Admission Process

First-year students are admitted to the program by the University Honors Council on the basis of their high school academic record and accomplishments, demonstrated understanding of and academic fit for the program, and teacher recommendations, only after they have been accepted into the University. The Honors Council is particularly interested in students who have participated in educational, social, cultural or other extra-curricular projects or activities, and whose applications suggest enthusiasm, intellectual curiosity, a willingness to get involved, and the desire and capacity to produce quality undergraduate scholarship.

Successful applicants are typically in the top 10 percent of their high school class, with combined SAT scores (evidence-based reading/writing and math) above 1200, and GPA of at least 3.8. Students with lower SAT scores or GPAs may still apply, but are encouraged to explain briefly in the application any special circumstances that had an impact on their scores. SAT or ACT scores are required to be considered for the Honors Program.

A complete Honors Application includes three elements:

• Honors Application. Click here to apply to the Honors Program; please note that you must first apply to Eastern and activate your application portal (following the login instructions you were emailed after submitting your University application).
• Essay. You may choose one of the two prompts listed on the Application Essay Prompts page
• Two Teacher Recommendation Forms. These should be submitted by academic teachers who can personally attest to your academic performance and potential to succeed in an Honors Program in particular. These may be the same teachers you asked to write your letters of recommendation for general University admission, or you may choose different teachers who could better attest to these qualities. Teachers should complete Eastern's Honors Recommendation Form.

Applications are reviewed by the Honors Council on a rolling basis through February and March. All students are typically notified of their program admission decision by the end of March.

Special Note for Continuing and Incoming Transfer Students:

Continuing or incoming transfer students who have earned fewer than 45 college credits (not including credits earned in high school) and at least a 3.5 GPA are invited to apply to the Honors Program. The application is due April 1, and admission decisions will be finalized and released by May 1.

A complete application includes:

• Honors Application for continuing and incoming transfer students.
• Essay response to the following prompt: "An important component of Eastern's Honors Program is the Honors thesis, which will require you to complete a significant piece of original research or creative work. Please explain why you wish to engage in a project like this as an undergraduate."
• Two Recommendation Forms. These should be submitted by university professors who can speak to the applicant’s academic experience and potential for success in Eastern’s rigorous University Honors Program.