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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. 

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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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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.

Tips for Applying

Honors essay prompt tips.

• Honors Essays should add additional information to your UW application – don’t repeat what you’ve already written in your general UW essays. Remember that Honors admissions reviews your entire UW application as part of the holistic review process.
• Read the prompts carefully and try your best to respond to the whole question.
• Don’t tell us what you think we want to hear! When students do this, they often end up repeating what we’ve said on our website. We want to learn about you and your individual interests – don’t be afraid to be different!
• Use the space wisely! Take the time to learn about our program, then answer the prompt with our curriculum in mind.
• Our essay prompt should not be a list your accomplishments or past achievements
• Reflection is a core value and component of our curriculum and we are looking for evidence of self reflection in your essays. Reflection can happen in many different ways, but a helpful place to start is to ask more questions that help you dig deeper into the initial prompt. Below we list some additional questions that you may want to consider.

Interdisciplinary Honors 2024 Essay

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.

We hope to see students demonstrate that they have done their research and that they understand the program that they are applying for. We want to see evidence of how their values and goals align with those of the UW Honors Program and why they are enthusiastic about joining this community. Here are some questions that may help you reflect more deeply on why you want to be a part of the Interdisciplinary Honors community:

• In your own words, what do you like about learning and pushing yourself outside your learning comfort zone?
• How does interdisciplinary learning enhance your understanding of the world?
• How do you hope to engage with what UW Honors offers to further your education and personal growth?
• How do you individually connect with the goals and values of the UW Honors Program and why are they important to you?
• Why does interdisciplinary learning matter to you personally? Why does it matter for our broader world?
• What have you done in the past that supports what you tell us in your essay? Don’t focus entirely on past experiences, but providing evidence to back up claims you make strengthens your essay.
• Why are you applying for Interdisciplinary Honors (as opposed to only pursuing Departmental Honors through your major)? If you plan to pursue both Honors pathways, explain what you hope to uniquely gain from pursuing a degree with Interdisciplinary Honors.
• Why is community important to you, and who do you hope to meet in the Interdisciplinary Honors community?

Read our First-year Overview

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: Open by appointment only during Summer 2024, as the Honors staff is available online.

© 2024 University of Washington | Seattle, WA

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Clark honors college menu, clark honors college, essay tips & prompt, the clark honors college essay requirements for admission .

Applying to the Clark Honors College requires two different essays:

• One using the Honors College prompt
• One from either the Oregon Application Personal Statement or the Common Application*

The UO general essay topic cannot be used to fulfill the Clark Honors College essay. You must complete both of them. 

(*Note: On the Common Application, the Honors College essay prompt will appear immediately below the honors question on your screen when you answer “yes” to apply.) 

Clark Honors College essay instructions: 

The Honors College strives to be a diverse, welcoming, and inclusive place. When faculty and staff review the applications, they are looking to see how you think and how your mind works. The best essays: 

• demonstrate effective storytelling 
• include thoughtful analysis 
• synthesize themes in a meaningful way 
• give a sense of your personality and unique perspective 

The CHC essay prompt:

Curiosity and breadth of interests are defining characteristics of Clark Honors College students. We value originality and want to learn more about your unique journey and the nature and breadth of your intellectual curiosity.

Please tell us about a specific enthusiasm that showcases your curiosity and intellectual engagement with the world. Your chosen enthusiasm or passion can be from any domain—academic, artistic, scientific, cultural, or any other area that has captivated your interest. Be thoughtful and provide concrete examples to support your response.

Please limit your response to a maximum of 500 words.

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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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• 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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How to Write Texas A&M (TAMU) Honors Essays

Texas A&M University, or TAMU, has a separate honors program application for college admissions. For the application, you have to answer a few short honors essay prompts. Today I will provide you some strategies and outlines for writing the best TAMU honors essays.

Prompt #1 :

Thousands of non-honors graduates of Texas A&M are well prepared for and obtain their first choice medical school, law school, graduate school, or employment after they graduate each year. If you were guaranteed the admission or job of your choice without being in the University Honors Program, why would the Honors Program be an essential experience for you? (250 words max.)

What is the the general strategy?

You want to show admissions officers that you have a reason for participating in the University Honors Program (a reason that goes beyond simple prestige).

In other words, they want to know that you have done your homework and know what kinds of opportunities TAMU honors offers students. Then they want to know that you can see yourself using these resources to their full potential.

After all, if they are claiming that regular students have great success, why would they waste a space on someone who doesn’t really know how they’d benefit from the University Honors Program?

You need to identify 1-2 KEY components of the honors program. Maybe there is more access to research. Maybe there are better relationships with professors. Maybe you have to complete a senior thesis. Whatever the case may be, focus only on a couple elements, so you can speak to those program offerings in detail.

What should your outline look like?

Paragraph 1 (50 words): Introduce why you think honors studies are generally important and identify the 1-2 key components of the TAMU honors program. Ex: You could say how you’ve taken honors classes in high school and how this rigorous environment has led to your best thinking. You think that TAMU honors represents the best environment because of its professor-mentored independent projects and access to high-end research materials.

Paragraph 2 (90 words): Describe Key Component #1 and how you would benefit from it. Ex: You talk about the importance of professor-mentored independent projects. You specify what your honors program offers and how this independence will be pivotal for creating cutting-edge technology for medical sciences.

Paragraph 3 (90 words): Describe Key Component #2 and how you would benefit from it. Ex: You talk about the resources that are more readily available to students and how these resources will be essential to applying lessons from the classroom.

