning, leadership, and service.
• Your plans for the future. The honors program will prepare you for success beyond your skills, whether that’s graduate school or medical school, or a career in a completely different field. 

People Also Read: NJHS Essay: How to Write a Winning Piece from Ideas to end

Examples of Honors College Essay Topics

• Considering your lifetime goals, explain how your present and future academic activities will assist you in achieving your goals. 
• Settle for an issue of importance to you, whether it is political, personal, local, or international related. Then, craft an essay to explain the significance of that issue to yourself, your community, and your generation. 

When not handling complex essays and academic writing tasks, Josh is busy advising students on how to pass assignments. In spare time, he loves playing football or walking with his dog around the park.

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First-Year Admission

Applying as a first-year to the Honors Program

The application for first-year admission to Interdisciplinary Honors is integrated into the  UW First-year Application , with additional required essays and a separate evaluation process. You must complete and submit all of the regular UW Admissions and all of the Honors application materials to be considered for Interdisciplinary Honors admission.

Before applying to Honors, we recommend you explore the following:

Who are Honors students?

The honors curriculum, tips for applying, honors student leaders, scholarships, admissions faq.

Interested in applying for admissions for autumn 2024? Register for an information session!

RSVP HERE FOR AUTUMN 2023 SESSIONS

NOTE: We are unable to offer individual admissions appointments for prospective first-year applicants. Please attend an information, review our presentation slides,browse our website, and reach out to our Honors Student Leaders if you still have questions. Thank you for your understanding!

Important Dates

Application process.

To access and submit the Honors application questions:

• Follow the University of Washington Office of Admissions’ instructions on how to apply ;
• If you no longer wish to apply to Honors at any point, you must change your selection to “No.”
• Complete the UW application AND the Honors section of the UW application .
• You will receive separate confirmation emails from UW and the Honors Program.
• Check your email. UW Honors uses the email address in your UW application as our primary method of contact, including our decision letters and scholarship offers. If you set up an “@uw.edu” address, it will take priority. If you have not received any confirmation emails, please check your spam/trash folders first, then contact us at uwhonors@uw.edu .

Honors Essay

The heart of the Honors application is the Honors Essay. This essay, separate from the UW Writing section, requires an essay specific to Interdisciplinary Honors. Your response will be evaluated on content as well as form (spelling, grammar, and punctuation).

Your essay should be original, thoughtful, and concise. Do not copy previous essays from your UW application or materials found on the UW Honors Program web site. Draw on your best qualities as a writer and thinker; academic risk-taking is a core value of the Honors Program, so take some risks and be honest. Tell us who you are and why you want an interdisciplinary undergraduate education. Work on the essays early. Have someone proofread your writing but don’t let a proofreader erase your unique voice.

Essay Prompt for Autumn 2024

Respond to the essay prompt using no more than 450 words.

We want to understand your desire to learn new things and to push your education outside of the areas of learning that you are most familiar with. 

Tell us why this type of learning interests you and which subjects you’re excited to explore in college.

• Be yourself and be specific! This is your opportunity to introduce yourself to us. Demonstrate why you are interested in our curriculum and what qualities you would contribute to the Interdisciplinary Honors Program.
• Remember your audience. The UW is a large and diverse public institution. The people evaluating your application may not have the same beliefs or perspective you do. Diverse viewpoints are desired in the academic world. Consider this as you frame your essays.
• Proofread! Have someone who knows you proofread your responses, but don’t let your voice and perspective be erased.
• Do not send transcripts or supplemental materials (recommendations, news articles, resumes, digital media, etc.). These will be discarded upon receipt.

Read our Tips for Applying for more detailed advice.

The Honors Holistic Review & Test Scores

The University of Washington’s Office of Admissions has moved to a test optional policy for Autumn 2021 and beyond. Accordingly, the University Honors Program admissions evaluators will not consider test scores, which have historically been a small factor in our evaluation process. The Honors Program admissions evaluation focuses on many factors, including :

• Demonstrated knowledge of and interest in our specific interdisciplinary curriculum and values;
• Demonstrated cultural awareness or unique perspectives or experiences;
• Demonstrated academic preparation; and 
• Demonstrated commitment to community engagement.

To be considered for admission to the University Honors Program first-year applicants must first be admitted to the University of Washington. Please refer to the University of Washington’s Office of Admissions to further understand their review process.

Read our admissions FAQs

FROM THE DIRECTOR

As we enter a new freshman admissions season, the Director of Honors invites students and the communities around them to learn more about the UW Honors curriculum.

Connect with UW Honors:

Mary Gates Hall 211, Box 352800 Seattle, WA 98195-2800 Contact Us Office Hours: Mon-Thur, 10am-4pm, Friday by Online Appointment Only. For details click here .

© 2024 University of Washington | Seattle, WA

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How to Write the University at Buffalo Honors Essay 2023-2024

The State University of New York at Buffalo (University at Buffalo) is a public university located in Buffalo, New York. It boasts a large, suburban campus and consistently ranks in the top 100 national universities. 

When it comes to admissions, UB is moderately competitive. While there’s no supplement for all applicants, there is one for the Honors College. Here’s how to write a standout response to their prompt.

Want to know your chances at UB? Calculate your chances for free right now . 

UB Honors Supplemental Essay Prompt

Ub honors scholars are characterized by intellectual curiosity, a broad range of interests, and a commitment to a diverse and inclusive society. what experiences have helped to broaden your perspectives academically, socially and culturally what experiences do you hope to have that will enlarge your understanding of the cultural richness of america and the world please be as specific as possible in your answer. (650 words), understanding the prompt.

This prompt allows the admissions committee to get a sense of your values–and what you will contribute to the UB community. A prompt like this has no one “right answer”; your aim should be to find detailed, compelling examples that show : 

• Your understanding and appreciation of intellectual curiosity, diversity, and inclusivity
• What you will contribute to the UB Honors college community’s intellectually curious, diverse, and inclusive community

This means that the only “wrong” answer would be one that shows a lack of understanding of the values that the UB Honors College expressly prioritizes.

With this in mind, let’s take a minute to understand what each of these values means:

1. Intellectual curiosity

Most basically, intellectual curiosity means a desire to ask and answer questions—to learn. “Intellectual curiosity” is a broad enough term that it can fit many different kinds of people. For example:

• You can be intellectually curious by always having questions about everything you encounter in the world around you. Maybe you’re the person who is always eager to ask “why,” whether at a theater performance or in biology class.
• Or you can be intellectually curious by being passionate about a particular set of issues or questions. Maybe you care deeply about how humans can improve the standard of living of the poorest among us, and you are passionate about asking questions in many disciplines—economics, politics, agricultural sciences, sociology—to begin to solve this problem.

2. A broad range of interests

Though many programs encourage specialization (academically and professionally), the UB Honors College is not one such program. The honors college sees itself as a small liberal arts college within the large UB university. A liberal arts education fundamentally is centered on the idea of giving students a varied educational experience, exposing them to different areas of knowledge and inquiry. “A broad range of interests” does not have to mean that you’re interested in everything; it should, however, involve interests that go beyond one set professional or academic path. Consider these two cases:

• Narrow interests: Imagine that you are passionate about math and want to take as many math courses as possible and do as many math-related activities as possible, with the long-term goal of being an academic mathematician. If this is the case, you might not be a good fit for the Honors Program’s “broad range of interests.”
• Broad interests: Imagine that you are passionate about math (and plan to become a mathematician) but also want to understand history, economics, and the arts in order to be a more informed citizen. If you have these interests—and, ideally, a track record of participating in and exploring these non-math areas—then you might be a great fit for the Honors Program.

3. A diverse and inclusive society 

Diversity and inclusivity have become buzzwords; we all think that we know what they mean—and, to an extent, your understanding of these terms is probably right. Fundamentally, diversity and inclusivity have to do with valuing and celebrating the different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences that come with being part of a multicultural, multi-religious, multiethnic society. Inclusivity places particular emphasis on finding ways to draw in and celebrate those who have historically been excluded from or oppressed by society. 

However, keep in mind that diversity and inclusivity can also have to do with:

• Economic diversity: Including students from different economic backgrounds in an intellectual community.
• Intellectual diversity: Including students with varied political or ideological beliefs in an intellectual community. 
• Geographic diversity within the US: Though international students provide the most vibrant and obvious diversity at many US Universities, students from under-represented areas of the US can also contribute to a school’s diversity. 

Choosing Past Experiences to Write About

The key part of the prompt asks: 

What experiences have helped to broaden your perspectives academically, socially and culturally? 

In an essay like this, it can be tempting to go for quantity over quantity—if you have many experiences that seem to fit the prompt, including as many of them as possible can seem like the right way to go. However, the strongest responses to a prompt like this will focus on just one or two (three at the most) related experience to weave a detailed, compelling picture of how your values fit with those of UB.

When writing about your experiences, your aim should be to show not tell . This means picking specific “moments” from each experience to bring the experience to life. Here’s a mini example:

Telling: During my exchange trip to Italy, I spent as much time as I could talking with the locals and learning about their cultural practices. 

Note that this is a very general summary of the writer’s experience; vivid details do not shine through, and the reader does not get much of a sense of what the writer saw, felt, or did. 

Showing: One morning, I looked up from my customary espresso to find a friendly, wrinkled face across the table from me. My new friend, patient with my imperfect Italian comprehension, told me stories about her farm where she had lived as a child, before poor economic conditions forced her family to sell their land and move to the city.

This little anecdote puts the reader “in the moment”; it clearly conveys that the writer spoke with locals and learned their stories, but it does so through one engaging story, rather than through general summary.

With this point in mind (about “showing not telling”), consider these examples of experiences someone might write about. They demonstrate the variety of experiences that could fit this part of the essay prompt:

A student who did an exchange trip to Japan and also worked at a Mexican restaurant could write about these two very different experiences. 

• The student could pick a “moment” from their experience in Japan that shows how they encountered different academic and social norms in Japan.
• Then, they could describe different specific aspects of their work in a Mexican restaurant, showing what they learned about food and culture. 
• Zooming out, the student could give examples of how these experiences have helped them connect with those who are different from them in their daily life. 

A student whose parents got divorced while she was in middle school could write about this experience and about how, around the same time, she began volunteering at a nursing home in her community. 

• Using vivid, detailed “moments” (for example, a specific moment when she could not focus), the student could explain how her parents’ divorce was socially and academically difficult for her, since it distracted her from friends and school. 
• Then, she could show how this experience motivated her to develop specific new study habits and social skills, and to volunteer at the local nursing home. 
• Next, the student could describe how this volunteering experience exposed her to elderly people of varied cultural and economic backgrounds, allowing her to put aside her own personal turmoil and focus on listening and learning. The writer could pick one or two specific friends from the nursing home to write about in detail.

Choosing Future Experience to Write About

The second part of the prompt asks:

What experiences do you hope to have that will enlarge your understanding of the cultural richness of America and the world? 

This is what we call a “forward-looking” question. By asking both this question and one about your past experiences, the admissions committee is trying to understand not only who you are now, but how your past experiences have shaped your future goals. 

This part of the prompt is a key place to pivot to think specifically about the Honors College and your goals for college. In other words, college is a great time to enlarge your understanding of the country or world’s cultural richness. Here, your goal should be to still stay specific and to create continuity between the past- and forward-looking parts of your essay. 

What to Avoid

Writing about very vague or generic experiences (meeting other students, talking with your peers)

Engaging with other students in college is a critical and fruitful part of the college experience; however, you should do your best to identify a forum for engagement that will show the specificity and sincerity of your hopes. This could mean extracurriculars, discussion groups, or even just shared, informal activities like cooking or game nights.

Writing about the exact same experiences that you’ve already had

If you’ve done an exchange in Japan in high school, writing that you want to go back through a similar program in college will likely not show growth or a desire to push your understanding further.

However, you could instead write about how you want to pursue an internship in Japan or go there for research or another experience that is meaningfully different (presumably more in-depth) than the experiences you’ve already had.

Writing about experiences just because they seem “impressive”

Many college applicants feel pressure to express interest in activities that are competitive or come with high prestige. However, a prompt like this one is all about understanding your values and how you connect with other people. This means your priority should be authenticity. 

For example, you have not demonstrated any interest in Model UN or international relations more generally, it would not feel cohesive if you wrote about how you plan to broaden your cultural perspective by joining Model UN in college (unless you are able to come up with a compelling, personal reason for branching out into this entirely new field). 

Aside from these common pitfalls, there is, again, no one “right” way to answer this prompt. However, here are two ways that the examples above could answer the second question in the prompt:

• The student who wrote about his experiences in Japan and working in a Mexican restaurant could write about how he hopes to get involved in the UB Honors College’s international cafe, which exposes students to food and practice from different cultures. 
• He could also write about how he hopes to travel back to Japan to learn more about Japanese culinary traditions, which were not his focus during his first (academically-focused) visit.
• The student who wrote about her parents’ divorce and her work in a nursing home could write about how she hopes to study different models for caring for the aging in different cultures.
• The writer could explain how her experiences have showed her that how a society treats its oldest citizens offers key insight into social and cultural values and norms. 
• She could cite specific UB courses and resources opportunities that would allow her to study this topic, such as the Gerontology minor, which focuses on the study of aging.

