Incoming Freshmen
The 2020 Honors application opens on July 1. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. The priority deadline is November 1.
- Incoming Freshmen can select to apply to Honors as part of the KU Admissions application.
- The Honors application requires a resume and a response to one of three essay questions (PDF).
- The University Honors Program does not have a preferred résumé template. This template is a guide to help students organize their involvement in activities outside of the classroom. Using our résumé template is completely optional and will not affect the Honors admission decision.
- Applications will be reviewed once the student is admitted to KU.
- Click here to read our Tips for Applicants.
Already admitted to KU?
Incoming Freshmen who do not apply to Honors as part of the KU Admissions application can still apply online through the Incoming Freshmen: University Honors Program Application.
- Use the latest version of Firefox or Internet Explorer to submit the form. Google Chrome, Safari and Microsoft Edge do not support the required Java plugin.
- To open a link in another browser, right click on the link and select ‘Copy Hyperlink,’ then paste the link to your alternate browser.
The Honors application is a competitive admissions process with an holistic approach in which the following factors are all weighted equally:
- high school unweighted GPA
- high school curriculum
- ACT/SAT scores
- a résumé
- an essay
- Once you’ve been admitted to KU, use your KU ID provided by Admissions to apply to the University Honors Program. The application link is located in the "Already admitted to KU?" section above.
Transfer Students
Transfer students must first submit the KU Admissions application. After admission to KU, complete our Current/Transfer Student Application. Applications will be reviewed after students have at least one semester of college grades on record.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and due no later than two weeks before the start of each semester.
The Honors application is a competitive admissions process with an holistic approach in which the following factors are considered:
- GPA
- résumé highlighting community involvement and leadership potential
- essay
- completed coursework
- capacity to complete the Honors graduation requirements
Current KU Students
Current KU students who are interested in joining Honors should complete our Current/Transfer Student Application. Applications will be reviewed after students have at least one semester of college grades on record.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and due no later than two weeks before the start of each semester.
The Honors application is a competitive admissions process with an holistic approach in which the following factors are considered:
- GPA
- résumé highlighting community involvement and leadership potential
- essay
- completed coursework
- capacity to complete the Honors graduation requirements
International Students
International applicants applying to KU as incoming freshmen should complete the standard KU application along with their Honors application and demonstrate English proficiency in one of the following ways:
TOEFL—
- iBT—a score of 23 or higher for each section score
- Paper—a score of 57 or higher for each section score (with exception for Speaking, which may be lower) and a 4.5 or higher on the Test of Written English (TWE)
OR
International English Language Testing System (IELTS), academic format—6.0 or higher for each part and a total score of 6.5
OR
Exemption from the TOEL/IELTS admission requirement by the Office of International Admissions
International students who do not meet one of these three sets of requirements are invited to apply to the University Honors Program after completing one semester (12-18 credit hours) at the University of Kansas with a GPA of 3.5 or higher and obtaining clearance from required intensive English courses from the KU Applied English Center.
Current international KU students, please refer to the section on this page regarding Current KU Student applications and requirements.