Paragraph 4 (20 words): Conclude by restating your thesis and try to include a meaningful image or phrase that calls back the beginning of the essay or some thematic element. Ex: You reiterate the value of independence and research materials, and you call back the notion of pushing yourself as the best way to be successful and engaged.

Note: You may not have enough space to discuss two key components. In that case, simply combine Paragraphs 2 and 3 into a longer 180-word paragraph. My advice is to go deeper on fewer points, so that you can come across more realistically and meaningfully as a person behind the essay.

Prompt #2 :

What force of nature are you and why? To respond to this prompt, you may define “force of nature” as whatever that means to you from a cultural or disciplinary perspective. (250 words max.)

What is the general strategy?

Honors programs are known for their creative thinkers, regardless of discipline. This second question (and any like it) wants to see more of your personality, and more importantly, get admissions officers to understand your thinking. Honors students are typically people who think outside of the box, who conduct groundbreaking research, who found new and exciting businesses, who value both science and humanities, etc. You need to show that you are imaginative as well as mature, creative as well as thoughtful.

What do these traits mean for your essay? Well, there are a couple different approaches. For one, you want to think about what a “force of nature” is generally. Often we consider a force of nature something that breaks through all barriers, that doesn’t listen to directions. It can be both a good thing and a bad thing. It could be someone who gets work done but who also doesn’t care what others want. Obviously you will want to present yourself in the best way, so be mindful that your “force of nature” is one that is constructive and ultimately helpful.

Notice how the prompt also gives you two suggestions on how you could define “force of nature.” There is the “cultural” perspective and the “disciplinary” perspective. So, is a “force of nature” something related to your upbringing, or could it be something related to a field of study, such as researching medicine or creating works of art? And of course there is the literal meaning of “nature.” Could you be an agent of the natural world, out to do its bidding?

Let's think about a “force of nature” as a cultural trait. Maybe as part of your upbringing, your family taught you to be independent and verify the truth for yourself.

Now let's think about a “force of nature” as a term in your science field. Perhaps you can use one of the literal forces, such as gravity, as a way to define yourself. Perhaps people gravitate to you, and you connect others in meaningful ways.

Basically, there is no “wrong” answer to this question, but you should consider how your answer will reveal who you are and what you consider important. You have to make a choice on how you represent yourself.

My recommendation is that you choose something creative and fun, especially since the previous question will cover more “serious” topics. Remember that you want to be able to use each new essay as a way to showcase something different about your personality and background.

Paragraph 1 (50 words): Introduce how you define “force of nature,” providing a thesis that explains what kind of force of nature you are and why you are this particular force of nature. Ex: You define “force of nature” as it relates to your chosen field of study, physics, as one that is gravitational. You say that you are a gravitational force because you bind people to a single core mission.

Paragraph 2 (90 words): Provide the context, or definition, of “force of nature” and how you got to this definition. Then state that you see yourself as this force of nature. Ex: First you explain how, even though it is an essential, regular part of everyday life, gravity has always fascinated you. As a prospective physics major, you see its influence and have even studied it in high school through research and personal projects. With this background, you see yourself as a similar “force of nature.”

Paragraph 3 (90 words): Transition from the type of force of nature you are and say why you think you are this force of nature. Draw on past experiences to do so. Ex: You provide support to back up why you are a gravitational force of nature. You talk about experiences (focus on one good one) that illustrate how you draw people to a single goal.

Paragraph 4 (20 words): Restate the kind of force of nature you are and why, and end on an interesting image or phrase. Ex: You say again what force of nature you are and why. Then you end on an image about keeping Earth grounded (or something like that).

Okay! You should be all set to write TAMU honors essays that make an impression on the admissions officers. Of course, you want to make sure that you have a quality ApplyTexas A essay as well.

Planning to apply to Texas A&M honors and need more personalized feedback on your honors essays? Need help with other essays in your college applications? Get the best advice on how to revise and sharpen your unique image!

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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.

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 70+ academic honors examples for your college application.

College Admissions

College applications are all about showing off to the admissions committee, and what better way to do so than to lead with your most impressive academic awards.   What are the best academic honors and awards to put on a college application?

In this guide, we give you 7 0+ academic honors examples to give you an idea of what types of achievements colleges like to see most on applications.   In addition, we explain what counts as an academic honor or award, go over different impressive academic honors and awards examples you can get, and give you useful tips for effectively talking about awards on your application.

What Is an Academic Honor or Award?

First things first, what counts as an academic honor or award?

Generally speaking, an academic honor or award is any major achievement you’ve made and been recognized for in some way.   The form of recognition can range from an actual object, such as a trophy or plaque, to prize money, a title, or verbal recognition.

Typically, an academic honor will fall into one of the following categories:

• Distinction, honor, or honorable mention  for which you won’t usually receive a physical object or award—just the title
• A diploma or certificate indicating the completion of a program or recognizing an accomplishment in a program or other activity
• Prize or award won from a contest, competition, or tournament
• Scholarship given in recognition of an outstanding (academic) accomplishment
• Membership in a highly selective and competitive group or society

If you’ve won any awards for specific activities such as a sport you play or a club you’re part of, it’s better to list these in the extracurricular activities section of your application instead of in a separate awards section.

So what are some honors and awards to put on a college application? Up next, we'll take a look at more than 70 academic honors examples.