Where to Get Your UB Essay Edited

Do you want feedback on your UB essay? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools.  Find the right advisor for you  to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, honors program application essay advice.

Hey guys, I'm trying to write my essay for an honors program application. Can anyone give me advice on what kind of topics and structure I should focus on to stand out? I'd really appreciate it, thanks!

Hey there! Writing an essay for an honors program can be a great opportunity to showcase your achievements, ambitions, and individuality. Here are some tips to help you craft a compelling essay:

1. Read the prompt and requirements carefully: Before writing, make sure you understand what the honors program is looking for in their applicants. Align your response with their expectations, whether it's academic achievement, leadership, or community involvement.

2. Be authentic: Choose a topic that genuinely reflects your interests and experiences. This can help you tell a more engaging story that reveals who you are as a person. Honors programs appreciate applicants who can show authenticity and passion in their essays.

3. Focus on your unique qualities: Discuss what makes you an ideal candidate for the honors program. This can include your achievements, skills, or personal qualities that set you apart from other applicants. Don't be shy to showcase your accomplishments, but be mindful of sounding too boastful.

4. Tell a story: Use narrative techniques to share your experiences or accomplishments in a way that engages the reader. For instance, if you took on a leadership role in a project that positively impacted your community, describe the challenges you faced, the decisions you made, and the ultimate outcome in a concise and compelling manner.

5. Be clear and concise: Make sure your essay is well-organized, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Avoid going off on tangents, and make sure each paragraph flows logically into the next.

6. Revise and refine: Don't be afraid to revise your essay multiple times. Seek feedback from others, such as your teachers, family members, or friends, to polish your essay further. Pay close attention to grammar, punctuation, and spelling to ensure your writing is clear and concise.

As an example, let's say you decide to focus on your volunteer experience at a local food bank. You could start by discussing how you got involved and what motivated you to volunteer. Then, you might describe the different responsibilities you took on, the challenges you overcame, and the impact your work had on the food bank and the people it serves. Finally, you could tie this experience back to the honors program by explaining how it demonstrates your dedication to community service and empathetic leadership.

Don't forget: Proofread your essay multiple times and ask for feedback from others to ensure your writing is polished and error-free. Good luck!

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, what is an honors college should you enroll in one.

College Info

If you have great grades and high test scores, some of your prospective universities may invite you to enroll in their honors college. Generally speaking, honors colleges and honors programs at U.S. universities offer top-tier students rigorous academic programs, special scholarships, and better job prospects. 

But of course, there’s more to an honors college or program than that! We’re going to introduce you to honors colleges and honors programs so you can decide whether enrolling in one is right for you. This article will: 

• Answer the question, “What is an honors college?”
• Discuss what types of students might be a good fit for an honors college
• Explain the difference between an honors college vs honors program
• Take an in-depth look at real honors programs at two U.S. universities 
• List five pros and cons for enrolling in an honors college

Are you ready? Let’s get started!

Feature Image: slgckgc /Flickr

What Is an Honors College? 

What is an honors program in college? Now, don’t be misled by the name “honors college”—an honors college isn’t an independent university. Instead, an honors college is a program that exceptional high school students can apply to and enroll in while completing a traditional bachelor’s degree.  

Put another way, an honors college one of a number of colleges on a university campus. Just like the college of arts and sciences or the business college, an honors college is another on-campus school that forms part of the university’s educational system. 

While every honors college is different, many honors colleges offer enrolled students perks. Here are some unique opportunities that you can find at honors colleges and programs across the nation: 

Courses with more rigorous and/or specialized curriculum that are exclusively open to honors college students

Smaller class sizes that can be conducted seminar-style, allowing students to interact more meaningfully

A smaller faculty-to-student ratio, giving students the opportunity to interact more frequently with professors and advisors

Housing and/or housing amenities that are reserved for honors students, giving honors students the opportunity to form a close knit community

Priority registration, giving honors students a wider range of course options and the opportunity to curate a semester schedule that suits their needs

If these benefits sound great to you, then you might enjoy the experience of enrolling in an honors college. 

Graduating With Honors From an Honors College

Colleges want to reward students who graduate from their honors college, meaning that you’ll get a special distinction once you graduate. And that’s pretty great, especially since completing an honors degree takes a lot of hard work! 

While you don’t have to be in an honors college to graduate with honors, some universities reserve extra special distinctions for honors college graduates. Students who successfully meet the requirements to graduate from their honors college will usually have the distinction on their diploma, which indicates they’ve received an honors distinction. Honors college graduates may also receive a special medal or regalia to wear at their university’s commencement ceremony to set them apart from their peers.

At most universities, there are three tiers of honors you can receive depending on your final cumulative GPA. The better your GPA, the higher your distinction. Here’s a general range of how the distinctions break down, though your school’s honors college may do things slightly differently: 

Like we mentioned earlier, these distinctions are usually printed on your diploma as a sign of your hard work. For example, if you graduate with a 3.85 GPA with a degree in electrical engineering, your diploma may say you earned a “Bachelor’s of Science in Engineering, magna cum laude.”

Regardless of the tier, getting any version of cum laude on your diploma is a reward the hard work it takes to complete an honors program.

Who Should Enroll in an Honors College? 

So, how do you know if you’d be a good fit for an honors college? Ultimately, it comes down to two things: your GPA and your ambition.

In order to get into an honors college, you have to be an excellent student. In other words, you’ll need to have a high GPA and great test scores to qualify for admission. Most honors programs have minimum score and GPA requirements that you must meet in order for your application to be considered. For example, the honors college at Indiana University requires students to have a 4.0 GPA and either a 33 on the ACT or a 1500 on the SAT in order to be admitted. That’s well above the national average !

Besides having excellent grades and test scores, students who are good candidates for acceptance to an honors college are typically involved in intellectually rigorous or creatively oriented activities during high school, both in and out of the classroom. Students who excel in honors colleges enjoy learning and like an intellectual challenge. Additionally, candidates should also embrace hard work: the classes you’ll take as an honors student are usually a lot tougher! 

If you meet the academic requirements and are ready to be a focused, intellectually curious, hard working student, then you’re probably a good fit for a university honors college or honors program!

Honors Colleges vs Honors Programs: What’s the Difference? 

You may hear the phrases “honors college” and “honors program” used interchangeably, but there are actually some significant differences between the two. So, what is an honors college vs an honors program?

The key difference between honors colleges and honors programs in the United States is that honors colleges function as discrete schools within the larger university system, and honors programs aren’t separated into individual colleges within the university. Put another way, an honors college is a separate school within a university, while honors programs aren’t.

Because honors colleges are stand-alone schools on a university campus, they tend to require more resources. Consequently, honors colleges are more commonly found at big, public universities. On these campuses, honors colleges typically function like the other colleges at big universities, complete with their own on-campus facilities, academic advisors, student scholarships, study abroad opportunities, and course offerings that are open to honors students only.

In contrast, honors programs can often be found at smaller colleges and universities. Smaller institutions may have fewer or no individual colleges within the larger university system. At these smaller schools, honors students will not be a part of a separate college within the university but will follow a special honors curriculum and/or complete extra assignments, like an honors capstone project or honors thesis, in order to graduate with distinction.

Having said that, both honors colleges and honors programs provide academically ambitious students with an enriching educational experience that can give graduates a head-start in their future careers. 

Penn State University's honors college takes the top spot on our list.  ( George Chriss /Wikimedia)

In-Depth Guide to Honors Programs: Penn State Honors College and University of South Florida Honors College

Learning about two real honors programs can give you more insight into what it’s like to be part of an honors college. 

To give you a real sense of what honors colleges and honors programs are like, we’re going to take an in depth look at two honors programs : the honors college at Pennsylvan ia State University and the honors program at the University of South Florida.

Schreyer Honors College, Pennsylvania State University

The Honors College at Penn State is called Schreyer Honors College , and like most honors colleges, it’s a separate school within the Penn State system.

Schreyer prides itself in offering a “best of both worlds” experience to its students. Honors students have access to the cutting edge resources of a big, top-tier research institution, but they have the small class sizes and one-on-one learning experiences characteristic of a small liberal arts college.

So if you’re a student who wants to be part of a community where you know your professors and classmates but you don’t want to miss out on a “big university” experience, then an honors college like Schreyer at Penn State can provide that for you. 

The Admissions Process 

In order to apply to Schreyer Honors College, you’ll need to complete the Penn State undergraduate application and then complete the separate Schreyer Honors College application . 

There are several components to the Schreyer application . You’ll have to answer three essay questions and a handful of short answer questions, submit two letters of recommendation, and self-report your high school academic record. 

You might notice that standardized test scores and high school transcripts aren’t included in the list of application components. That’s because unlike many honors colleges, Schreyer doesn’t take SAT or ACT scores into consideration as a part of its application process! Part of Schreyer’s philosophy is that test scores and high school GPA aren’t the best predictors of academic success . Instead, students have to explain their high school course load as part of their application. 

Schreyer applicants who submit their application materials by November 1 are invited to an optional Admissions Interview with a Scholar alumnus. If you aren’t able to submit your application early it won’t negatively impact your application, but landing an interview gives you a chance to make a case for yourself in person. (If you want to know more about what a college interview is like, be sure to check out our article that demystifies the college interview process .) 

The Honors College Experience

Now you know what to expect from the Schreyer application and admissions process, but what’s the student experience like?  

Along with the excellent research opportunities and intimate classroom environments we mentioned earlier, Schreyer students also have unique opportunities to learn the soft skills they’ll need to be successful in college and beyond. 

When you’re a Schreyer honors student, you have access to an on-campus community, various academic and student life programs, and career development opportunities that non-honors students don’t. In addition to providing on-campus housing for honors college students, Schreyer has several leadership opportunities for its honors scholars, including a student council, a residence hall Scholar Assistants (SAs) program, Orientation Mentors, and Scholar Ambassadors. The skills you learn in these programs will give you a huge leg up when you embark on your career after graduation. 

Along with a phenomenal academic experience, these community activities give Schreyer students the chance to network with fellow honors students and honors college alumni ...which can translate to better career opportunities after graduation, too.  

Graduation 

To remain in good standing as a Schreyer Scholar, you’ll have to meet certain requirements as outlined by the college , including a minimum GPA and completion of honors courses and credits. Scholars are also required to complete an honors thesis in order to graduate from the honors college. Usually, honors theses require students to conduct independent research and present it to a committee of professors. 

Honors students who complete the requirements for an honors distinction will graduate with honors and receive a Scholars Medal to wear at Penn State commencement as well as have honors conferred on their diploma . Schreyer also hosts a separate Honors College Medals Ceremony prior to commencement, during which the Scholars Medals are presented to graduating Scholars. 

( Simon Kellogg /Flickr)

University of South Florida Honors College

Like Shreyer at Penn State, the Judy Genshaft Honors College is its own school on the USF campus. 

The honors college at USF offers the rigorous academic experience of a top-tier research university with the close-knit community that smaller, private institutions are typically known for. That means you’ll have more demanding classes, smaller class sizes, one-on-one interaction with your professors, and unique opportunities only available to honors students. 

The Admissions Process

To become an honors student at USF, prospective students must apply to the University of South Florida before applying to the Judy Genshaft Honors College . While all interested high school students are encouraged to apply, the honors college does take high school GPA and SAT/ACT scores into account . The Honors College has an automatic admission policy for students who meet the following criteria: 

• Score 1400 or higher on the SAT, or score 31 or higher on the ACT 
• Have a recalculated USF GPA of 4.0

The recalculated GPA portion of USF’s honors college admissions process takes your high school GPA and then adjusts for difficulty. To figure out your recalculated GPA, the honors college does the following : 

• Adds one-half point for honors courses
• Adds one point for AP , IB, AICE , or Dual Enrollment courses
• Removes any non-academic courses (i.e. P.E., Band, etc.)

The university points out that most students’ recalculated GPAs are lower than their high school GPA . But don’t worry: while your recalculated GPA might not qualify you for automatic admission into the honors college, the admissions committee places more emphasis on the other aspects of your application than your recalculated grade point average. 

In addition to evaluating applicants based on GPA and test scores , the honors college at USF evaluates applicants based on two other criteria: involvement in high school activities and a 500-750 word essay response. For the essay response, the honors college provides six essay prompts that address the three core honors college values. Applicants are encouraged to choose to respond to one essay prompt that speaks to them! (Be sure to check out this article for expert advice on how to write a killer admissions essay .) 

There are many benefits for students in the Judy Genshaft Honors College . USF’s honors college offers small, discussion-based classes that give students the opportunity to interact closely with faculty and fellow honors students from different majors. This lets honors students receive lots of personalized attention to help them reach their academic and career goals, which is probably why USF honors grads have gone on to do amazing things, like become CEOs and work for NASA . 

