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Apply To Honors As An Incoming Freshman

 

Incoming Freshmen

For first-time freshmen, this innovative two-year Honors program is designed to enrich students’ first years on campus, particularly in their general education courses and introductory courses in their major. The Honors Foundations program provides ample support to encourage you to take intellectual risks, make discoveries, explore the world around you, participate in exciting cutting-edge research projects, engage in community-based learning, and find your passion.

Admissions Timeline

FALL 2025 ADMISSION

Invitations to apply to the Honors College are sent to students after they have applied and been admitted to West Virginia University.

  • October 3, 2024
    • Honors Application Opens
  • March 28, 2025
    • Deadline to be admitted to WVU for Honors consideration
  • April 16, 2025
    • Deadline to Submit an Honors Application

Admissions Benchmarks

TEST-BASED ADMISSION

Students invited through test-based admissions will receive an email invitation to submit an application that consists of one short admissions essay. Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis. Most students will receive an admissions decision within 5-10 business days.

  • For first-time freshmen, students who meet the following criteria are invited to apply through the test-based admission process:
    • 3.7 High School GPA (weighted or unweighted) AND
    • 26 ACT or 1230 Redesigned SAT (M/EBRW)

TEST-BLIND ADMISSION

Students invited through this process will receive an email invitation to complete an extended application. In your extended application, you will tell us more about yourself, your interests, and why you want to join the Honors College. 

Extended applications will be considered for admission on a rolling basis by the Honors Admissions Committee. Students should hear an admissions decision about one month after submitting their application.

  • Students may also apply to the Honors College through our test-blind process. Test blind invitations are based on meeting a qualifying GPA:
    • 3.7+ on a 4.0 scale OR
    • 4.0+ on a 5.0 scale

Updates to Your WVU Application

Students who received an WVU admissions decision may update their GPA or standardized test scores with the Office of Admissions. Updates to academic credentials will automatically be reviewed for Honors College eligibility.

Learn how to submit your updated transcript and GPA or new test scores.

Requests To Apply

Students who do not meet benchmarks for test-based or test-blind admissions processes may still apply for admission to the Honors College. Email Honors@mail.wvu.edu with the subject line “Requesting an Application from the Honors College” to request an application. Students who request an application through this process will have their applications and files fully reviewed and considered holistically by the Honors Admissions Committee.