Academic Honors and Awards Examples

Here, we give you a list of 70+ academic honors and awards examples you could include on your own college application, from prizes won in national and international contests to school-based distinctions and awards.

All the academic honors examples below are grouped by category and listed alphabetically.

Note that this is not an exhaustive list of all academic honors and awards you could possibly have, so if you have an achievement that doesn’t exactly match one of the examples below, don’t worry—you can still put it on your college application!

Advanced Placement (AP) Awards

• AP International Diploma (APID)
• AP Scholar with Distinction
• AP Scholar with Honor
• DoDEA AP Scholar
• International AP Scholar
• National AP Scholar
• State AP Scholar
• IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) Certificate

National Awards

• Governor’s Volunteer Award
• National Student Volunteer Award
• President’s Award for Educational Achievement
• President’s Award for Educational Excellence
• President’s National Service Award

PSAT Awards

• National Hispanic Scholar
• National Merit Commended Student
• National Merit Finalist
• National Merit Scholar
• National Merit Semifinalist
• School-based National Merit Scholarship winner

School-Based Awards

• Foreign language award
• High class rank (e.g., top 10%)
• Honor roll/GPA award
• National Honor Society membership
• Perfect Attendance Award
• School-specific award
• School subject-specific award
• Student of the Month/Term/Year
• Subject-specific Honor Society membership (e.g., Science Honor Society)

Competitions and Contests

• AAN Neuroscience Research Prize
• Academic Decathlon
• Academic Triathlon
• American Regions Mathematics League (ARML)
• B.E.S.T. Robotics Design contest
• Conrad Spirit of Innovation Challenge
• Davidson Fellows Scholarship
• Doodle 4 Google
• Google Science Fair
• Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)
• International BioGENEius Challenge
• International Chemistry Olympiad
• International Mathematical Olympiad
• International Photography Awards (IPA)
• Kids Philosophy Slam
• Microsoft Imagine Cup
• MIT INSPIRE
• MIT THINK Scholars Program
• National Academic League
• National Academic Quiz Tournament
• National Economics Challenge by CEE
• National Geographic Bee
• National Geographic Student Photo Contest
• National High School Mock Trial Championship
• National Science Bowl
• National Science Olympiad
• PhysicsBowl
• Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS)
• Regional/National Junior Science and Humanities Symposium
• Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
• Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision Awards
• University Interscholastic League (UIL)

Miscellaneous Awards

• Boy Scouts/Eagle Scouts awards
• Employee of the Month
• Girl Scouts awards
• Merit scholarships for college
• Musical performance award
• National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) winner
• National Poetry Writing Month (NaPoWriMo) winner
• Publications (such as short stories, art pieces, essays, etc.)
• Volunteer award
• Work award or promotion

The Best Honors and Awards to Put on a College Application

Of the dozens of academic honors examples above, which ones will look the most impressive on a college application?  Here, we explain the top four qualities a truly impressive academic honor will have. 

Note that an honor doesn’t need to have all  these qualities, though if it does, then it is definitely an excellent one to put on your application!

#1: It’s Highly Selective

One quality you want to highlight on your application is the selectivity of the award or honor you’ve won.  In other words, the academic award will be one that a lot of students try to win, making it difficult to achieve.

For example, because national and international contests and competitions draw so many student competitors, winning an award like these would certainly impress the admissions committee.

The more selective an academic honor or award is, the more impressive it’ll look on your college application.

Academic Honors Examples of Highly Selective Awards

• Google Science Fair winner

#2: It’s Unique

Admissions committees see a lot of honor roll and National Society honors on college applications (not that these are bad — they’re just fairly common). So if you've won a particularly unique or rare award, definitely include it on your application, as this will  help you stand out from the crowd.

A unique award can be highly selective; it can also be one that is less well known or that highlights something creative, surprising, or impressive about you.

For instance, maybe you won the Most Innovative Employee award at your part-time job after you pitched the idea to create and manage a social media page for the company.

Academic Honors Examples of Unique Awards

• Specific school-based awards (e.g., Most Confident Speaker in Chinese Class)
• Local or community-based awards 

#3: It’s Relevant to Your Academic Interests and Strengths

Another academic award or honor that's  great to include on your college application is one that’s relevant to your academic interests and strengths.  These are typically subject- or field-specific awards, such as English or writing awards, math awards, etc.

For example, if you’re planning to major in engineering, you'd want to detail any awards you might have won in science, math, or engineering contests.

Relevant awards indicate to the admissions committee not only that you’re truly committed to the field you want to study, but also that you’re one of the most promising students in your field.

Academic Honors Examples of Relevant Awards

• Writing award or publication (if you’re an English or creative writing major, for example)
• STEM award (if you’re a STEM major)
• Model UN (if you’re a political science or IR major, for example)

#4: It Highlights Your Leadership Potential

An impressive academic honor or award will also emphasize your leadership potential.  These are typically   awards that involve group or collaborative work.  S o if you ever led others to success — as a captain or president, for instance — this kind of honor would look great to potential colleges.

Just make sure that you explain on your application what kind of role you had and how your leadership specifically led your team to success.

Academic Honors Examples of Leadership/Group Awards

• Volunteer awards
• Girl Scouts or Eagle Scouts awards

How to Talk About Honors on Your College Application: 4 Tips

Since you likely won’t have a lot of room to write about academic honors and awards on your application, it's important that   you present your academic achievements in an effective, impressive way.  Here are some tips on how to talk about the awards you've won.