USF honors students are able to register for classes on the day registration opens, which means they get first pick of course choices every year. Honors students also have special academic advisors that help students plan class schedules, make decisions about their majors, and even search for internship opportunities. Another perk of being in the Judy Genshaft Honors College is that students are also eligible to live in a special Honors Living Learning Community (LLC) , which is on-campus housing option only available to honors students.

Additionally, the honors college offers a unique program called the Provost’s Scholars Program . This program helps students graduate in three years rather than four , and it provides students the chance to study abroad, learn leadership skills, and gain professional development. The Provost Scholars Program allows high-achieving students to save money on their education while simultaneously helping them jumpstart their future careers. 

As is typical of honors college, the Judy Genshaft Honors College requires its students to complete a research track consisting of either an honors thesis or capstone project . The thesis track is recommended for students who want to go into research-based fields or academia, and the capstone project is for those interested in conducting research with their fellow honors college peers. Capstone projects happen in a classroom-style setting, and the topics vary from semester to semester. 

Like Penn State’s honors graduates, USF honors grads also receive special recognition for their accomplishments on their diplomas and on graduation day. Judy Genshaft Honors College graduates are invited to attend a special graduation ceremony for all graduating honors students . Family and friends are invited to the ceremony, and each graduating honors student is recognized individually during the ceremony. At the university-wide commencement ceremony, Judy Genshaft Honors College graduates wear special honors college regalia to signify their successful completion of the honors program.

5 Pros and Cons for Enrolling in an Honors Program

There are a lot of perks to enrolling in an honors college, but before you decide that being an honors student is the best choice for your academic career, it might be helpful to weigh a few pros and cons that come with honors colleges. After all, participating in an honors program can be a pretty big time commitment! 

Check out our list of five pros and cons for enrolling in an honors college below to help decide whether an honors program is the right choice for you. 

Pro: You Can Get an Elite Education at an Affordable Price

Honors colleges are a more equitable alternative to elite colleges and universities. It’s no secret that most premier universities in the U.S. come with a hefty price tag —one that many hardworking families simply can’t afford to pay for. 

One of the benefits of an honors college is that most provide funding opportunities for both incoming and current students. For example, the University of Utah’s honors college offers scholarships that are only available to honors students , and some of the awards are as high as $10,000. Even better: because there are fewer honors students, you have a better shot at actually winning a scholarship. 

Additionally, enrolling in an honors college at a public school gives high achieving students the opportunity to receive an elite education they can actually afford. Honors colleges offer the kind of highly specialized, rigorous academics that are the hallmark of the most selective college s. That means that at some schools, you can get an Ivy-style education for a fraction of the price. 

Pro: You’ll (Probably) Get to Register for Classes Early

One of the biggest recurring perks of being an honors student? A little thing called priority registration. Priority registration allows honors students to attend academic advising sessions to plan their semester schedules and register for classes before all non-honors students. 

So, how does priority registration work out in the honors student’s favor? When enrollment periods open for different groups of students at colleges and universities—especially big universities—classes fill up fast. The later you enroll, the less likely you are to get into the courses you need to take, and the less likely you are to come out with a schedule of classes that you find appealing (7:30 a.m. class on Mondays, anyone?). When you get to register for classes before everyone else, you’re much more likely to get into the classes you want, at the times you want!

Pro: You’ll Be Around Other High-Achieving Students

A key feature of honors colleges and programs is that they offer courses—“honors courses”—that are exclusively available to honors students. These honors courses usually have limited enrollment so that the class sizes are small. This means that you’ll probably be seeing the same students over and over again in the classes you take. On top of that, many universities have special housing, classrooms, and study spaces reserved especially for honors students. 

The honors college can form a close-knit community of students, since honors students spend so much time in the same spaces doing the same things . That can be a really good thing: not only will you be more connected to your honors college community, you’ll have the opportunity to make friends, too. Whether they become a consistent study partner or your BFF, your honors college peers can be one of the biggest pros of the honors college experience. 

While there are some pretty big perks to being in an honors college, there are some downsides, too.

Con: Honors Students Do More Work

In general, honors college students are going to be doing more work than their non-honors schoolmates. In general, honors courses require more studying, more homework, and more writing. 

For example, an honors history class may require you to read more than just a textbook. Your professor may give you academic articles, history books, or even a novel to complement what you’re learning in class. And you can expect for your tests and papers to be graded on a tougher rubric, too. That’s because your professors know that as an honors student, you’re the best of the best. It’s their job to push you to expand your skills...which can translate to a heavier workload. 

Honors students also have to do extra work if they want to graduate with distinction. Both Penn State and USF require students to write a thesis or complete a capstone project. This involves (you guessed it!) more research and writing, much of which has to be done on your own time. That means you’ll have to fit the extra work in around your already busy schedule. So if you aren’t ready to take on a heavier workload—or if you’re not great at juggling multiple projects at once—an honors program may not be the best fit for you.

Con: The Perks Can Vary

We’ve mentioned several perks of being an honors college student, like priority registration, select student housing, smaller class sizes, and special on-campus facilities. But before you decide to apply to an honors college, it’s important to recognize that the nature of these perks will vary from school to school. Most often, the resources and opportunities available to honors college students depend on how well-funded the honors college or program is. 

If you want to know exactly what you can expect your experience to be like as an honors student at a particular school, it’s important to ask a lot of questions about the program before you make any kind of commitment. One easy way to find out all the things you want to know about a specific honors college or program is to get connected with a current honors student at the university you’re interested in. Whether it’s through email, social media, or an in-person campus visit, talking with a student who knows the ropes of a university’s honors program can give you the perspective you’re looking for. 

Next Steps 

If you’ve decided that you want to be an honors student but your high school GPA isn’t high enough, it’s time to get to work. Start by reading through this guide to raising your GPA fas t, then check out this guide to getting 4.0s or higher in your classes .

Many honors colleges and programs look at your weighted GPA when determining whether you meet the minimum admission requirements. But what is a weighted GPA? Learn about the difference between weighted GPAs and unweighted GPAs , then make sure you’re calculating your weighted GPA accurately . 

Another good way to get admitted into an honors college is to take advanced courses in high school. (The Penn State honors college we talked about is actually more interested in your high school course load than your GPA and test scores!) Start by learning more about what AP classes and IB classes are, then check out this guide to determining which advanced classes will work best for you . 

Ashley Sufflé Robinson has a Ph.D. in 19th Century English Literature. As a content writer for PrepScholar, Ashley is passionate about giving college-bound students the in-depth information they need to get into the school of their dreams.

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Students admitted to the UW now have until June 1 to commit, a result of FAFSA delays. We anticipate that financial aid offers will be sent in late April or early May.

Expand your experience 

The UW Honors Program is a curriculum, a community, and much more! Our students are enthusiastic learners from all backgrounds and majors seeking to expand and deepen their education.

Honors options

Learn more about UW Honors

Who are Honors students?

Quick facts

• There are three Honors options to choose from: Interdisciplinary, College, and Departmental Honors.
• Honors courses fulfill the UW general education requirements.
• The Honors curriculum integrates research, leadership, community service and reflection.
• $1.2 million annually in resident and non-resident scholarships.
• Honors floors in the residence halls.
• Students take ~one Honors class per quarter.
• There is no one type of Honors student. Honors student majors range from English to computer science, psychology to biochemistry, engineering to public health.

How to join Honors

Freshman admission.

Second Year Admission

2nd Year Apply

Transfer Admission

Transfer Apply

Departmental Honors

Interdisciplinary Honors Freshman admissions

If applying to the UW as a freshman, you will find the Honors application — consisting of an additional Honors-specific essay — within the UW application. 

The 2024 Honors application essay prompt

Respond to the prompt using no more than 450 words .

We want to understand your desire to learn new things and to push your education outside of the areas of learning that you are most familiar with. Tell us why this type of learning interests you and which subjects you’re excited to explore in college.

Tips for applying

Scholarships, freshman admissions process and timeline:.

• Apply via the UW application by the UW application deadline.
• The Honors Program reviews applications separately from UW Admissions.
• You must be admitted to UW to be admitted to the Honors Program.
• In recent years Honors has received 5,000-7,000 applications per year, admitted approximately 1,100 applicants and enrolled approximately 230 students.
• Honors holistically evaluates applications.
• The Honors admission decision has no bearing on the UW decision.
• The Honors Program sends a separate decision email after you are officially admitted to the UW. Expect to receive a decision email from Honors between March 15 and April 15.

• Apply to UVU

Honors Program Admission Essay Prompts

Instructions:.

• The two essays you submit represent the cornerstones of your application to join the UVU Honors Program. We borrowed and adapted the questions below from the University of Chicago's famously unusual admissions essay tradition, among other places. 
• Your response will be evaluated on the focus, originality, and creativity of the content, but form (spelling, grammar, and punctuation) matters, too.  

The most impressive essays will be clear and lively and will give us a vivid sense of who you are and what passion, focus, and innovation you might bring to the Honors Program.   

• Draw on your best qualities as a writer and thinker
• Take some risks and have fun
• Have someone edit your writing
• Proofread carefully to remove typos, clichéd phrasing, and unclear ideas
• Let an editor erase your unique voice 
• Share your darkest thoughts, fears, or desires
• Preach or lecture
• Plagiarize 

Limit your response to about 300 words for each essay.  You will select ONE Analytical Option and  ONE Creative Option.  

Prompt One Options (More Analytical):

CHOOSE ONE FROM BELOW:

A. Cats have nine lives, Pac-Man has three lives, and radioactive isotopes have half-lives. How many lives does something else—conceptual or actual—have, and why? (Analytical)

B. Strings always have explained or enriched our lives, from Theseus’s escape route from the Labyrinth, to kittens playing with balls of yarn, to a thread woven into a tapestry of fate, to a finely tuned violin string. Use the power of string, real or metaphorical, to explain something you view as crucial.

C. What are the peculiarities of your own personal language (and it need not be English, although your essay needs to be). Consider the voice you use when speaking most intimately to yourself or your family, the vocabulary that spills out when you’re startled, or special phrases and gestures that no one else seems to use or even understand— and tell us how your language makes you unique.

Prompt Two Options (More Creative):

D. Imagine Genghis Khan with an F1 racecar, Emperor Nero with a panini press, George Washington with a SuperSoaker, Frida Kahlo with a Furby, or Queen Lilioukalani with a Tesla. If you could give any historical figure any piece of technology, who and what would it be, and why do you think they’d work so well together?

E. Universities love Nobel laureates. But why should economics, physics, and peace get all the glory? You are tasked with creating a new category for the Nobel Prize. Explain what it would be, why you chose your specific category, and the criteria necessary to achieve this accomplishment.

F. You are on an expedition to found a colony on Mars, when from a nearby crater, a group of sentient Martian beings suddenly emerges. They seem eager to communicate, but they're the impatient kind and demand you represent the human race in one song, image, memory, mathematical proof, or other idea. What song, image, etc. do you share with them to show that humanity is worth their time?

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Why You Should Enroll in an Honors Program

Zach Skillings is the Scholarships360 Newsletter Editor. He specializes in college admissions and strives to answer important questions about higher education. When he’s not contributing to Scholarships360, Zach writes about travel, music, film, and culture. His work has been published in Our State Magazine, Ladygunn Magazine, The Nocturnal Times, and The Lexington Dispatch. Zach graduated from Elon University with a degree in Cinema and Television Arts.

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Bill Jack has over a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. Since 2008, he has worked at Colby College, Wesleyan University, University of Maine at Farmington, and Bates College.

Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

If you’re applying to college, you may have heard that many universities offer an honors option. Honors programs and colleges are an exciting opportunity because they provide students with special access to resources that aren’t available to the rest of the undergraduate population. But what exactly is an honors program? We’ll break it down for you. 

What is an honors program?

University honors programs are designed for high-achieving students to take advanced classes and participate in special extracurricular activities. Before we go further, though, you should know that there’s a difference between honors colleges and honors programs. Note that these terms are often used interchangeably, but they’re actually different. Honors colleges are separate schools within a university. They tend to be robust in nature and feature their own classrooms and residence halls. Examples include Penn State’s Schreyer Honors College and Arizona State University’s Barrett Honors College. You’ll typically find honors colleges at large public universities. 

On the other hand, you’ll find that some schools offer an honors program as opposed to a full-blown college . Examples include the University of Denver Honors Program and the University of Minnesota Honors Program . These programs may be as simple as a set of special courses that students are required to take, or something more extensive. Although every university’s honors college/program is different, there are certain characteristics that most of them have in common. Read on to learn more about honors programs/colleges and their benefits. 

Why should I join an honors program or college?

Earn scholarships.

