Is it better to apply Early Action or Regular Decision?
Applying EA returns a decision sooner, gives students more time to make their decision, and allows students to register for perks such as the scholarship application or Seahawk Preview Day. If possible, applying EA is advisable but not required to be in Honors.
How Do I (A Current UNCW Student) Apply to the Honors College?
We have an online application for current UNCW freshmen and sophomores interested in applying to join Honors.
How Do I (A Prospective Transfer Student) Apply to the Honors College?
For prospective transfer students, learn more about our transfer curriculum, pathways, and application. Please make sure to apply to UNCW by the priority deadlines for transfer students.
When and How Will I Find Out if I’ve Been Accepted?
EA: February 1
RG: April 1
You will receive an email in your UNCW inbox about your Honors decision. It is imperative to accept your invitation to join Honors by April 1 to Honors if you want to accept your admission.
Scholarship offers will not be made in the same letter as the Honors acceptance letter and will be shown in the financial aid portal on a rolling basis.
Does the Application Require a Fee?
There is no fee to apply to Honors.
How Can I Check the Status of My Application?
You can email us to inquire about your application if you do not hear back by the previously stated deadlines and have been admitted to UNCW.
Continue to check the UNCW email that you received on your admission to UNCW for additional information.
Are There Any Required Test Scores or Minimum GPA to Be Considered for Acceptance?
Beginning in Fall 2021, the UNC System has stopped requiring applicants to submit ACT or SAT scores. The Honors College will abide by that waiver as well. Applicants are still welcome (and encouraged) to submit scores if they have them.
Not all students will have test scores to submit. As a result, the Honors College will more closely focus on GPA, class rank, essays, and letters of recommendation.
Recommendations are not required but will be read if submitted on the CommonApp.
Submitting test scores can only enhance your application and not hurt your chances of admission. However, if you previously submitted test scores to UNCW and later decide you do not want them to be considered, you can contact Admissions to note that on your application.
We do not pre-set a specific test score or GPA for acceptance to Honors.
What Characteristics Does the Honors College Look For in Students?
It's a common misconception that students in the UNCW Honors College (and any university's honors program) will spend most of their time with their noses in books.
As a general rule, Honors students are leaders heavily involved in making connections, solving problems, engaging in hands-on learning on campus.
Honors students can be found in every student organization from Student Government to the Quidditch team--and that's exactly how we like it.
Click here to Schedule a Visit with Honors
The Qualities That Are Important to Us Are Creativity, Innovation, Passion, and Leadership
We want students who think critically, solve problems, and question everything. Students who come to class not just for a grade, but for transformative learning are a perfect fit.
We want students who get their hands dirty. We want diverse students who contribute unique viewpoints to our community of scholars.
Your application to UNCW will show us your personal qualities. What UNCW Honors College students have in common is that they are intelligent, thoughtful leaders who want to do good in the world (or change it).
When you write your essays, we want to hear how you'll accomplish that on campus and beyond.
How Many Students Are Accepted?
We do not anticipate admitting more than 300 students per year. This number is subject to fluctuation based on Admission decisions.
What Are Some Benefits of Being in Honors?
- Personal growth and academic challenge
- Small classes with lots of personal attention
- Chances for merit scholarships
- Special cultural enrichment and study abroad opportunities
- Interdisciplinary and experiential seminars
- Early engagement in research
- Living-learning community in Sandpiper Hall
- More opportunities for faculty-student interaction
- Priority class registration
- Service projects and the chance to make a difference
- Even more!
Are There Scholarships?
Scholarships are merit-based with consideration for need. In Honors, scholarships are highly competitive with awards ranging from $500 to $2,000 on average.
From Fall 2021 onward, students are required to submit the UNCW General Scholarship Application to be considered for scholarships (both Honors scholarships and others at UNCW).
Even if students do not receive an award in their first year at UNCW, it is very common for upperclassmen to receive honors scholarships later on, especially if they stay involved with the Honors College.
Can I Study Abroad While in Honors?
Yes, we encourage all of our Honors Scholars to study abroad and even offer short-term study abroad and study always!
What Is the Average Class Size of an Honors Class?
Honors class sizes are relatively small. The average size of HON classes was 17 students, with classes ranging from 5 to 20 students. This helps you develop close interactions with the faculty from your first semester.
Check out the most recent course catalogue for more information.
How Many Extra Classes Will I Have to Take?
Students who enter the Honors College as freshmen must take:
- (3) Honors University Studies courses (e.g. Honors ENG 103)
- (1) Honors First-Year Seminar course (HON 110), which will replace the standard required First-Year Seminar course (UNI 101)
- (1) HON 120 courses (1-credit-hour interdisciplinary seminar)
- (1) HON 399 course (1-credit-hour thesis preparation class)
- (1) HON 210 course (3-credit-hour interdisciplinary seminar)
- 3 credit hours of honors electives
- 6 credit hours of 499 in the major--the thesis project (e.g. BIO 499, SOC 499, EEL 499)
This is a total of about 26 credit hours.
However, 12-19 of those credit hours will overlap with your University Studies requirements. These are courses you would have had to take anyway.
Completing University Honors will then likely require only 5-8 additional hours on top of your existing course load.
Can I Visit the Honors College?
We would love to have you as a visitor!
Schedule a Visit with Honors
Is an Interview Required?
No, the Honors College does not conduct admissions interviews. Admitted students may be invited to interview for prestigious scholarship opportunities based on merit and having completed the UNCW Scholarship Application.
What if I Don’t Get Admitted to Honors?
Students who are not admitted to the Honors College as freshmen are encouraged to apply after their first semester at UNCW, once they have established a GPA and gotten involved on campus.
We gain many excellent additions to the College this way.
Where is the office of the Honors College located?
We are located in King Hall on the first floor!
What if I Have More Questions?
If you have a question that is still not answered, please do not hesitate to call the Honors College at 910.962.3408 or email honors@uncw.edu
