The Honors Program student body is recruited from among incoming first-year students without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, or intended field of study. The Honors Program works with the Admissions Office to identify future Honors students from the academically qualified applicants who have been accepted to the University. Consideration is given to factors such as academic preparation and performance in high school, scores on standardized tests, interests, and potential for enhancing not only the diversity of the Honors Program but of the University as a whole.

Letters are sent to prospective Honors students, inviting them to apply to the Honors Program. Interested candidates are encouraged to fill out the application by May 15.

The applications are then reviewed by the Dean of the Honors Program and members of the Honors Program Committee. The criteria for selection include:

• SAT and/or ACT scores
• Grade point average:
  unweighted GPA at least 3.50
• School and community activities, honors and awards

NOTE: Recipients of the Elbin or Presidential academic scholarship are always accepted into the Honors Program, but they must still fill out the online application form.