One of the main reasons students apply for honors programs is that they’re usually tied to scholarships. Oftentimes these scholarships can go a long way in paying for your tuition. For instance, Elon University’s honors program awards its students a $13,500 annual scholarship. This amounts to $54,000 over four years. Of course, scholarship amounts vary from college to college. But the fact that you could earn a scholarship, regardless of the amount, should be a big motivator for you to consider an honors program. Not to mention, sometimes honors students are also provided with a study abroad stipend and a research stipend. We’ll talk more about research opportunities for honors students later on. 

Get a small college experience at a big school

Say that you’re drawn to the big campus appeal of a large university, but you don’t want to sacrifice the small class sizes found at tiny liberal arts schools. With honors colleges, you can truly get the best of both worlds! As mentioned above, it’s common to find small honors colleges housed within large public universities. Honors colleges became popularized in the 1990s as a way to draw highly gifted students to public universities. These days, it’s tough to find a large, public university that doesn’t offer some kind of honors distinction. That’s great news for anyone looking to attend a large school and still reap the benefits of a small college experience. And if you’re set on attending a small school, you may find that the school’s honors program provides an even more intimate experience. 

Become part of a community

If you join an honors program, there’s a good chance you’ll become part of a closely-knit community. Oftentimes honors students have the option to live in the same housing during their first year of on-campus residence. This is a great chance for students to connect with each other and form meaningful friendships. Creating these friendships during your first year of college is especially valuable, since it’s likely that you’ll know very few people on campus when you first arrive. 

Honors students also share many of the same classes, which is another excellent opportunity to form lasting relationships. Not to mention, many honors programs encourage bonding through extracurricular activities. These could include picnics, outdoor retreats, volunteer work, and special excursions. Finding your social circle can sometimes be tough in college, so having this network of friends and classmates to rely on is extremely valuable.

Take advanced classes

If you join an honors program, expect to complete a certain number of honors courses in addition to your regular classes. Honors classes are typically challenging, but very rewarding. Expect exposure to new ideas and innovative ways of thinking. You’ll have the chance to explore fascinating areas of study that you may have never even considered before. Some examples of honors classes at Elon University include “Pregnancy and Childbirth”, “Beauty and the Brain”, “Intellectual History”, “The Global Experience”, and “Sexual Ethics”. 

Like Elon’s program, many other honors programs emphasize a liberal arts curriculum that touches on a wide variety of subjects. However, some programs may focus on specific disciplines. For example, the University of Maryland has an Entrepreneurship and Innovation honors program and Rutgers University has an Engineering Honors Academy. 

You should also know that honors courses typically implement the flipped classroom model . This style of learning emphasizes discussion among students rather than the usual lecture-based format. So instead of having a professor talk at you about course material, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss big ideas and important questions with your peers. You may even have opportunities to prepare presentations with group members and teach the class yourself for a day. You can also expect small class sizes for most honors courses. 

Research opportunities

Students in honors programs typically produce a major research project , also known as a thesis, during their senior year. Thesis projects are usually tied to your major, with the goal of making an original contribution to your field of study . For instance, if you’re a journalism major then you may research the public’s perception of the news media in your town. A project like this would likely involve extensive online research coupled with a variety of in-person interviews. 

Projects also have the opportunity to be more hands-on. Let’s say you’re a computer science major. You may decide to develop a new app or piece of software for your project. Or if you’re a cinema major, you might produce a short film. Whatever the project ends up being, it’s an excellent opportunity for you to perform an in-depth exploration of a topic that you’re passionate about. As mentioned previously, some honors programs provide students with research stipends to help fund their project. 

Networking opportunities 

The benefits of joining an honors program also extend to the professional realm. When you join an honors program, you become part of an extensive network of students, alumni, and professors who can help you in your professional journey. You’ll likely form connections that will prove useful in securing internships and post-graduate employment . Your honors program may even require you to complete an internship, which will undoubtedly be a valuable professional experience to add to your resume. 

How do I join an honors program?

If you’re considering applying to an honors program or college , you need to make sure you meet the minimum requirements. Most honors programs have GPA and test score requirements that are generally higher than the regular admission thresholds. You may need to complete a separate application for the honors program, or you may be invited based on the strength of your regular undergraduate application. If accepted to a school’s honors program, you’ll probably have to maintain a certain GPA and meet other requirements to remain in the program. 

Should I apply to an honors program?

If the university that interests you has an honors program or college, you should absolutely consider applying to it. As we’ve discussed, being an honors student comes with a variety of social, academic, and professional benefits. You’ll have the opportunity to make lasting friends, receive a meaningful education, and make professional connections that could help you in your post-graduate job hunt. It goes without saying that being part of an honors program can be a very rewarding and enriching experience.

More resources for students

Honors programs can be an important consideration in choosing a college. But there are many more factors to consider. Scholarships360 has detailed guides that can help you through the process. We’ll show you what to ask on a campus visit and guide you through picking a college . You can also check out our guides on how to read a financial aid award letter and how to appeal that letter . Finally, you can learn all about demonstrated interest and what it can mean for your chances of admission . Good luck and make sure to search our site for the answers to any of your questions in the college process. Be sure to apply to all the scholarships you qualify for!

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Key Takeaways

• Honors programs can be extremely beneficial, but you don’t have to be in one to take honors courses
• Some students thrive in honors programs and others do not– everyone is different
• Every college’s honors program has different pros and cons, so look at more than one if you are set on being a part of one!
• Honors programs can help students with financial aid and networking opportunities that they might not have otherwise

Frequently asked questions about whether you should enroll in an honors program

How do i know which honors program is right for me, is it important to be in an honors program in college, will i have honors opportunities if i am not in an honors program, if i don’t apply for an honors program, will i still have a beneficial college experience, scholarships360 recommended.

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Honors Program Applicant Requirements

Undergraduate Admission

Eligibility & Requirements for First-Year Students

Eligibility & deadlines for second-year students, honors essay topic.

The Honors Program is an intellectual and creative community that provides a four-year, interdisciplinary, collaborative learning experience for academically motivated incoming students from all communities. The Honors Program supplements study in a student’s chosen major with a challenging liberal arts curriculum composed of interdisciplinary seminars, collaborative research projects, and faculty-directed independent study.

Each year, Emerson invites 50 applicants of exceptional ability and promise to join the Honors Program. Students are selected based on their past academic achievements, creative accomplishments, and demonstrated leadership in academic or community spaces. To be considered for the Honors Program, students must apply as they enter Emerson College as first-year students or as rising sophomores.

Eligibility 

Admission to the Honors Program is competitive and only first-year students applying for September Admission are eligible. Students applying to one of our global partnership programs (e.g., Global BFA or Global BA programs) are not eligible for Honors Program consideration. Each fall, approximately 50 first-year applicants enroll in the Honors Program. Beginning in Fall 2023, each Honors Program Scholar is also awarded a $30,000 Trustees Scholarship, which is renewable for up to four years at the College.

All eligible first-year students, regardless of major, are invited to apply to the Honors Program. Your Honors Program application decision has no bearing on your admission decision to the College. Students can be accepted to the College without being invited to the Honors Program.

First-year admission into the Honors Program is determined by the  Honors Program Director  and the  Office of Undergraduate Admission .

The Honors Program selection process is competitive and only those first-year students  applying  for September Admission are eligible. Selection is based on personal and academic qualities and potential, such as:

• Strong analytical and writing skills, as demonstrated by the supplemental essay
• Excellent academic performance in a challenging high school curriculum
• Commitment to community and service
• Creative accomplishments
• Demonstrated leadership

To remain in the Honors Program, students must maintain a 3.3 (B+) cumulative quality point average and a 3.0 (B) average in Honors courses. 

Application Requirements

To be considered for the Honors Program, incoming first-year students must complete the following:

• Complete all  general requirements for undergraduate admission  by the appropriate deadlines.
• Complete and submit a 400 to 600 word Honors Program essay by November 15 (for Early Decision I and Early Action candidates), January 16 (for Early Decision II candidates) or February 1 (for Regular Admission candidates). This essay is in addition to the Common Application and Application Supplements required by the Office of Undergraduate Admission. The essay may either be uploaded with the Common Application at the time of submission or may be uploaded within the Admission Portal after submitting your Undergraduate application.

Contact the Office of Admission  at 617-824-8600 or admission [at] emerson.edu (admission[at]emerson[dot]edu) to learn more about applying.

Selection into the Honors Program for rising sophomores is determined by the Honors Program Director. Because the program adheres to strict enrollment numbers, the number of open spaces is very limited. A select number of sophomore applicants are admitted into the Honors Program each fall. Rising sophomore students chosen for the Honors Program are recognized for their intellectual and creative achievements at Emerson.

Students are notified of their admission to the Honors Program by early to mid-June. Sophomore admits will take the Sophomore Honors Seminars during the Fall and Spring of their sophomore year (HS 201/2). Though students admitted into the program as rising sophomores will not take the First-Year Honors Seminars (HS101 and HS102/103), they must fulfill their Literary Perspective and US Diversity general education requirements.

Each rising sophomore student admitted to the Honors Program is awarded a Trustees Scholarship, which is renewable annually up to a maximum of six semesters, as long as the student remains in the Honors Program and is enrolled as a full-time Emerson student. Students needing to attend fewer than six semesters to complete their degree will only receive the scholarship for those semesters. The scholarship can only be applied to undergraduate level courses in fall and spring semesters, not winter or summer term. The Trustees Scholarship supersedes any previous scholarship offer that may have been made by the institution.

All materials must be submitted to the Marlboro Institute for Liberal Arts via the online application system by May 1 . The application system will be available beginning April 1 .

This includes:

• Completed Application Form, available via the online application system
• Letter of application (1–2 pages, double-spaced) stating your reasons for applying, detailing what you can contribute to the Honors Program’s community of scholars, and why you want to write an honors thesis. 
• A short essay addressing the topic of the Honors Admission essay found on application form.
• An academic writing sample from a class at Emerson (critical or expository essay).
• Two letters of recommendation from Emerson faculty members. Applicants will select the names of their professors directly via the online application, and faculty will be notified to upload their letter. (One letter should be from your first-year IN seminar instructor, the second from either a professor in one of your liberal arts classes or a professor in one of your major courses.) 
• Unofficial transcripts of courses taken at Emerson College and elsewhere

Contact Honors Program Director Jon Honea at jon_honea [at] emerson.edu (jon_honea[at]emerson[dot]edu) or Associate Director in the Marlboro Institute for Liberal Arts Nicole Martignetti at Nicole_Martignetti [at] emerson.edu (nicole_martignetti[at]emerson[dot]edu) to learn more about applying.

Please respond to the following in 400–600 words: We often use metaphors to help us understand our world and persuade others. Write about a metaphor that you think is powerful, and explore its potential to be helpful and/or harmful in your thinking.

Our Honors Program allows you to take advantage of individual advising, special lectures, interdisciplinary fulfillment of Emerson’s general education requirements, collaborative research projects, and special extracurricular activities. You will also receive mentoring and interact with peers from across all years of the Honors Program. Through social events and community service projects, you become an integral part of the Honors Program’s “community of learners.”

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The Honors Experience

University of Michigan

The application process for fall 2024 is now closed. Please note that you must be admitted to LSA as an incoming first-year student (not transfer) in order to access the application.

Having trouble logging in or uploading your essays?

You MUST create AND authenticate a U-M Friend account (which is NOT your Enrollment Connect account) in order to apply.  Scroll down to “Troubleshooting” at the bottom of this page for information on creating a Friend account and for authentication instructions.  

For Honors Application dates/deadlines, link  HERE .

Apply Here!

You must be admitted to lsa as an incoming first-year student in order to access the application. unless you have already paid your enrollment deposit, you must create and authenticate a u-m “friend” account to apply to honors. friend account instructions below..

Grades and test scores are a small part of what goes into our admissions decision-making. That’s why we are asking you to write an additional essay as part of your application to Honors. 

Approach this essay with an open mind. We want to know how you think, how your mind works—so show us!

The 2024 LSA Honors Essay Question

If you are using outside sources, you MUST cite them. Any citation style is acceptable—just be consistent. NOTE: Citations are not included in the essay word limit.

To submit your essay, click the button on the left to log into Wolverine Access. Problems applying? Scroll down for troubleshooting.

2024 Essay Question

Utilize an AI text generator to write an essay on the topic “How does the LSA Honors Program satisfy your desire for a particular kind of living learning community in your first two years of college?”

Provide us with that essay and then write your own essay discussing whether or not that AI-generated essay accurately captures your desire to participate in the lower-division Honors Program in your first two years of college. Reflect on your personal goals and meaningfully discuss how/why the AI-generated essay captures or doesn’t capture that. Please limit your essay to 1000 words. The word count does not include the AI-generated essay. Some generative AI tools are located here:  https://genai.umich.edu/resources/tools

CREATING A FRIEND ACCOUNT

Don’t have a U-M Friend Account? Please follow these two steps to create and authenticate your Friend Account:

Create Your Friend Account

You will need a non-university email address (one that does not end in “umich.edu”) to set up a Friend account. You will receive email at that address as part of the account creation setup. This is done to verify that you own that email address.