Tip 1: Open With Your Most Impressive Awards

Admissions officers don’t usually spend a lot of time with each application they get, so you want to make sure that you’re catching their eyes right away by starting with your most impressive honors and awards.  These will generally be awards that are highly competitive and required a lot of work and commitment on your end.

Tip 2: Focus on Your Spike

A "spike" is a particular academic passion you have.   For example, if you’re a science buff who plans to major in chemistry, you'd want to emphasize your spike on your application by focusing primarily on your chemistry- and science-related activities and awards.

Having a spike will ultimately help you stand out from other applicants.  To learn more about how you can develop a spike, check out our guide on how to get into Harvard and the Ivy League .

Tip 3: Describe Awards That Are Vague or Unclear

Not all academic awards and honors are well known or obvious, especially if they’re unique to your school or area. Therefore, m ake sure that you’re using the space you have in the awards section of your application to describe any academic honors that the admissions committee is probably unfamiliar with.

The last thing you want an award to do is confuse admissions officers, so be clear about what it is, how you won it, and what makes it impressive.

Tip 4: Explain the Competitiveness of the Award

For each academic award or honor you’ve won, you want to clarify its level of competitiveness by explaining the scope of the competition.  For example, was the science tournament you won a national one? A local one? A school-based one?

Note that if the award has the word "national" or "international" in it, you shouldn’t have to add much explanation to its description since it'll be obvious that the award is fairly selective.

The overall point here is to show off!

Recap: Honors and Awards to Put on a College Application

As you can see, there's a huge variety in the types of academic honors and awards examples you can put on your college application. The 70+ academic honors examples listed above are just some of the possible honors you could include.

In general, the best academic honors to include on your application will have some or all of the following qualities:

• They’re highly selective/competitive
• They’re unique
• They highlight your academic interests and strengths (your "spike," that is)
• They emphasize your leadership skills/potential

You won’t have a ton of space on your application to explain the academic awards you’ve won, so it’s important to use the room you have wisely. To reiterate, h ere are our four best tips for how to talk about your academic awards and honors on your application:

• Open with your most impressive awards and honors
• Focus on your spike —i.e.,  your biggest academic passion and commitment
• Describe any vague, unclear, or lesser-known awards/honors you've received
• Explain the competitiveness of the award

Now get out there and win some awards!

What’s Next?

Lots of colleges use the Common App . If you're going to be using this platform to apply to college, make sure you know what to expect with the Common App honors section .

Planning to take AP tests in the spring? If you're hoping to snag a distinguished AP award , read our guide to get tips on how you can do this.

Honors can prove that you're a serious and ambitious college applicant.  Check out our expert guide to learn what high school honors is and how you can achieve honors status at your own high school.

Hannah received her MA in Japanese Studies from the University of Michigan and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California. From 2013 to 2015, she taught English in Japan via the JET Program. She is passionate about education, writing, and travel.

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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.

Joining the Honors College

Accepting fall 2024 applications, first-year students, apply to washington state university, complete two essays using the prompts below,      writing prompt 1:.

Imagine you are putting together a team to work on an issue that is important to you. Briefly describe that issue and what skills, experience, and expertise you would seek in your team members and why.

     Writing Prompt 2:

At the WSU Honors College we realize that applicants cannot be reduced to their academic transcripts. Pick one activity or experience and explain how it illustrates an important aspect of who you are and how it reflects on your own values or those of your community.

Submit Your Essays for Review Here

Transfer students.

Students who are coming to WSU with college credits earned after high school are considered Transfer Students. If you have earned college credits while in high school, you are still considered a first-year student, please follow the instructions above.

Have a Cumulative College GPA of 3.5 or Higher

Schedule an honors advising appointment, current wsu students, frequently asked questions.

How long should my essays be? Each essay should be approximately one page each (400-500 words per essay).

What format should my essays be in? There are no strict guidelines on the format, but when in doubt, Times New Roman size 12pt. We do request that you label your essays “Essay 1” and “Essay 2” and save them as one document or PDF. Please title your final document “Last Name, First Name” (eg. Smith, Mary.pdf or Patel, David.docx).

What is the minimum high school GPA for applicants to be considered? We will consider all applications, regardless of high school GPA.

How are the admission decisions made for The Honors College? Each essay is evaluated by members of our faculty. We use a standardized rubric that assigns a score to your essays as well as your unweighted high school GPA. Decisions are based on the combination of these scores.

What are the evaluators looking for in the essays? Evaluating faculty are looking for the basics, such as spelling, grammar, and continuity of thought. They are also looking for critical thinking and creativity in your problem-solving. Your essays will also be evaluated in how they relate to the prompts, so please read the prompts carefully.

What if I do not hear back within a month of applying? The Honors College receives many applications throughout the year. We kindly ask for your patience, as it can take up to 2 months to receive a response. If you do not receive a response within 60 days, please feel free to email  [email protected] , and we can check the status of your application.

What if I/my student receives a denial letter from the WSU Honors College? Please  schedule an advising appointment  and we would be happy to explain your options to you.

If you have any other questions about the application, please feel welcome to contact us directly at [email protected]  .

Honors Program Essay Prompts

Since I have not seen these posted, here are the honors essay prompts (for applicants looking to also apply to SCU honors)

Write one from each of the two category of prompts

Choose one (300 words): How would you like to change Santa Clara University during your time here?

What gives you hope for the future, and how does the University Honors Program fit in with it?

By joining the University Honors Program you join a new community of people who have different backgrounds, experiences, and stories. What is it about your background, experience, and story that will enrich the University Honors Program community?

