April 2nd, 2022
Is It Hard to Get into Honors College?
An Honors College within a university provides a specialized learning experience for students who aspire to be academically challenged. The curriculum isn’t necessarily more difficult, but it is different from the curriculum found in regular classes. The same can be said for the application process—the admissions requirements are different from the typical college application process. But if you want to be academically challenged and be in class with likeminded students, Honors College is a path to consider.
Honors College Application Process
Universities differ in how they choose Honors College students. Some pull data from incoming applicants and invite them to apply. Others ask you to make the decision to apply directly into Honors College from the start. Or you may need to first be accepted to the university before being allowed to apply.
To get into an Honors College, you need to meet certain admissions requirements that help ensure that you will be able to handle the academic rigor of the curriculum. Minimum requirements may include:
- An unweighted high school GPA between 3.0 and 3.5
- Specific scores on the ACT or SAT exams
- Demonstrated high achievement in honors or advanced placement courses in lieu of or in addition to standardized test scores
In addition to the application, you may also be required to:
Write an Essay
Share something unique about you that you think will set you apart from other applicants. Explain why you want to be accepted into the college. You can speak to a life’s passion, a unique hobby, or an adventure you went on that made a lasting impression. Some universities expect you to think about your career and your future self. The most important message to get across to the admissions team is who you are and why you belong in the Honors College.
Include Letters of Recommendation
The Honors College will likely require at least one reference to vouch for your candidacy. The letter should come from a teacher, guidance counselor, mentor, or employer who has worked closely with you and is familiar with your personal character, academic achievements, and overall work ethic. It should outline your achievements and explain why you’d be an asset to the Honors College.
Participate in an Interview
You may need to go through a video interview with the Honors College Dean or a committee member to discuss your interest in becoming an honors student and your qualifications. This is also an opportunity to assess whether the Honors College is a good decision for you personally. Be sure to come prepared with any questions you might have about the program.
Benefits of an Honors College
Once you are admitted into the Honors College, you have committed to academic excellence and need to maintain a 3.0 to a 4.0 GPA in all coursework until graduation. Although it can be challenging to do so while juggling the other demands of college life, there are many benefits to being an honors student. For one thing, you’ll be challenged to think differently. Instead of presenting a speech to your Public Speaking class, for example, you might present to a civic organization. You’ll also be involved in different types of learning, including service learning, research projects, or faculty collaborations, and engaging class discussions. Here are some other benefits sometimes offered:
- Smaller class sizes and more personalized attention from professors
- Networking opportunities with alumni and other students
- Priority registration
- Priority housing for upperclassmen. Freshmen can pay the double room rate for a single room.
- A monetary stipend
- Funded research presentations
- Special events and activities designed just for honors students
As an honors student, you’ll also belong to a cohort of students that will become a community for you throughout your college journey. And when you successfully complete the program requirements, you receive special recognition at your graduation ceremony.
If you’re ready to reap the rewards of an engaging and challenging college experience, apply to the Limestone University Honors College today. As an honors student, you will enjoy many benefits, including networking opportunities, funded research presentations, special events, and priority housing selection. Click the Request Information button to start on your specialized academic journey.
