Honors Program Selection

New Students (First-Year and Transfer)

The Honors Program seeks academically outstanding students committed to learning in all its dimensions--in the classroom, in independent study and research, in active engagement in cultural and service activities.  New members are generally chosen from among those who qualify for Presidential Honors Awards or equivalent merit scholarships.  Typically, incoming Honors students have earned an A or A- average in a strong college preparatory curriculum, show evidence of active engagement in their academic community, and 620 scores on subcomponents of the SAT or 28 on subcomponents of the ACT.  Exceptional achievement in a single area is also highly valued.

Students who receive a 3/4 Presidential Honors Award or Magis Scholarship will be invited automatically into the Honors Program.  Honors Program participation is a requirement to maintain these prestigious awards.  Applicants are urged to apply by January 2 for full consideration for these awards. A separate application is not required for the Honors Program.  Selection will be done by the Admissions office based on criteria approved by the Honors Program, and in consultation with the Honors Program as needed.  Renewal of the award is contingent on active participation in the Honors Program.  The Director of the Honors Program will be responsible for monitoring student participation and continued membership in the program.

Incoming students offered other merit scholarships--1/2 and 1/4 Presidential Honors Awards, Presidential Leadership Awards, Arrupe Scholarship Awards, Cleveland Opportunity Scholarships--will be invited to apply to the Honors Program when informed of their scholarship award by the Admissions Office.  Other students may also apply directly to the Honors Program if they wish, and should obtain the application from either the Admissions Office or the Honors Program.  Applications will go to the Admissions Office for initial review.  The Admissions Office will rate the application on the basis of criteria used to select the Magis and 3/4 PHA awardees, and forward the application and the rating to the Honors Program for final decision.  The Admissions Office will supply credentials to the Honors Program for applicants on an as-needed basis (academic records, test scores, letters of recommendation, writing samples). To ensure full consideration, applications should be received by April 1; notifications of acceptance by the Honors Program will be made by April 15. Renewal of scholarship awards in these categories is independent of continued participation and membership in the program.

Applications are available here for new first-year and transfer students.

Current Students

Current John Carroll students should apply directly to the Honors Program.  Criteria for selection will be based on their academic record at John Carroll, including their GPA (a 3.5 is expected at the time of application), a faculty recommendation, a writing sample, and a personal interview with the director of the Honors Program.

Applications for current students are available here.