Choose one (300 words): In your opinion, what are some marks of an educated mind?

If you gave a presentation to University Honors Program students about anything of your choosing, what would you talk about and why?

What word in common usage is the most versatile and why?

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Information For

Admission to Honors

The Honors College application for spring/fall 2024 is now open ! Incoming first-year and transfer students should apply through the TU application.

Complete your tu application and miss honors, already a tu student and want to join the honors college.

The Towson University Honors College provides students the opportunity to think big ideas, pursue deep inquiry, and discover how innovation leads to achievement through a challenging curriculum which meets the unique academic needs and interests of Honors students. Honors students explore their interests and cultivate their talents through a distinct blend of academic and co-curricular activities supported by a community of motivated students and faculty. Honors students have the opportunity to live and learn in a residential environment while pursuing internship, leadership, research, and service opportunities, and they strive to make the world a better place.

Benefits of the Honors College

Innovative curriculum and small classes.

Students are encouraged to complete Honors work that includes co-curricular activities such as leadership workshops, service-learning experiences, and civic engagement. Honors students participate in a flexible curriculum.

• Classroom experiences : Discussion-based seminars give students an opportunity to work closely with the Honors College faculty in small classroom settings.
• Experiential learning : Students work with faculty within specific academic departments on research projects, thesis writing, service-learning, independent study, and internships.

Engaged Community

An engaged community of scholars is a defining characteristic of the Honors experience. We emphasize leadership development, social and civic engagement activities, and programs that build meaningful relationships in and out of the classroom.

To foster that sense of community at the residential level on campus, all incoming Honors College students who choose to live on campus are placed in Frederick Douglass House . One of Towson University's residence halls in West Village, Douglass House is the Honors College Living Learning Community , created in partnership with the Department of Housing & Residence Life . The benefits of Honors housing are many and include the possibility of classes taught within Douglass House, access to a book exchange, and specific move-in dates at the start of fall term.

Specialized Advising

Honors College faculty work closely with students to design and to complete their Honors curriculum. Freshmen work with designated First-Year Experience advisers with Honors expertise in colleges and departments who help students make curriculum decisions that address their interests and needs, and beginning sophomore year students work with Honors advisers housed within the Honors College in addition to their major advisors. Honors advisers can also provide advice on career preparation, personal and leadership development, and undergraduate research opportunities.

Priority Registration

Continuing students in the Honors College receive priority course registration, thus avoiding many scheduling conflicts. Honors priority registration occurs before the ordinary registration period for continuing students, so even Honors freshmen register for courses before most TU seniors who are not in the Honors College.

Funding Opportunities

Most incoming fall freshmen and transfer students will receive an Honors College Scholarship in the amount of $1,250. The Honors College Scholarship is usually offered in addition to any other scholarships a student may have been awarded by Towson University, and it is an annual award which may only be applied towards educational expenses for full-time fall and spring term undergraduate enrollment at TU. Scholarships may be received for a maximum of eight consecutive terms if entering as a freshman, or up to seven consecutive terms if entering as a transfer student, based on number of completed college credits at the time of entry.

In addition, Honors students are eligible for other Honors-only financial support such as the Honorables of Color Scholarship for students who support marginalized communities and the Honors College Study Abroad Award to pursue study abroad experiences.

Test Optional

Honors and tu are permanently test optional .

TU and the Honors College are test-optional, meaning the submission of standardized test scores is not required. Please review the University Admission FAQs for details on the application process.

Applicants who apply without SAT or ACT exam scores will not be at a competitive disadvantage to students who submit test scores. We welcome and encourage all applicants!

Application Process

All applicants to the Honors College must submit the following:

• An essay, 500–750 words in length, responding to one of five Honors-specific prompts
• List of extracurricular activities

All applicants to TU submit the following material, which are also used in Honors decisions:

• High school transcripts (freshmen applicants only) and/or college transcripts (transfer applicants, freshmen applicants when applicable)

Applicants to the Honors College have the option to submit the following for consideration:

• SAT or ACT exam scores (freshmen applicants only)
• One letter of recommendation from a major subject teacher

Application Prompts

The Honors College application's prompts for the essay and letter of recommendation for spring and fall 2024 admission are listed below.

Essay Prompts

Please attach an essay, 500–750 words in length, that answers one of the prompts listed below:

• Over a decade ago, 40 of America's wealthiest individuals signed the Giving Pledge, and made a commitment to give away most of their fortunes to various charities throughout the remainder of their lifetime or upon death. Over 200 billionaires from around the world have followed suit and committed most of their fortunes to philanthropies from research and education to environmental causes. Do the extremely wealthy have a social responsibility to share much of their wealth? What social issues or ethical questions arise if great wealth is handed on to family heirs across multiple generations?  Assuming an individual acquired a great fortune legally, what ethical questions are involved in the question of how those resources are ultimately distributed?
• Sometimes food gains a seasoning of cultural meanings. People crave hot dogs at a ballpark who might otherwise disdain them. In the 1970s, one company tried to identify their brand with patriotic Americanism using the jingle “Baseball, Hotdogs, Apple Pie, and Chevrolet.” Marcel Proust wrote his seven-volume novel Remembrance of Things Past (the English title) to probe a whole cultural experience and the idea of involuntary memory, for which the emblematic example early in the first volume was a powerful reaction to the taste of a madeleine (a small cake) that called forth a rush of memories from his childhood. Is there a food in your personal experience or in the larger communities of which you are a part that carries important cultural meaning for you or for your networks? Why? What is involved in such a connection? What meaning could you attribute to it that reaches beyond an individual experience? Be bold and speculative in thinking about what that food connection might embody.
• The sixteenth-century English philosopher Francis Bacon is credited with originating the phrase “knowledge is power.” The accumulation of knowledge by an individual has, historically, conferred upon that person the credential of expertise. In recent years, that historical process and its biases have come under scrutiny, since they have helped to concentrate knowledge, and therefore power, into the hands of a minority. As an aspiring college student and therefore implicitly someone seeking to accumulate knowledge, what do you feel the role of expertise is in your life? Are some kinds of knowledge/expertise, or categories of seekers of knowledge/expertise, more susceptible to approval or criticism than others? Cite relevant examples and explain your thinking.