• Go to  Request a Friend Account .
• Enter your non-university email address, then click  Request .
• You will see a  Message Sent  screen letting you know that a message has been sent to the email address you provided with further instructions.
• Open your email and look for a message from  [email protected] . If you don’t see the message, check your spam or junk mail folder.
• In that message, click the  Create Friend Account  link.
• Enter your email address, the same one you used in Step 2 above.
• Enter and re-enter the password you want to use for your Friend account.
• Click  Set Password .
• A confirmation screen lets you know that your Friend account has been created.
• You will also receive an email message confirming the creation of your Friend account and providing you with information about it. If you don’t see the message, check your spam or junk mail folder.

Verify Your Friend Account 

You must go into Wolverine Access and verify your Friend account to connect it to your student record before you can check your financial aid notice. 

• Go to  Wolverine Access . This is a different system that has a different look and feel from the Friend account creation application. 
• At the top of the page, click the  Students  tab.
• On the Student page, click the  New and Prospective Student Business  tile.
• Log in with your Friend ID (the email address you used to create your Friend account) and password.
• Verify your personal information, including your eight-digit  UMID , which was emailed to you and can also be found on your Enrollment Connect portal, as well as your birth date.

Now you’re ready to apply to Honors!

TROUBLESHOOTING

If you receive an error message after clicking the “Upload Your Essay” button on the left and attempting to log in with your U-M Friend account, you may  not have completed all of the required steps  to authenticate your U-M Friend account. Use this  LINK  to access information on troubleshooting your Friend account.​

We suggest using either Chrome or Internet Explorer to access the submission site. Firefox has been linked to problems while uploading for many students.

Honors Colleges and Programs: What to Know

Students in honors colleges and programs often receive more individualized resources and learning, among other benefits.

Honors Colleges and Programs

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A characteristic of many honors colleges is the use of small class sizes for more individual attention from professors.

Key Takeaways:

• Honors colleges are most common at large public universities.
• Schools often require an additional application process for acceptance.
• Honors students usually have smaller class sizes and more individual attention from instructors.

For students wanting to be challenged more academically and experience an intimate learning environment in college , many institutions have an honors college or honors program.

"I think in a day and age in which so many students, especially high-ability students, are coming in to college feeling rootless or feeling as though they can't connect very easily with other people, an honors college provides a space in which students who are serious about their studies, but also might be serious about their other passions as well, can find common cause and common community with other students," says Zeb Baker, founding executive director of the Miami University Honors College in Ohio.

Here's what students should consider before applying to be an honors student.

Honors College vs. Honors Program

Honors colleges – most commonly seen at large public flagship universities – are designed to serve high-achieving students through a rigorous interdisciplinary curriculum and co-curricular experiences, such as research, mentorship, leadership, civic engagement, professional development and study abroad , experts say.

"From the perspective of the university, it's an opportunity to recruit, retain, challenge and support students who might otherwise not be interested in the university, fundamentally," says Zofia Burr, founding dean of George Mason University's Honors College in Virginia.

Students in honors colleges typically take accelerated general education courses, in addition to honors-specific classes that may be taught by designated faculty members. An honors college's curriculum may have different areas of focus, depending on the college. California State University, Sacramento, for instance, has a Black Honors College that is set to enroll its first cohort of students in fall 2024.

"In a normal academic program, you've got to take your writing class, you've got to take stats class, you've got to take political science class," says Luke Wood, the university's president. "So imagine taking each one of those classes, but it's with a focus on Black history, life and culture. They are having that as a thematic element with faculty members with their own space."

Many honors colleges also require students to complete a research project or thesis to graduate. There are also social aspects, experts say, including options to live with other honors students in a living-learning community .

In addition to or instead of an honors college, some schools offer honors programs, although that term sometimes is used interchangeably with honors colleges. However, there can be differences between the two.

Honors programs "are much looser in terms of the experience that students can have," Wood says. "It can range between students who are taking an entire general education pathway to students who are taking just a couple classes. Honors programs are usually smaller in scale and typically don't have the same level of resources. They may not have dedicated space. ... An honors college is when you take that and you truly create your own institution within the institution – your own infrastructure."

Phame Camarena, dean of the William Conroy Honors College at New Mexico State University , says the goal "isn't necessarily to offer harder and faster work. It's to provide enrichment."

"Both a college and a program really are there to help students do more with their education," he says. "All college students, of course, have exceptional potential. (But) not every student is equally motivated or desires something more in terms of what they are going to do for their education. So for students that just want to check off the boxes for the major , honors is probably not for them."

Requirements to Be an Honors Student

Schools often require an additional application process for acceptance to an honors college or program. They typically have different expectations for the two, and applicants may need to meet certain GPA or test score requirements as well as submit supplemental writing samples.

However, "a common misperception is that honors programs are only for the very most academically talented students and that you shouldn't apply unless you have a 4.0 GPA and a huge number of extracurriculars," Bethany Cobb Kung, director of the George Washington University Honors Program in Washington, D.C., wrote in an email. "While it is true that some programs may be very restrictive, many programs are designed to welcome and support any student who wants to push themselves academically and who is willing to dedicate the time and energy required to be a truly engaged learner and scholar."

There are often certain requirements to maintain honors status, such as upholding a certain GPA. At GW, for instance, students must "maintain a GPA sufficient to graduate with a 3.0."

"This ensures students are making appropriate academic progress while not being anxiety-provoking and, most importantly, it allows students who are tackling the most challenging courses the freedom to focus on their learning, rather than on their final grade," Cobb Kung says.

Why Apply to Be an Honors Student?

Honors colleges and programs often create a smaller community within a larger university, experts say, which means smaller class sizes and more individualized attention from faculty members.

Honors students "get a bit more attention earlier on in those first couple of years," Burr says. "Oftentimes when students are in their major, as they progress along, they have opportunities to be in smaller classes. But from the get-go, in the honors college, they have that opportunity."

Honors students may also receive priority course registration, individualized academic advising and formal mentorship. There are also financial benefits, as many colleges offer scholarships or grants specifically for honors students.

Virginia Tech 's Honors College, for instance, offers awards such as the Honors Discovery Grant, which provides up to $6,000 to current honors college students. The money can be used to pay for living expenses during an unpaid summer internship; program or living fees for a faculty-led summer or winter study abroad experience; fees related to attending academic or professional conferences; or costs of a formal visit to an industry, governmental or nonprofit work site.

Is Being an Honors Student the Right Fit for You?

While being part of an honors college or honors program comes with advantages, it's not for everyone.

"I think there are a lot of students whose parents want them to be in an honors college, but they themselves (students) don't want to do this," Baker says. "They don't want that kind of pressure. They don't want that kind of responsibility or obligation. They really just want to come to college and explore what's available. And I think that if you are a student who's in that sort of a situation, then I think maybe you need to really consider whether or not an honors college is a good place for you."

Cobb Kung advises students to consider whether an honors program's curriculum aligns with their personal and academic goals.

"If a student does not enjoy taking courses in areas outside their major, then they might not want to engage in an honors curriculum designed to expose them to a wide variety of course topics," she says. "Students must also be sure that they aren't taking on too many endeavors all at once to avoid undue stress or burnout."

Students also shouldn't just do it for the credential, Baker says, or designation on their diploma.

"For students who only want ... to say 'I'm in an honors college' or 'I'm an honors student,' those are the students who probably don't belong in an honors college to start with because they are not coming in with the right mindset," he says. "They have all this talent, all of this curiosity and all this ambition but it needs to be directed in ways that help everyone, that advance the public good. It's not just about advancing them and their own self-interest."

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Frequently Asked Questions

Honors and scholars admissions.

The main difference between Honors and Scholars is that the University Honors Program offers a primarily curricular experience, and the Ohio State Scholars Program offers a primarily co-curricular experience. The decision of which program is better for you will typically come down to your personal preference. Consider the following when making your decision:  

• The Honors Program is primarily a curricular experience. Honors students are required to take at least 18 hours of honors quality courses and pursue undergraduate research, culminating their academic experience in a thesis or other capstone experience. Honors students must maintain at least a 3.4 GPA (Business and Pharmacy require a 3.5). Interested students should have a desire to pursue a more rigorous curriculum and have a strong interest in conducting research during their undergraduate career.   
• The Scholars Program focuses mostly on experiential learning outside of the classroom. Students select which of 16 unique Scholars Program themes they would like to apply for, which will guide their experience. Scholars students participate in a required residential community and participate in experiences based around their program theme including a seminar course, social events, service experiences, and career preparation. Scholars students must maintain a 3.0 GPA and should be passionate about the theme of a specific Scholars program and desire a small, close-knit community. 

Incoming first-year students cannot enroll in both the Honors Program and the Scholars Program in their first semester. Upon applying to the university, you will be asked to specify which of these two programs you would like to be considered for admission.  

Please note that your only opportunity to join the Ohio State Scholars Program is as an incoming freshman.  

After meeting the minimum Honors GPA requirement for your college of enrollment (typically a 3.4, or 3.5 if Business or Pharmacy student) and completing at least 12 credit hours, you can apply to be a part of the Honors Program. Therefore, Scholars students who meet Honors Program criteria after being on campus for at least one semester may apply to the Honors Program directly through their college of enrollment and participate in both programs at that time. 

Students should consult their college of enrollment for instructions and requirements for joining the Honors Program.  

No, unfortunately our Scholars programs are only open to new first-year students starting at Ohio State on the Columbus campus during fall semester. 

No, there are not any additional fees associated with being in the Honors Program or any of the Scholars Programs. 

Both the University Honors Program and Ohio State Scholars Programs are “opt-out” programs. A prospective student accepts their offer simply by paying their acceptance fee to the university. Once this fee is paid, no other action is required and the prospective student is officially enrolled in Honors or Scholars. 

Both the University Honors Program and Ohio State Scholars Programs are “opt-out” programs. A prospective student can decline their offer by viewing their offer letter email and pressing the decline/reject button at the bottom of the email.

The Honors Program and Scholars Program each have a competitive holistic review process. Accepted students typically have: 

• Strong academic records  - This category includes the academic/quantitative components of the applicant's file including class rank (GPA), standardized test scores (if they want those considered), and college prep curriculum. The student took full advantage of the academic opportunities (e.g., AP, IB, PSEO, etc.) available at their high school.  The student has impressive test scores and class rank. 
• ​​Extracurricular and/or work experience  -  ​ This category includes the applicant's extracurricular involvement, honors/awards, and work experiences at the time of entry to the university. The student demonstrates dedicated, sustained involvement and leadership roles. The supporting activities essay conveys positive attributes (e.g., creativity, dedication, initiative, leadership, etc.).  The student has received unique recognition above and beyond traditional awards.          
• ​​CommonApp Essay Response​​​​​s -  This category includes the applicant's ability to demonstrate strong analytical and critical thinking skills. The student expresses creativity and willingness to think beyond traditional structures. The essay causes the reader to think and reflect on the topic. The student is able to organize and articulate their thoughts. The essay is free of grammatical errors and is written in a clear and concise manner. ​  
• ​​​Other Attributes  - This category includes the applicant's skills/abilities, and personal/professional characteristics at time of entry to the university. Some examples of personal and professional characteristics include resiliency, integrity, adaptability, persistence, motivation, and intellectual curiosity.  

No, while there are some scholarship opportunities specific to Honors and/or Scholars students, an offer of enrollment in one of these programs does not reflect any decision regarding merit or other scholarships. More information on merit Scholarships can be viewed at  httpundergrad.osu.edu/cost-and-aid/merit-based-Scholarships . The Ohio State University Honors and Scholars Center and Office of Academic Enrichment do not oversee merit scholarships.

There is  not a minimum set of requirements  to be considered for either program. We highly encourage all academically motivated students to learn more about our programs and to submit an application. 

If you are admitted to The Ohio State University Columbus campus and indicated an interest in the Honors Program or Scholars Program on your university application, you will move on to a competitive holistic review process. 

• Decisions regarding acceptance into the University Honors or Ohio State Scholars Program will be sent via email to your address on file with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. 
• We send notifications on a rolling basis beginning in mid-January and ending in April. 
• If selected, you will only be offered placement in one of our programs. 
• Please be sure to follow all instructions for further action, failure to complete required steps may forfeit your placement. 
• If you are offered placement into one of our programs, additional steps are needed.​ 

If you are offered placement into the Honors Program:  

• ​You will be given Honors affiliation within one week of paying your acceptance fee to The Ohio State University. 
• The deadline to submit the university acceptance fee is  May 1 . 

  If you are offered to move further in the Scholars Program process : 

• You will be instructed to complete an online Scholars Program Interest Form. 
• You will be asked to rank your interest in our 16 Scholars Programs.  
• Failure to complete the Scholars Program Interest Form by the indicated date will forfeit your chance for participating in Scholars.  
• Once you have completed the interest form, you will be notified if you have been accepted into an individual Scholars program placement no later than mid April. 
• You will be awarded your individual Scholars affiliation within one week of paying your acceptance fee to The Ohio State University.  
• The deadline to submit the university acceptance fee is  May 1 .  

