Incoming Students
High Point University > Honors Scholar Program > Incoming Students

The Honors Scholar Program invites applications from students who wish to explore the wide array of intellectual traditions and research methods that define a liberal arts education. Honors Scholars have access to a broad slate of multidisciplinary courses and multicultural co-curricular activities. They are among the first students to register for courses each semester, ensuring schedules that facilitate their studies and interests. In addition, they receive priority housing in Finch Hall, located on the Kester International Promenade, in the heart of campus.

How do you know the Honors Scholar Program is for you?

  • One of your core beliefs is “Education should empower students to change the world.”
  • You learn best when you are engaged in hands-on projects. Research and collaboration do not scare you.
  • Challenges and even failures help you learn. You don’t give up easily.
  • You enjoy interactive class discussions and activities. Debates and deep conversations are fun!
  • A community of scholars would motivate you to expand your thinking.
  • You enjoy connecting ideas from one class to another.
  • Learning is something that happens all the time for you, not just in the classroom.

Read a note from the Program Director, Dr. Nathan Hedman.

The Honors Core Curriculum consists of 39 credits amassed through twelve courses and over seven semesters. It includes EXP 1101: President’s Seminar and a world language course. All courses engage students in project-based learning and entail direct writing instruction. This Honors Core Curriculum is in place of the General Education Requirements.

 

The Foundations Courses (HNR 1100 – 2500) introduce five areas of the liberal arts: humanities”, social sciences, mathematics, natural sciences,and arts. Scholar Seminars (HNR 3600) explore interdisciplinary topics and give students the opportunity to lead 40% – 60% of class activities. The Qualifying Signature Project (HNR 3700 & 3800) is the defining piece of the curriculum; students work in multidisciplinary teams to plan, propose,and complete a project related to a public issue or problem. The capstone course HNR 4900 Life, Work, and the Liberal Arts assists students with connecting their liberal arts education to their personal and professional goals.

 

Students are required to take each course listed below. AP/IB/Cambridge credits do not replace these requirements, though they can count toward prerequisites and graduation,”depending on departmental policies. Substitutions are available to students who join the Honors Scholars Program at the start of their sophomore year.

 

The program has created a Honors Curriculum Checklist for students and academic advisers to track progress toward completion. This can be a useful tool for academic planning.

Admittance to the Honors Scholar Program

Students may apply to the Honors Scholar Program at two points: with their initial application to High Point University or in the spring of their first year. Applications require additional essays, which are reviewed by the Honors Committee. Accepted students who applied before their fall enrollment will have earned, on average, a 3.5 or higher GPA (unweighted) in high school and either a SAT score above 1300 or an ACT score above 27.

Accepted students who apply in the spring of their first year will have earned, on average, a 3.3 GPA in the fall and will have secured two letters of recommendation from HPU instructors.

It is important to note that the scores and GPAs are averages, not minimums, and that the application essays (and letters of recommendation) play a deciding factor in admittance decisions.

How to Apply

To be considered for membership into the Honors Scholar Program as a new student, you must first submit your High Point University undergraduate admissions application.

Then, please complete the Honors Scholar application through your PantherPage. Priority is given to applications received by February 1. The final application deadline is March 1. Admission to the Honors Scholar Program is limited to 100 students.

Students who are accepted and join the Honors Scholar Program will receive a $3,000 per year scholarship, which can be added to any other scholarships awarded.

For students looking to join the program as sophomores, look here for more information.