Public outcry against individual actions, beliefs, or their negative consequences has taken many forms across history. One form unique to contemporary society is the phenomenon of cancel culture, sometimes now referred to as call-out culture. Craft an essay describing your position on cancel/call-out culture, using a specific instance of this phenomenon in public discourse as an example. Are there any unforeseen consequences that this example creates that might shape future such cases? Is it legitimate for people across the entire political spectrum to assert their values or beliefs through the processes associated with cancel culture?

• Within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a curious dichotomy separates two power objects. While Mjölnir, the enchanted hammer wielded primarily by Thor, has a magical failsafe that prevents anyone who is not “worthy” from picking it up and being endowed with the power of Thor, the Infinity Stones, whether by themselves or united in the Infinity Gauntlet, only require a user to be able to withstand their power for repeated use. Mjölnir and the Infinity Stones are neither infinitely powerful nor indestructible, and each has seen relatively few characters capable of wielding them. Choose one of these objects and consider, if it existed as a real source of power in the contemporary world, who, in your opinion, could actually use it. Why do you believe the person you’ve selected meets the use requirements? Are there any situations wherein this person would refuse to use this object and its associated power? What are they and why would the user make that choice?

Letter of Recommendation Prompt (optional)

Students may have an optional letter of recommendation from a teacher in a major subject area included in their Honors consideration. For some students, letters of recommendation can help us better understand what drives you, explain circumstances which have had a distinct effect on your studies, or otherwise provide a fuller picture of the applicant. Should you choose to request a letter, your letter writer is encouraged to consider the following questions:

• Does the student show curiosity in reaching beyond what is immediately required or expected?
• Does the student contribute constructively in groups? Can you provide an example?
• Would you look forward to having this student in class again? Why or why not?
• If you could suggest an improvement in this student's approach to his or her own education, what would it be?

Your letter may be uploaded through the TU application, sent to TU via Naviance, or your recommender may send it directly to admissions AT_TOWSON .

Admissions Tips & Tricks Videos

Honors staff offer advice on completing the elements of your Honors application.

• Current Students
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KSU Journey Honors College

• Visit Honors College
• Honors Staff
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• Scholarships and Waivers
• Office of National and International Scholarships and Fellowships
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• Curricular Requirements
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• Scholarship and Fellowship Mentoring

Admissions Decisions

All students must first earn admission to Kennesaw State University for KSU Journey Honors College consideration. KSU Journey Honors College admissions decisions are released separately from Kennesaw State University admissions decisions. After earning admission to Kennesaw State University, honors applicants can expect to recieve their honors admissions decision in 6 - 8 weeks. All honors admissions decisions are communicated via KSU student email. 

To ensure quality of experience, KSU Journey Honors College is unable to serve strictly online learners at this time.

Please direct honors admissions questions to: [email protected] . 

Which Type of Student Are You?

First-Year Students

First-year students applying for admission to KSU Journey Honors College must have a KSU-calculated high school GPA of 3.5 or higher.

Admission to the KSU Journey Honors College is competitive. The essay portion of your application is given particular attention. The honors essay demonstrates your writing, your interests, and overall fit for the KSU Journey Honors College. Selection committee members are looking for

• originality and creativity.
• a strong argument.
• demonstration of curiosity and potential for engagement.
• evidence of care, effort, and clarity.
• appropriate essay organization, grammar, and language.

The use of ChatGPT or any other AI technology is strictly prohibited. 

How to Apply

Incoming First-Year Students may apply directly through their application to Kennesaw State University in CommonApp. 

If you do not indicate interest in Honors via CommonApp, you may apply via the Honors internal application linked below:

*First-year students who do not meet the minimum criteria for admission or who are not accepted based on their initial application may apply to KSU Journey Honors College after their first semester at KSU. See "Current KSU Students" eligibility tab below.

**The Department of Psychological Science has specific eligibility criteria for honors students. Please review these criteria here .

Dual Enrollment Students applying for Undergraduate Admission

Current KSU Dual Enrollment students who are graduating from high school are eligible to apply based on the following:

• KSU-calculated high school GPA of 3.5 and fewer than 12 college credit hours.
• KSU-calculated high school GPA of 3.25 and 12 or more college credit hours.
• evidence of care, effort, and clarity. appropriate essay organization, grammar, and language.

The Honors internal application will launch on October 1, 2023. Please refer back to this page in October for more information.

*The Department of Psychological Science has specific eligibility criteria for Honors Students. Please review these criteria here .

High School Students applying for Dual Enrollment

High school junior and senior Dual Enrollment Program (DEP) students are eligible to apply to KSU Journey Honors College based on the following:

• KSU-calculated high school GPA of 3.5 or higher.