Please Note:   Selection for Honors and Scholars is competitive and placement is not decided or guaranteed based solely off of your academic record. 

• If selected, you will only be offered acceptance into one of our programs. 
• All official communication from the Honors and Scholars Center will be sent via email. Notifications will not be mailed to your home address. 

All autumn semester Columbus campus applicants are welcome to apply to the Honors Program or the Scholars Program. Accepted students typically have impressive academic records; quality essays demonstrating strong analytical and critical thinking skills; sustained extra-curricular involvement and leadership abilities; and unique talents and/or aptitudes. 

• Step One : Apply for admission to Ohio State by  November 1.   Note that the application and all required materials (application fee, test scores, transcripts, etc.) are due by the deadline. Visit  apply.osu.edu  for more information. 
• Step Two : Indicate your interest in being considered for the Honors or Scholars Programs on the university application. Select which of the two general programs you'd like to be considered. 
• ​Decisions regarding acceptance into the University Honors or Ohio State Scholars Program will be sent via email to your address on file with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. 
• We send notifications on a rolling basis beginning in mid-January and ending mid-April. 
• If selected, you will only be offered placement in  one  of our programs. 
• Please be sure to follow all instructions for further action; failure to complete required steps may forfeit your placement.

University Honors Program

Honors Housing is optional for incoming Honors students. Honors Housing offers some benefits in providing access to programs and activities designed specifically for Honors students, but Honors students living in other residence halls will have access to these opportunities even if they do not live in one of our designated halls.The Honors residence halls are Bradley, Lincoln, and Taylor. 

At this time, our roommate policy for Honors Housing is under review. More details will be released in spring about roommates in Honors Housing.  

Regardless of your major or college or enrollment, the honors standards are the same for every Honors student. However, different college or specialized honors programs may have different opportunities or required coursework to meet the standards. Please visit our college or specialized honors programs page to learn more .  

There are many benefits students enjoy as a part of being a part of the Honors Program. These include but are not limited to:  

• Over 350 sections of Honors courses led by Ohio State’s world-class faculty, often with a more rigorous or faster-paced curriculum, averaging fewer than 25 students per class. 
• Access to a specialized Honors advisor in your college. 
• University-level priority course scheduling, to assist you in arranging your honors courses and research requirements with your major course schedule.  
• Graduate “with Honors” and/or “with Honors Research Distinction” on your diploma. 
• Opportunity to live in one of our Honors residential communities, with access to programs and activities designed specifically for Honors students.  

Ohio State Scholars Program

Yes, Scholars students are required to live in their designated residence hall during their first year unless they are a commuter student or student with an approved housing exception. The residential living component is an important part of our Scholars Program activities. Scholars students will be matched with roommates from their Scholars Program and will not be able to bring in non-Scholars roommates. 

In order to be correctly placed with your Scholars program, you must complete your residence hall contract and submit your housing fee by the deadline. Housing assignments are made based upon the date when students submit their residence hall contracts online. Depending upon demand for Scholars housing, it is possible for it to reach capacity.  Therefore, Scholars housing is not guaranteed.  While contracts submitted after the deadline will still be accepted, housing will be unable to accommodate these late submissions with their Scholars cohort.  

No, you can be enrolled in any major and apply to be a part of any of our 16 Scholars programs. We encourage students to pursue a theme they are passionate about, regardless of their major.  

There are many benefits students enjoy as a part of being a part of the Scholars Program. These include but are not limited to:  

• Choice of 16 Scholars Programs offering themed experiences for students outside of the classroom including social, service, and career opportunities.  
• Live with your fellow Scholars cohort members in a designated residence hall as a part of your Scholars Living Learning Community.  
• Take a first-year seminar course with your Scholars cohort all about your program theme and how to make the most of your Scholars experience.  
• Have opportunities to network with your peers and be involved as a part of your Scholars Leadership Council.  ​​​​
• Have access to your Scholars Program Manager, the staff member leading your Scholars Program and serving as an expert in your respective Scholars theme.  
• Receive college-level priority course scheduling to meet Scholars participation requirements. 
• Graduate with a Milestone: “completed Ohio State Scholars Program” on your university transcript.​ 

Stamps Eminence Scholarship Program

No. There is a separate application process for the Stamps Eminence Scholarship Program. Decisions on admission to each program will be rendered separately.

Yes. All students that receive the Stamps Eminence Scholarship must be Honors students. If a student has applied for the Ohio State Scholars program and the Stamp Eminence Scholarship Program and is selected as a finalist for the Stamps Eminence program, they will be moved into the Honors program.

The link and information regarding the Stamps Eminence Scholarship Program application details, deadline, and instructions can be found here .

No, only U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply.

Miscellaneous

Yes, our front desk staff at the University Honors and Scholars Center is staffed by our own Honors and Scholars students. Prospective students can call our office at 614-292-3135 during our regular office hours and speak to one of our student office employees. You can also email us at  [email protected]  to have your questions answered by one of our student office employees or staff member best equipped to answer your inquiry.

Honors-specific dates for orientation can all be viewed at orientation.osu.edu . If a prospective student hasn’t received a decision from our office yet and needs to schedule an orientation, we recommend that they schedule a general orientation date. If you are admitted to the University Honors Program after scheduling your orientation date, please call or email University Orientation to change orientation dates to one for your respective program of admission. Our office cannot change orientation dates nor do we set them. Scholars students schedule and attend general orientation dates based on their major. 

Yes, many MSP recipients take part in our Honors and Scholars Programs. Students can also participate in the ODI Scholars Program run through the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and belong to University Honors Program or one of our 16 Scholars Programs. If you are part of the Scholars Program, you have to live in your Scholars cohort rather than MSP housing. 

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Business Honors Program (BHP)

Business Honors Program Application Class of 2025 apply by March 18; all others rolling admissions.

Qualified students can graduate with honors in the College of Business. Admission requirements for the honors program include an overall GPA of 3.5 or higher. To graduate with honors requires an accumulated GPA of 3.5 or better, fulfillment of the courses below and presenting at URECA. Students’ progress and performance will be monitored throughout the program. Students who perform poorly (below a cumulative 3.5 GPA) in their academic studies will be counseled and warned that they are in jeopardy of being dropped from the BHP. Following at least one warning, such students will not be permitted to continue in the BHP. Students entering as a business major, either as an existing Stony Brook student or transfer student, will be evaluated under the same criteria for curriculum and admittance to the BHP.

• Required Courses (each 3 credits):
• BUS 495 Business Honors Program Thesis (Capstone Experience)
• BUS 496 Business Honors Program Thesis (Capstone Experience)

The College of Business Honors Program Capstone  enables junior and senior undergraduate students to pursue a track of excellence of their choice required for graduation. These tracks include, but are not limited to:

• Work with a research-active faculty member in a business department of choice. The business faculty member will serve as an advisor to assist with research design and implementation that is showcased at the Undergraduate Research & Creative Activities (URECA) Campus wide poster symposium.
• Partner with a corporate sponsor to design an experiential program for your senior year that promotes the synergies of learning for the organization as well as the student body at the COB. This Honors Capstone requires a well thought out project/plan with a reflection piece that is shared with the employer and the COB.
• Design and producing a program/project that incorporates research and analysis in a specialization of your choice, working with a PhD faculty mentor who serves as a mentor pursuing research in a particular specialization with a predetermined learning outcome.
• Complete a business plan as your Honors thesis, working with a faculty member in innovation or entrepreneurship.
• Pursuing social entrepreneurship/community impact by taking on a project grounding in creating innovative solutions to society’s social problems. This Honors Capstone will require a written implementation proposal incorporating research, analysis, possible a corporate sponsor and an implementation plan.
• Create a project that entails leadership on the Stony brook University Campus and the use of planning, organizing and orchestrating an idea from conception to a measurable end result. This Honors Capstone will require a written implementation proposal incorporating research, analysis and an implementation plan.
• Consult Broadridge, a Fortune 500 company, in a 15-student, three-team, Fall (only) course designed to add value to Broadridge.  Includes frequent communication and experiences with senior executives. The Spring track for this option is geared towards student success post-graduation with networking and campus activities to engage with industry professionals.
• Past Sponsors Include: Boys and Girls Club of the Bellport Area, Brookhaven National Laboratory Department of Energy, Girls Inc., Make-A-Wish Foundation, Patient Airlift Services, Spark Ideas Digital Marketing and Strategy, Suffolk Long Island Mentor and Mentee, The Long Island Coalition Against Bullying, and more.

Acceptance to the Business Honors Program

• Applicants must complete the BHP application which includes a 250-500 word essay. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so you are encouraged to apply at any time.

Please note:

Students who have been found guilty of academic dishonesty, regardless of having successfully completed the Q course:

• May not graduate with University honors. No exceptions to this policy will be made for students graduating with majors in the College of Business.

View a recording of a previous Information Session:

If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Student Services at  [email protected]  or the Director of the Business Honors Program [email protected] .

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Prospective Freshmen: Fall 2024

Apply for admission and scholarships.

The IU Indianapolis Honors College is comprised of students from a wide variety of academic disciplines. We're a close-knit community of scholars that offers a robust four-year academic and scholarship experience. All incoming freshmen who apply to the Honors College will be considered for both admission and four-year scholarship opportunities, and students may apply for one or more of our four competitive scholarship programs.

To be eligible to apply for admission and scholarships, you must have a minimum cumulative high school GPA of a 3.75 or higher.

Admission expectations

Admission to the IU Indianapolis Honors College is competitive. Successful applicants will have a strong academic record as evident on their high school transcript , with mostly A and B grades in academic coursework. The Admission and Scholarship Review Committee find that choosing challenging courses in high school demonstrates a greater likelihood for success in honors coursework.

Though a strong transcript is essential for selection, we do conduct a holistic review using supplemental materials. The scholarship resume should not only list activities but also provide the time commitment involved and the position held by the applicant, the scholarship essays should demonstrate an interest in joining our Honors College community and a dedication to the challenging curriculum, and the sample of academic work  should indicate an understanding of the level of difficulty of college-level assignments. Each of these components of the application provide the review committee the information necessary to make an admission decision.

IU Indianapolis Honors College scholarships

All students selected for admission to the IU Indianapolis Honors College will receive one of the scholarships below.  Please note that students admitted to the Honors College will be awarded an Honors Scholarship, which replaces the admission-based Jaguar Excellence Award.

IU Indianapolis Chancellor's Scholars Program

Indiana residents, nonresidents, and international students may apply.

The IU Indianapolis  Chancellor's Scholars Program  is designed for highly motivated, well-rounded incoming freshmen who have excelled in high school and are committed to academic excellence.

Midwest Student Exchange Program and Student Excellence Award  recipients are eligible to receive $8,000 annually for four years.

Bepko, Presidential, and Plater Scholarships

While most honors scholars will be receiving the Chancellor’s Scholarship, some will receive the Bepko, Presidential, or Plater Scholarships.

These scholarships require additional application materials and have a strict application deadline of November 15. Prospective students chosen as finalists for one of these scholarships will participate in an interview in January, which will determine final award selection.

Eligible students may apply for one or more of these scholarships, but may only receive one of our four Honors College scholarships. If a student is selected to receive the Bepko, Presidential, or Plater scholarship, it will replace the Chancellor’s Scholarship.

Bepko Scholars and Fellows Program

Indiana residents and international students* may apply.

The   Bepko Scholars and Fellows Program   is designed for students who demonstrate integrity, dedication, leadership, and a commitment to service.

Students selected for this scholarship program receive undergraduate tuition, fees, a $2,500 study abroad stipend, and books for four years of study. Bepko Scholars also receive two years of on-campus housing and are required to live in the Honors Residential-Based Learning Community (RBLC) during their freshman year.

Bepko Scholars who attend IU Indianapolis for graduate or professional study receive $5,000 per year for four years and are named Bepko Fellows.

* One international student will be selected for the Bepko Scholarship. For more information on undergraduate admission and scholarship opportunities for international students, please visit the IU Indianapolis International Affairs website .

Adam W. Herbert Presidential Scholars Program

Indiana residents may apply.

The  Adam W. Herbert Presidential Scholarship  is designed for outstanding Indiana high school seniors with extensive leadership experience.

Students selected for this scholarship receive $12,000 per year for four years of study, a $2,500 study abroad stipend, a $1,500 housing stipend during their freshman year for on-campus housing, and a $1,200 one-time award for supplemental educational expenses (e.g., laptop, books, equipment).

Plater International Scholars Program

Indiana residents and   international* students may apply.

The   Plater International Scholars Program   is designed for exceptional incoming freshmen with an interest in international affairs and cross-cultural experiences.

