Honors Application

Honors at UE aims to matriculate a highly engaged and diverse cohort of students, representing approximately 10 percent of each incoming UE class. In addition to considering a student’s GPA and standardized test scores, the selection process prioritizes students whose learning philosophies align closely with the University’s mission and the core values of UE Honors. Our highest priority is to admit students who embody the spirit of curiosity, collaboration, and meaningful engagement that defines the Honors experience.

All students who see themselves in the Portrait of an Honors Scholar are encouraged to apply.

Apply to the Honors Program

Incoming first-year students interested in becoming a UE Honors Scholar must complete the UE Honors application.

The Honors application is separate from the John C. Moore Scholarship application. Students who wish to be considered for both Honors and the John C. Moore Scholarship must submit both applications.

Honors Application Deadline: May 1.

Apply to the Honors Program

Application Requirements

Any incoming first-year students interested in becoming a UE Honors Scholar will be required to upload the following items into the application portal:

An Artifact: An artifact that demonstrates how the student embodies at least two Honors Scholar characteristics: curiosity, self-awareness, humility, empathy, resilience, and creativity. For example, students might select an argumentative essay from a high school class, documentation of a service or creative project, a vision board expressing a personal viewpoint, a research proposal, or a changemaking idea. It could also be something we haven't imagined.
A Brief Rationale: A 250-word rationale answering the following questions: Why did you choose this artifact? What UE Honors Scholar characteristics does it demonstrate?
A Resume or List of Activities: A resume or list of activities that highlights the student's experiences, involvement, interests, leadership, service, employment, or other accomplishments.

Honors Scholar Benefits

In addition to the camaraderie they develop, Honors Scholars enjoy these tangible benefits:

Priority Registration: Honors Scholars register for classes immediately following seniors. This benefit goes into effect during students’ first year, at the time of registration for the Spring semester.
Research and Travel Funding: To enhance their Honors experience, Honors Scholars are eligible for funding from the Korb Family Endowed Scholarship for Honors Students. This funding is available to all Honors Scholars for project funding, educational travel, honors internship stipends, academic conference fees, and academic competition fees.
Living and Learning Community: In partnership with the Center for Student Engagement and UE Residence Life, Honors Scholars will have opportunities to participate in co-curricular residential experiences that focus on the development of Honors values. Though Powell Hall is currently designated as the primary Honors residence, students may live wherever they choose on campus and participate in this programming.
Opt-Up General Education Courses: Honors Program students benefit from an enhanced academic experience that fosters deeper and more substantive learning. One mechanism designed to strengthen honors students’ academic experiences is the unique opportunity, reserved solely for honors students, to “opt up” within general education. That is, honors students are allowed to “opt up,” by substituting a more challenging, upper-level course for a general education course.
Transcript Notation: Honors Scholars will be recognized with a special designation on their transcript for the completion of 15 credit hours of Honors coursework and an Honors Project.
Commencement Regalia: Honors Scholars will be given special Honors regalia at their graduation ceremony, including an engraved Honors medallion and purple Honors cord.