*Please note:

• All courses taken by DEP students must be approved by a DEP advisor and their high school counselor.
• If an honors section of an approved course (e.g., ENGL 1101/H01 or HIST 1111/H01) is available, then the student may take the honors section rather than a regular section.
• Honors sections are smaller and are typically seminar-style. (The "H" in the section number code designates that it's an honors section.)
• Courses with a HON prefix (e.g., HON 3000: Honors Colloquium) and the HON 1100: Introduction to Honors courses are not covered by Dual Enrollment funding.
• DEP students may participate in non-course related Honors Discoveries (book clubs, etc.) to meet the Honors Learning Experience requirements. Any associated fees are not covered by Dual Enrollment funding, and the student would need to pay these expenses out of pocket.

*The Department of Psychological Science has specific eligibility criteria for honors Students. Please review these criteria here .

Transfer Students

Transfer students are eligible to apply based on the following:

• between 15 and 60 transfer credit hours.
• transfer GPA of 3.5 or higher.

*The Department of Psychological Science has specific eligibility criteria for honors students. Please review the criteria.

Current KSU Students 

Current KSU students are eligible to apply based on the following:

• between 15 and 60 credit hours.
• KSU Institutional GPA of 3.25 or higher.

The use of ChatGPT or any other AI technology is strictly prohibited.  

*The Department of Psychological Science has specific eligibility criteria for honors students. Please review these criteria here .

Honors Reinstatement

If you have previously been a KSU Journey Honors College student and have either withdrawn or been dismissed, you may apply for reinstatement .

2024 Honors Application Deadlines

STUDENT TYPE APPLICATION DEADLINE APPLICATION First-Year Students            December 15, 2023

Dual Enrollment Students December 15, 2023 Transfer Students December 15, 2023 Current KSU Students December 15, 2023 STUDENT TYPE No Value APPLICATION First-Year Students      

Dual Enrollment Students   Transfer Students   Current KSU Students  

Honors 2024 Essay Prompts

Honors General Essay

“I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious.” – Albert Einstein

Please reflect upon this statement and write about an experience or issue that has piqued your curiosity. What questions has this topic inspired you to explore and answer? What actions have you taken to become more knowledgeable about the topic? What strategies have you used to address answers that you find unsatisfying?

The recommended word count for this essay is 500 words.

Ancient and Modern Classics 

Students applying to Ancient and Modern Classics will complete the following essay in addition to the Honors General Essay: 

In your opinion, why should we read classical literature? Please support your statement with at least one example of a classic work that has had an impact on you.

President's Emerging Global Scholars

Students applying to PEGS  will complete the following PEGS essays in addition to the Honors General Essay:  

Question 1: Please tell us about an exceptional experience that you have had outside of school. You might describe your experiences in community service, peer groups, athletics, arts, or anything else that captures your time and attention. What have you done that exemplifies your approach to leadership and engagement?

The recommended word count for this essay is 250 words. 

Question 2: Please describe why enhancing your global competency is an important component for your education at Kennesaw State University and your career past KSU. If possible, please include your previous or hopeful future international experiences. Please note that international experience is not required to be considered for the PEGS program.

The recommended word count for this essay is 250 words.

WellStar Tom and Betty Philips Elite Honors Nursing Scholars

Students applying to the WellStar Tom and Betty Philips Elite Honors Nursing Scholars cohort will complete the following essay in addition to the Honors General Essay: 

Tell us about a situation in which you demonstrated care and concern for another person even when they were being difficult. What actions did you take and what did you learn from this experience?

Accepted to KSU Journey Honors College? 

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Morehead Honors College named No. 1 in the nation

College tops list of 50 university honors colleges and programs ranked by College Transitions

The University of Georgia Jere W. Morehead Honors College was recently ranked the No. 1 honors program or college in the nation by College Transitions, publishers of the best-selling guide, Colleges Worth Your Money.

College Transitions identified three general characteristics—selectivity, benefits offered, and program rigor—for which each honors program or college was scored. Those scores were then standardized, weighted and totaled.

Selectivity, which included test scores, GPA, and acceptance rate, accounted for 25% of a school’s overall score. Rigor, or the number of honors credit hours students are required to take as well as minimum GPA required to remain an honors student, also accounted for 25% of the overall score. The remaining 50% was dedicated to benefits, which included living-learning opportunities, research offerings, and support for applications to national and other competitive scholarships.

“This ranking is a testament to the talent and hard work over many years of our faculty, students, and staff,” said Meg Amstutz, dean of the Morehead Honors College. “We attract many of the nation’s best students to UGA through the Honors College, and they bring terrific leadership and energy to the campus.”

The 2023-2024 first-year honors class held an average GPA of 4.2, an average SAT score of 1506 and an average ACT score of 34. These outstanding students participate in small classes, internship programs, domestic and international travel study, research, and many other programs for academically talented students.

The Morehead Honors College is also home to recipients of some of the nation’s most prestigious and competitive academic awards. UGA’s Major Scholarships Office is housed in the College, and its staff work with all UGA students across campus as they apply for national, high-level scholarships.

In the last academic year, Honors student Mariah Cady was one of only 32 students nationwide named a 2024 Rhodes Scholar, marking the second year in a row that a UGA student has won the honor. UGA is one of only five public universities in the U.S., in addition to the nation’s service academies, to have a Rhodes recipient this year, and UGA has been a top 3 producer of Rhodes Scholars among public institutions for the last 30 years.