Students selected for this scholarship receive $12,000 per year for four years of study, a $2,500 study abroad stipend, and a $2,500 housing stipend for their freshman year.

* One international student will be selected for the Plater International Scholarship. For more information on undergraduate admission and scholarship opportunities for international students, please visit the IU Indianapolis International Affairs website .

Applying to the IU Indianapolis Honors College

Before you apply to the IU Indianapolis Honors College, you must apply and be admitted to IU Indianapolis. Incoming freshmen interested in applying for the Bepko, Presidential, or Plater Scholarships must apply to IU Indianapolis before November 1.

All students interested in admission to the IU Indianapolis Honors College are encouraged to apply to IU Indianapolis as early in the senior year as possible. Once admitted to IU Indianapolis, students will be able to apply for admission to the Honors College and our scholarships. The Honors College admission and scholarship application for incoming freshmen may be accessed through the IU scholarship application.

The deadline to submit all application materials is November 15 for the Bepko, Presidential, and Plater Scholarships and February 15 for the Chancellor’s Scholarship.

IU Indianapolis Honors College admission timeline

• November 1: Deadline to apply to IU Indianapolis if you're planning on applying for the Bepko, Presidential, or Plater Scholarships.
• November 15: Deadline to apply to the IU Indianapolis Honors College if you're applying for the Bepko, Presidential, or Plater Scholarships. Please note that if you plan to apply for any of these scholarships, you must apply for admission and the Chancellor’s Scholarship at this time as well.
• Mid-December: Admission, scholarship, and interview decisions for students who applied for the Bepko, Presidential, or Plater Scholarships.
• January: Interviews take place for the Bepko, Presidential, and Plater Scholarship finalists.
• Mid-February: Decision notifications for the Bepko, Presidential, and Plater Scholarship finalists go out.
• February 15: Deadline to apply to the IU Indianapolis Honors College if interested only in the Chancellor’s Scholarship.
• Mid-March: Final decision notifications for students who applied only for the Chancellor’s Scholarship go out.
• May 1: Decision deadline for the IU Indianapolis Honors College.

Application checklist for admission and the Chancellor's Scholarship

General application of iu scholarship application.

You can view more details about the general application here .

Transcripts

Since you’ve already applied and submitted your high school transcript to IU Indianapolis, we'll work with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions to obtain it, as well as any other transcripts you may have sent to them, i.e. college/university coursework.

Scholarship resume

In order for our selection committee to get to know you more personally, please make sure you have completed the IU Indianapolis General Application sections listed below as thoroughly as possible. You are welcome to go back into the General Application and revise any of the sections below as long as you do so before the application deadline. Within the Volunteer and Community Service Experience, Leadership Experience and Extra-Curricular Activity Experience sections, you will see an option titled, If Other Type Selected Please Describe , we ask that you use that space to expand upon your experiences by including the italicized below.

• Volunteer and Community Service Experience ( add dates and description of service experiences )
• Leadership Experience ( add dates and more information regarding positions held )
• Extra-Curricular Activity Experience ( add dates and more information regarding activities )
• Honors and Awards
• Work Experience

Sample of academic work

All applicants must provide a sample of academic work. Our review committee is looking for evidence of your potential for success in an honors curriculum.

Your submission may be from any discipline, regardless of your intended major, as long as it is your original, individual academic work. A research paper from an AP English course would be an example of an appropriate choice, though we anticipate many students will wish to submit an academic artifact that is not a traditional writing sample. Examples may include, but are not limited to, a science project or lab report; an electronic portfolio; a class, forensics, or science fair presentation; and a capstone, research, or seminar project.

Applicants are encouraged to select an artifact that best represents their academic ability. If the submission includes a grade, the review committee will not factor that grade into their decision. For that reason, we recommend that you select a sample of your work that has been edited and revised over time. Examples of unacceptable submissions would be a quiz, test, or group project; we want to see something that is your individual work that took some time and effort outside of a single class period to produce.

You'll also submit a paragraph explaining why your chosen artifact is a strong example of your academic ability and potential for success in the IU Indianapolis Honors College. In conducting our review of your application, this paragraph is crucial to help us understand the learning represented in your academic artifact. In this paragraph, be sure to reflect on the artifact and the learning process you went through to create it—what did you accomplish in your chosen artifact and what did you learn about the subject, yourself, your educational growth, and your potential for success as an Honors College student?

Finally you will be asked to provide a name and email address of a teacher or other academic professional who can verify that the artifact is your original work.

School counselor reference

When applying for admission to the Honors College, you'll be required to submit one reference form from your school counselor.* We'll ask you to provide their name and email address, and we'll contact them with the required form. Please make sure that you give them adequate notice so we can receive their response by the application deadline.

*If you are a homeschooled student and do not have a traditional school counselor, an appropriate substitute would be the coordinator of your home school program. Please note that we cannot accept recommendations from a family member.

Please respond to the following prompt, which will be used for selection for both admission to the Honors College and the Chancellor’s Scholarship. You must type or copy and paste your essay directly into the online application.

Reflecting on your experience as a highly motivated student, in a 400–600 word essay, choose one example from your high school coursework and/or activities and explain how it demonstrates why you are a strong candidate for the IU Indianapolis Honors College. In addition, aside from the financial resources, discuss what appeals to you about our Honors College community.

Application checklist for Bepko, Presidential, and Plater Scholarships

Honors college admission/chancellor's scholarship application.

You can find additional information about Honors College admission and the Chancellor's Scholarship application here .

You must first submit your Chancellor’s Scholarship application before applying for the Bepko, Presidential, or Plater Scholarships.

Bepko Scholarship

You can view more information about the Bepko Scholarship above .

For Indiana residents and international students only

Essay prompt

Write an essay, from 800 to 1,000 words, that describes your experiences in community service and volunteerism, specifically address your role(s) and lessons learned. What social issues did you become aware of as a result of your service experiences, and what effect, if any, did this have on your worldview? Discuss one social issue that you’d like to continue your involvement with in college and why this issue is important to you.

In addition to the resume submitted as part of the general application, students applying for the Bepko Scholarship must submit a scholarship resume detailing experiences relevant to service. We understand that the general application scholarship resume will likely have all of these experiences listed; however, we're interested in seeing scholarship candidates highlight their most relevant experiences on this additional resume submission.

Letter of recommendation

Students applying for the Bepko Scholarship will be asked to submit a reference form specific to the scholarship itself. Your recommender must be someone other than the school counselor who will be providing your reference for admission to the Honors College and cannot be a family member. We strongly suggest that you share the details of the Bepko Scholarship with your recommender. You will be asked to provide the recommender’s name, affiliation, and email address. Please make sure that you give them adequate notice so that we can receive their response by 5 p.m. on November 15.

Presidential Scholarship

You can view more information about the Presidential Scholarship above .

For Indiana residents only

Write an essay, from 800 to 1,000 words, that discusses a successful leadership experience you've had during high school. Describe the skills that make you a successful leader and how you developed them. How do you plan to get involved and use these skills to help you accomplish your personal and professional goals at IU Indianapolis and the IU Indianapolis Honors College?

In addition to the resume submitted as part of the general application, students applying for the Presidential Scholarship must submit a scholarship resume detailing experiences relevant to leadership. We understand that the general application scholarship resume will likely have all of these experiences listed; however, we're interested in seeing scholarship candidates highlight their most relevant experiences on this additional resume submission.

Students applying for the Presidential Scholarship will be asked to submit a reference form specific to the scholarship itself. This recommender must be someone other than the school counselor who will be providing your reference for admission to the Honors College and cannot be a family member. We strongly suggest that you share the details of the Presidential Scholarship with your recommender. You will be asked to provide the recommender’s name, affiliation, and email address. Please make sure that you give them adequate notice so that we can receive their response by 5 p.m. on November 15.

Plater Scholarship

You can view more information about the Plater Scholarship above .

Write an essay, from 800 to 1,000 words, that discusses the importance of globalization and cross-cultural competency. What have you done to improve your global awareness and understanding of different cultures? Have you taken any initiatives to promote these values in your community? As a Plater International Scholar at IU Indianapolis and the IU Indianapolis Honors College, what international experiences would you like to pursue and why?

In addition to the resume submitted as part of the general application, students applying for the Plater Scholarship must submit a scholarship resume detailing experiences relevant to international and cross-cultural involvement. We understand that the general application scholarship resume will likely have all of these experiences listed; however, we're interested in seeing scholarship candidates highlight their most relevant experiences on this additional resume submission.

Students applying for the Plater Scholarship will be asked to submit a reference form specific to the scholarship itself. This recommender must be someone other than the school counselor who will be providing your reference for admission to the Honors College and cannot be a family member. We strongly suggest that you share the details of the Plater Scholarship with your recommender. You will be asked to provide the recommender’s name, affiliation, and email address. Please make sure that you give them adequate notice so that we can receive their response by 5 p.m. on November 15.

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Admission to Engineering Honors

Students interested in living in the optional Engineering Honors living learning community (Engineering Honors Community of Scholars - ECOS) need to complete their Engineering Honors (EH) application by the EH application deadline for incoming freshmen ( February 15)  and  apply to live in the Engineering Village @ The Commons LLC  as soon as possible to be eligible for a spot, because spaces fill fast.

Apply for Engineering Honors Today!

Engineering Honors Information

• Eligibility for the Engineering Honors program
• Admission to the Engineering Honors program

Eligibility for Engineering Honors

• Admission is competitive. Review of applications is holistic, with the goal of identifying students who will benefit the most from and bring the most to the program. Approximately 10% of each class will be admitted to the program.

Incoming Freshmen

• Incoming freshmen who have applied to Texas A&M University with a preference for engineering.
• Incoming freshmen who are accepted to the College of Engineering at the College Station campus, including students in the Texas A&M Engineering-Blinn program.
• Incoming freshmen who are accepted to the Bachelor of Arts in computing program offered by the Department of Computer Science and Engineering.

Current Students

• Engineering students must have an overall GPA of 3.5 or better.
• Transfer engineering students who enter with a 3.5 GPA or higher may register for honors courses and can apply to the program after their first semester at Texas A&M.

Students are admitted to the Engineering Honors program on a competitive basis. Applications are submitted through an online application system, found in the "Deadlines" section below. The application requires information about the applicant including the following:

For Current Status Choice:

• Incoming freshmen who haven't yet begun classes at Texas A&M choose "Incoming Freshman."
• Transfer students in their first semester at Texas A&M, thus without a cumulative GPA, choose "Transfer Student."
• All other applicants with a cumulative Texas A&M GPA or currently taking classes at Texas A&M, choose "Current TAMU Student."

For Academic Performance, please include:

• High school performance information (including high school transcript) required for incoming freshmen.
• Unofficial transcript required for current students.

Application required materials:

• One letter of reference.
• An essay describing the benefits of participating in undergraduate research and specific research topics the student has interest in exploring.
• Answers to three short answer questions detailing additional information, perspective on recent engineering news, and experiences the student found significant in preparing them to be successful as an engineering student.
• An electronic signature and statement of honor.

Students who have questions about eligibility or the application process should  email the Engineering Honors program .

Incoming Freshmen and Incoming Transfer Students

Fall 2024  - Submit your application using  this Engineering Honors online application portal . The deadline for all incoming freshmen and incoming transfer students to complete their Engineering Honors application is February 15.

To be considered for a place in the Engineering Honors Community of Scholars (ECOS) , please see below:

• For the Engineering Honors Community of Scholars (ECOS) -   In addition to completing an application to the Engineering Honors program, students also must  apply to live in the Engineering Village @ The Commons LLC  to be considered for a spot in ECOS. Students who complete their Engineering Honors application after our deadline will not be eligible for a spot in our dorm.

Submit your application to  the Engineering Honors online application portal .

*Make sure you choose the correct semester when creating an application.*

• Spring: Tuesday, December 19, 2023
• Fall:  Wednesday, May 15, 2024

• News & Events

Mitchell S. Jackson to Speak at Convocation

The celebration is Monday, June 10, 2 to 4 p.m. at the Ryan Fieldhouse, 2333 Campus Drive on Northwestern’s Evanston campus. A reception for graduates and their families follows the ceremony.

Jackson, the author of the award-winning books The Residue Years and the memoir Survival Math: Notes on an All-American Family , is a contributing writer for The New York Times Magazine, a columnist for  Esquire , and a highly sought after speaker. A formerly incarcerated person, Jackson is also a social justice advocate who, as part of his outreach, visits prisons and youth facilities in the United States and abroad.

“Mitch Jackson is one of the great social commentators of the decade,” said School of Education and Social Policy Dean Bryan McKinley Jones Brayboy, the Carlos Montezuma Professor. “Whether it’s his treatment in the role of race in the killing of Armaud Arbery or how Chicago’s Bo Jackson navigated being a two-sport athlete, his insightful critique and important illuminations of challenges and the opportunities in front of us are remarkable.”

