Honors Program Frequently-asked Questions

How do I apply to the Honors Program?

Students admitted to the University who meet the criteria for applying to the Honors Program (high school unweighted GPA of 3.5 or above and minimum SAT 1700 or minimum ACT 26; high school unweighted GPA of 3.0 to 3.49 and minimum SAT 1800 or minimum ACT 28) automatically receive an Honors Program application. Applications will be sent to admitted students following their notification of admission to the University (typically two weeks following notification of admission status).

The Honors application may be submitted anytime through April 1, 2008. There is no additional fee to apply. The application is very straight forward and requires an essay. The essay may be one written for another application for scholarship or admission or from a class assignment.

If you have not received your Honors Program application and would like one mailed to you, contact the Office of Admission at 800-423-8633, ext. 2468, or through e-mail at admission@evansville.edu.

What is the deadline to apply?

Applications will be accepted anytime through April 1, 2009, and beyond as space in the Program allows. Admission into the Honors Program is rolling. In other words, one will find out his or her status soon after an application is submitted. Notification is usually the following month after the application is received.

What are the admission criteria for the Honors Program?

Students who posses one of the following will receive an Honors Program application:

High school unweighted GPA of 3.5 or above and minimum SAT 1700 or minimum ACT 26
High school unweighted GPA of 3.0 to 3.49 and minimum SAT 1800 or minimum ACT 28
Transfer applicants - cumulative college GPA of 3.5 or above

Applications are reviewed monthly by a special Honors Program faculty committee. Admission decisions are based primarily on high school GPA, curriculum, SAT or ACT scores, and essay. Honors admission decisions are most often mailed within a month following receipt of the application.

What are the requirements to complete the Honors Program?

Students earn points through a variety of means…completing Honors designated courses, attending special events and activities, studying abroad, doing internships, and completing an Honors project. A total of 21 points must be earned before graduation. Honors students are expected to participate in an Honors course or activity each semester, as well as earn a cumulative grade point average/credit hour combination.

Honors CGPA and Credit Hour Requirement:

By the completion of the…

Freshman year (0-30 hours) must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0

Sophomore year (31-61 hours) must have a cumulative GPA of 3.1

Junior year (62-92 hours) must have a cumulative GPA of 3.2

Senior year (93 hours or more) must have a cumulative GPA of 3.3

What are the opportunities and benefits of being in the Honors Program?

There are many!

Additional research funding for Honors students to supplement the University's undergraduate research grant
Optional early registration for incoming students which allows Honors students to register for classes before the rest of their classmates
Early registration – Beginning in the freshman year, spring semester, Honors students may register on the first day of registration and thus have priority in course selection
Honors housing – students have the option to live in Powell Hall, the Honors residence hall (space is limited)
Access to an Honors lounge in Powell Residence Hall with computers and free printing
An enriched learning environment, providing opportunities to interact with professors and peers from many academic disciplines through classes and extracurricular activities
Opportunities to interact with special guests to campus (i.e., Honors students got to meet with former UN ambassador Andrew Young and Michael Medved during their recent visits to campus)
Notation on academic transcripts that the Honors Program was completed
Employers and professional or graduate schools generally look favorably on the enriched experience students gain by participation in an Honors program
Leadership opportunities by serving on the Honors Program Student Advisory Council

How many students are in the program?

Currently there are approximately 280 students in the Program. Typically there are 60-70 incoming freshman students each year (about 10 percent of the freshman class).

What happens if I apply and don’t get admitted?

Try again. Current students may apply for admission to the Honors Program. For admission, the Honors Program faculty committee considers current college GPA, course work, and a recommendation letter from an academic advisor or faculty member.

What are the responsibilities of being in the Honors Program?

There are no set responsibilities to the Honors Program beyond participation in at least one event per semester or completion of an Honors course. While we encourage every student in the Program to complete it, there are no adverse consequences for failing to do so.

I’m not sure if I should apply, college seems stressful enough as it is.

The Honors Program is full of benefits and few cons. If after admission you decide you are not interested in completing the Honors Program, there are no penalties to drop from it.

I have more questions, whom should I contact?

Director of the Honors Program, Dr. Ray Lutgring ; 800-423-8633, ext. 1033, or 812-488-2468
Director of Scholar Recruitment, Cherie Leonhardt; 800-423-8633, ext. 2141, or 812-488-2141