Also in the last academic year, Honors students Elaine “Lainey” Gammon and Sara Logsdon were named Goldwater Scholars; Alex Drahos was one of 60 undergraduates from across the nation to be selected as a 2024 Truman Scholar; and Ashni Patel was selected for the Schwarzman Scholarship.

The Morehead Honors College also supports the Center for Undergraduate Research Opportunities (CURO), which is open to all undergraduates pursuing faculty-mentored research, including students in their first year of study at the University of Georgia. Through the Major Scholarships Office and CURO, the Honors College supports all undergraduates at the institution.

“Being named the top honors college in the country is a remarkable honor and one that speaks volumes about the quality of our programs and the extraordinary achievements of our students,” said UGA President Jere W. Morehead. “This recognition underscores our ongoing commitment to academic distinction and student success at the University of Georgia.”

A Franklin College proposal for an Honors Program at UGA was adopted in March 1960. That fall, 43 students enrolled in the first Honors courses, which included chemistry, history, philosophy, geometry, French and political science.

In 1973, the UGA Foundation trustees created the Foundation Fellowship, the premier academic scholarship at the University of Georgia. In 1996, a $31 million gift from alumnus Bernard B. “Bernie” Ramsey elevated the Foundation Fellowship to the ranks of America’s best.

The college was named in honor of UGA President Jere W. Morehead in 2021. Morehead served as director of the Honors Program from 1999-2004. The naming of the college was the culmination of a nearly $12 million fundraising campaign led by the UGA Foundation and its emeriti trustees to strengthen the Honors Program.

Today, the Morehead Honors College serves more than 2,800 undergraduates from across campus each year, including 550 incoming first-year students in fall 2023. Students in the Honors College may choose any degree program at UGA.

For more information on the Jere W. Morehead Honors College, visit https://honors.uga.edu .

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My son has autism and just finished high school, but he can't go to college. It's been difficult for me to accept.

• My son who has autism just graduated from high school, but he won't be going to college.
• Instead, he will receive benefits from the state for his disability. 
• I'm struggling to accept that my son won't have the traditional adulthood I imagined for him. 

If ever there was a time for me to stay off social media, it's now. Over the last several months, posts about college acceptances , prom, and year-end celebrations have left me feeling heartbroken — followed by guilt for being upset.

But the truth is, I'm crushed that Evan, my high school senior, didn't participate in most senior-year rites of passage. My son — who was diagnosed with autism as a kid — didn't go away for spring break. He didn't attend prom, and college is definitely not in his future.

While he did participate in his school's graduation ceremony , he received a "certificate of participation." This designation is granted to students with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) who do not meet the state's graduation requirements, setting him up for a different adulthood than his classmates.

I regret not feeling the full joy of my son's accomplishments

I am continuously asking myself: "What are you lamenting about? Many kids don't go to prom or college, and not everyone graduates with honors or accolades. These so-called markers are not the gold standards of success."

I remind myself that it is a big deal that Evan, who was diagnosed with autism at the age of two, accomplished a lot during his school years . I try to focus on my gratitude and pride that despite his challenges, he's leaving school with basic reading and math skills and has learned many life and social skills along the way.

Still, I can't and won't deny my sadness, but it does feel a little selfish to mourn things that don't bother my son . He's happy to be done with high school. He had no interest in going to prom or traveling to Mexico for spring break. Yet he wanted to attend graduation, and for that, I am thankful.

Related stories

My conflicting emotions resurfaced for the thousandth time when he walked across the stage. On the one hand, I was happy because I knew he was excited to be done with high school . But, as I looked around the audience, I knew other parents had a different mindset. They weren't, for example, considering an exit strategy for their graduate if the ceremony became too much for their child to handle.

A local paper publishes a Cap & Gown issue, and parents send photos of their graduates, a list of achievements, and college plans. I submitted my son's picture and mentioned his participation in Special Olympics basketball and his plans to attend our school district's adult transition program. I wanted to recognize him and show others that not every graduate has to look good on paper.

Flipping through this section wasn't easy because it reminded me of the hopes and dreams I've had for my child since before he was born. Many aspects of his senior year have been as emotionally challenging as when he was first diagnosed with autism, and my husband and I learned our roles as parents would be different than what we imagined.

I'm looking on the bright side

When his peers filled out college applications , I worked on gathering the required documentation so that when he turned 18, he could apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Because my son's disability limits him in many ways, as an adult, he is eligible for benefits.

In the days leading up to graduation, I filled out more paperwork, ironed his graduation gown, and tried my best to stay off social media. I failed at the last one and suffered the consequences.

One Facebook post hit me hard. It was from the mom of my son's first friends. The boys spent a good amount of time together but drifted apart as their cognitive differences became more apparent. The offending post showed two photos of her son — one from elementary school and the other from high school. In both pictures, he is standing next to the same friend. The caption reads, "These two…friends through it all! Everybody needs a friend like Jonny."

I couldn't help but think, if my son were a neurotypical kid , would her post instead conclude, "Everybody needs a friend like Evan?"

Still, I strive to look at the positives and not focus on the negatives, and it occurs to me that everyone could benefit from a friend like Evan. Evan is fun, funny, non-judgmental, and so much more.

As I try to unpack my mixed bag of emotions surrounding my son's completion of high school and his nontraditional path moving forward, I'm working toward embracing the idea that it's OK to experience the joys and the pains of parenting a child with autism, especially when the traditional milestones end up being unconventional.

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