In addition to Jackson’s keynote, Convocation features the annual Alumni Leadership Award, given to an undergraduate and graduate student for exceptional leadership in the School of Education and Social Policy, at Northwestern, and beyond. Graduating seniors  Kyla Neely (social policy) and Yaurie Hwang (learning sciences) are the 2024 Convocation co-chairs.  

About Jackson  

Jackson won the 2021 Pulitzer Prize in Feature Writing for a “deeply affecting account of the killing of Ahmaud Arbery that combined vivid writing, thorough reporting and personal experience to shed light on systemic racism in America” according to the judges. The piece, called “ Twelve Minutes and a Life ” and published in Runner’s World , also won a National Magazine Award in Feature Writing.

His debut novel The Residue Years  won a Whiting Award and The Ernest J. Gaines Prize for Literary Excellence. His essay collection  Survival Math: Notes on an All-American Family  was named a best book of 2019 by fifteen publications. Jackson is also the author of Fly: The Big Book of Basketball Fashion, described by The New York Times , as “A coffee-table book that elevates the subject to the same decorative status as a Dior or Gucci monograph.”

Jackson’s other honors include fellowships, grants, and awards from the John Simon Guggenheim Foundation, Creative Capital, the Cullman Center of the NYPL, the Lannan Foundation, PEN, and TED .

His writing has been featured on the cover of the  New York Times Magazine , the New York Times Book Review ,  Time ,  Esquire , and Men’s Health , as well as in  The New Yorker , Harpers , Harper’s Bazaar , The Paris Review , The Guardian , and elsewhere.

As a public speaker, Jackson has delivered lectures and keynote addresses both in the US and abroad, including the TED Conference, the Ubud (Bali) Writers and Readers Festival, the Sydney Writers’ Festival; the Hegra Conference of Nobel Laureates and Friends; as well as at Yale University, Brown University, Cornell University, Columbia University, Oberlin College, UCLA, and other esteemed institutions.   

Photo Credit: John Ricard

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7 Honors College Students to be selected for publication in premiere nonfiction student review, Limina!

April 29, 2024 - Anna Abeyta

Limina , formerly known as Best Student Essays (BSE) , stands as the premier nonfiction student review at the University of New Mexico. Published annually, it invites submissions from both undergraduate and graduate students across all disciplines. Limina welcomes a diverse range of nonfiction pieces, encompassing essays, research papers, scientific writing, memoirs, photo essays, foreign language compositions with English translations, and more.  

The recent release of Limina 's 34th volume on Saturday, April 13, brought great delight as it announced the inclusion of seven Honors College students in this year's edition.  

Five of these outstanding students submitted works cultivated in their Honors classes, with the invaluable support of their dedicated professors. These students and their respective works are:  

- "Conscience as Justification: Excusing Dorian in The Picture of Dorian Gray" by Rae Wilson (mentored by faculty member Renee Faubion, Honors College)  

- "The Lure Made of Gold: How 'Hamilton' and 'West Side Story' Portray the Bitter Reality of the American Dream" by Sherwin Thiyagarajan (mentored by faculty member Maria Szasz, Honors College)  

- "Calf" by Addison Key (mentored by faculty member Maria Szasz, Honors College)  

- "Homelessness and Gentrification as Evidence of Postmodernism in Rudolfo Anaya’s Rio Grande Fall" by Charlotte Auh (mentored by Myrriah Gómez, Honors College)  

- "Magical Ignorance" by Flora Granados (mentored by Myrriah Gómez, Honors College)  

Additionally, two other Honors students who submitted their original work were also selected:  

- “Discord or Harmony” by Sachi Barnaby    

- “Men of Metal and Angels of Meat: On the Philosophical Implications of Al Sentience” by Addison Fulton  

We take immense pride in the accomplishments of these students, whose dedication and talent shine brightly in this esteemed publication!  

Recent News

7 Honors College Students to be selected for publication in premiere nonfiction student review, Limina! April 29, 2024

UNM Honors Student Ian Hutchinson Receives Prestigious Global Research Awards for Studies in Paraguay April 25, 2024

New Mexico Basic Needs Consortium part of $1.7 billion effort to end hunger and build healthy communities March 14, 2024

UNM Honors College Associate Professor Awarded 2023 Southwest Book Award! February 13, 2024

I-Design program symposium events to raise awareness of new undergrad certificate program February 12, 2024

News Archives

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University of New England Honors Top Students with 2024 University Awards

The University of New England celebrated the exceptional academic achievements and community contributions of its undergraduate students at the 2024 University Awards ceremony. Held at the Harold Alfond Forum on UNE's Biddeford Campus on Tuesday, April 23, the annual event provides an opportunity to formally recognize students who have demonstrated outstanding scholarship, leadership, and service.

The awards are the result of a rigorous selection process by a committee comprising representatives from the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), the Faculty Assembly Student Affairs Committee, the Global Education Program, the CAS Internship Office, the UNE Office of Student Affairs, and the Westbrook College of Health Professions (WCHP) faculty. 

By honoring its highest-performing and most engaged students, UNE reinforces its commitment to fostering academic excellence and developing future leaders dedicated to serving their communities.

“The UNE community consists of many different groups of people, and this event brings us all together to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our students,” said Jonathan Millen, Ph.D., dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, during the awards ceremony. “At UNE, we take academic excellence and student leadership very seriously. We also understand that the achievements we celebrate on campus are just the beginning, a foundation for an even greater set of accomplishments that you will attain as you go out into the world."

University Awards

Alumni council essay contest award.

The 2024 essay prompt explores the tension between the growing reliance on AI in our lives and the ethical, moral, and human considerations that guide decision-making. It highlights the limitations of AI in capturing the nuances and intangible factors that shape real-life choices. The students were asked to reconcile this conflict and share perspectives on how to balance the increasing influence of AI with the ethical and moral values that should underpin our personal and professional decisions.

Recipients:

First Place: “Human Identity in an AI Filled World” by Edward Iannuzzi-Sucich

Second Place: “What AI Can't Replace” by Alexa Livingston

Third Place: “Our Future With AI” by Elaina Sarsfield

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

For any student who has demonstrated an exemplary commitment to serve others in the University or greater community. Academic achievement must also have been demonstrated. Examples of the nominee’s service contributions for this current academic year and other years are requested.

Recipient: 

Sophia Moschella (Medical Biology and Medical Science, ’24)

GLOBAL EDUCATION AWARD

For any student who has demonstrated an exemplary commitment to global citizenship by participating in UNE Global Education programs, such as semester or year abroad, faculty-led travel course(s), volunteer programs or internship(s) abroad. Examples of the nominee's global experiences for this current academic year and other years are requested.

Grace Curley (Neuroscience, ’24)

HANNAH FIELDS-LENEHAN FINE ARTS AWARD

This award honors the legacy of Tim Lenehan ’71’s mother, Hannah Fields-Lenehan, by celebrating the value of artistic and creative expression in all people. All undergraduate students are invited to submit artwork to be voted on by UNE community members. The top three students who receive the most votes are awarded special recognition.

First Place: Jhana Prue

Second Place: Thomas Garcia

Third Place: Marissa Carter

JACQUES DOWNS AWARD FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Recognizes the most accomplished UNE College of Arts and Sciences graduating senior. Considerations for this award are primarily the student’s academic achievement (overall GPA, number of semesters on the Dean’s List, and academic awards and scholarships), scholarly work (original undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative activity), and service considerations during their UNE career.

Recipient: Kaylee Emery, (Medical Biology and Medical Science, ’24)

JUNIOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AWARD

For any junior who has excelled in their academics. Considerations for this award are primarily the student’s academic achievements (overall GPA, number of semesters on the Dean’s List, and academic awards and scholarships), collegiality, and scholarly work (original undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative activity). Service considerations during their UNE career will also be considered.

Brooklynn Merrill (Neuroscience, ’25)

SOPHOMORE ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AWARD

For any sophomore who has excelled in their academics. Considerations for this award are primarily the student’s academic achievements (overall GPA, number of semesters on the Dean’s List, and academic awards and scholarships), collegiality, and scholarly work (original undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative activity). Service contributions during their UNE career will also be considered.

Will DeFroscia (Chemistry, ’26)

STUDENT LEADER AWARD

For any student who has demonstrated excellence in leadership at the University. The nominee should demonstrate a commitment to excellence that results in positive change in the University community, possess a balanced collegiate lifestyle, and serve as a role model. Examples of specific contributions for this current academic year and other years are requested. Academic achievements will also be considered.

Ashleigh Marshall (Nursing, 24)

SUSAN J. HILLMAN SCIENCE/MATH EDUCATION AWARD

This award is for a UNE College of Arts and Sciences student who shows dedication to STEM education and professional promise as a STEM educator. Students with formal (classroom) or informal (outreach) teaching experience in STEM fields including, but not limited to, mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, neuroscience, environmental science, and psychology will be considered. The awardee should have a bright intellect and be known as a role model and mentor among their peers.

Cassandra McKiel (Elementary/Middle Education, ’24)

EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION AWARD

For the undergraduate who has accomplished professional preparation, civic engagement, and global awareness as critical to their academic career (and liberal arts education) through diverse involvement in experiential education programs offered on the University campus including internships, research, community service, and global education. Involvement in three or more of the above areas is required. Demonstrated leadership in at least two of the above areas is preferred.

Megan Pike (Marine Science, ’24)

CAS DEAN’S LEADERSHIP AWARD

The College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Leadership Award was established to honor a CAS student who exemplifies the value of a liberal arts education by bringing together academic excellence with demonstrated applications beyond the classroom while also engaging in leadership activities in the college. 

Samantha Lagasse (Psychology, ’24)

Outstanding Researcher/Scholar in the Natural Sciences

Peter Swanson (Chemistry, ’24)

Outstanding Graduate Researcher/Scholar

Aubrey Jane (M.S. Marine Sciences, ’24)

EXCELLENCE IN GRADUATE TEACHING AWARD

Kathyrn McGee (M.S. Biological Sciences, ’25)

College of Business

Outstanding student award for business administration.

Rachel Sledjeski ’24

Outstanding Student Award for Sport and Recreation Management

Tyler Calhoun ’24

Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies

Outstanding student for gender, women, and sexuality studies.

Dez Schrankel ’24

Jessica Cox Henderson 1886 Award for Activism

Elizabeth Mitchell ’24

School of Arts and Humanities

Outstanding student award for art.

Lilliana Gurney ’24

Outstanding Student Award for Communications

Mya Hankes ’24

Outstanding Student Award for English

Victoria Robichaud ’24

Outstanding Student Award for History

Benjamin Fitzgerald ’24

Outstanding Student Award for Writing

Thomas Garcia, ’24

School of Education

Outstanding student award for art education.

Daphne Wilkerson ’24

Outstanding Student Award for Elementary/Middle Education

Cassie McKiel ’24

Outstanding Student Award for Education Studies

Juliet Fluty ’24

Outstanding Student Award for Special Education

Lauren Lepage ’24

School of Biological Sciences

Outstanding student award for biological sciences.

Sienna Matregrano ’24

Outstanding Student Award for Medical Biology – Medical Sciences

Anjana Govindaraj ’24

Outstanding Student Award for Medical Biology – Pre-Physician Assistant

Karl Mohr ’24

School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences

Outstanding student award for applied mathematics.

Cormac Collins ’24

Outstanding Student Award for Biochemistry

Recipients: .

Shannon Alvino ’24 and Savannah Wakita ’24

Outstanding Student Award for Chemistry

Peter Swanson ’24

Outstanding Student Award for Data Science

AJ Lusty ’24

School of Marine and Environmental Programs

Outstanding student award for marine entrepreneurship.

Timothy Michalik ’24

Outstanding Student Award for Marine Sciences – Oceanography 

Recipient: Willa Dolley ’ 24

Outstanding Student Award for Marine Sciences ­– Marine Biology

Sophia Tearman ’24

Outstanding Student Award for Marine Affairs

Sophie Piette ’24

Outstanding Student Award for Aquaculture and Aquarium Science

Daniel Lucas ’24

Outstanding Student Award for Sustainability and Business

Alyssa Wallingford ’24

Outstanding Student Award for Environmental Studies

Nikki Valentine ’24

Outstanding Student Award for Environmental Science

Matthew Pittsley ’24

School of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Outstanding student award for animal behavior.

Addy Leifer ’24

Outstanding Student Award for Applied Social and Cultural Studies

Anika Koopman ’24 

Outstanding Student for Mental Health Rehabilitation

Lauryn Alley ’24

Outstanding Student Award for Neuroscience

Connor Nowak ’24

Outstanding Student Award for Political Science

Aiden Hosein ’24

Outstanding Student Award for Psychology

Gracie Ouellette ’24

About the University of New England

The University of New England is Maine’s largest private university , with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of flexible, accredited online degrees . In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state’s top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine’s only medical college , Maine’s only dental college , a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs , as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees , natural and social sciences degrees , arts and humanities degrees , and business degrees .