Honors Admissions
University of Utah students have multiple entry points into the Honors College. Students may apply during the freshman application process, as a current U student (during your first semester or after completing 60 credits), or as a transfer student.
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How to Apply
Incoming first-year and transfer students apply through the University of Utah general admissions application. The Honors College has two essay options and students should respond to one of the two prompts. The essay questions are provided within the application. To be considered for the Honors College, students must submit a completed application (including transcripts and essay) to the University by the application deadline.
Students who apply to the University of Utah before the December 1 deadline, but missed submitting for Honors, may amend their application to apply for Honors prior to January 4.
Incoming Freshman applications are only accepted to start in Fall and Summer semesters.
Fall Deadline
December 1
Summer Deadline
December 1
Decisions Released
February 15
- Completed University of Utah Application
- Honors Essay
- Letter of Recommendation (optional)
- Test Scores (optional)
Note: All applications must be submitted through the University's application system. Emailed, faxed, or mailed copies will not be reviewed.
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The Honors College admissions process is highly competitive. During the review process, readers are looking for bright, socially responsible students who show an interest in our curriculum, engaging in the Honors community, and completing a thesis or capstone project. Honors College readers carefully evaluate rigor of coursework, grades, essay, extracurricular activities, and demonstration of intellectual curiosity. Readers consider quality of engagement over sheer quantity, applicant's self-awareness and reflection on extracurricular involvement, and an application's authenticity.
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Those applying to the U can track their application online. https://admission-checklist.app.utah.edu/
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First-time freshman applicants who apply by the December 1 deadline for Summer or Fall will be mailed a University of Utah general admissions decision in mid-January. Honors decisions will be sent by email in mid-February.
Fall 2025 Entering Class Profile
Size
Range
ACT Score
Students
Students
Students
Residents
Residents
* Unweighted on a 4.0 scale † Test scores are optional ‡ Not including Utah
How to Apply
Incoming first-year and transfer students apply through the University of Utah general admissions application. The Honors College has two essay options and students should respond to one of the two prompts. The essay questions are provided within the application. To be considered for the Honors College, students must submit a completed application (including transcripts and essay) to the University by the application deadline.
Spring Start
October 31
Summer & Fall Start
April 1
Note: All applications must be submitted through the University's application system. Emailed, faxed, or mailed copies will not be reviewed.
-
The Honors College admissions process is highly competitive. During the review process, readers are looking for bright, socially responsible students who show an interest in our curriculum, engaging in the Honors community, and completing a thesis or capstone project. Honors College readers carefully evaluate rigor of coursework, grades, essay, extracurricular activities, and demonstration of intellectual curiosity. Readers consider quality of engagement over sheer quantity, applicant's self-awareness and reflection on extracurricular involvement, and an application's authenticity.
-
Those applying to the U can track their application online. https://admission-checklist.app.utah.edu/
-
First-time freshman applicants who apply by the December 1 deadline for Summer or Fall will be mailed a University of Utah general admissions decision in mid-January. Honors decisions will be sent by email in mid-February.
First-Year Pathway
The Honors College provides currently enrolled University of Utah students with two application pathways—First-Year and Upper Division Honors. First semester students may apply during their first semester to start with Honors in their second semester at the University. Students admitted after their first semester join the four-year Honors experience at the U. Competitive applicants have a 3.75 GPA or higher.
For students with less than three years remaining at the University, Upper-Division Honors is typically the best option.
For questions relating to your specific situation or other admissions inquiries, please contact admissions@honors.utah.edu.
Spring Start
December 1
Current student applicants will be notified in time for the opportunity to register for Honors courses for the following semester, if accepted.
Data Points
- Minimum first semester GPA 3.50
- Up to 50 students selected
- Required spring semester course HONOR 1030
First-year Pathway students complete a 3-credit version of Ideas that Matter, two intellectual traditions courses, an honors seminar, learning community requirements, 9-credits of honors electives, and a thesis or creative capstone project in their major.
Upper-Division Pathway
The Honors College provides currently enrolled University of Utah students with two application pathways—First-Year and Upper-Division Honors. Upper-Division Honors is a two-year honors experience.
To be eligible for the Upper-Division Honors, students must have completed a minimum of 60 credits accepted by the University of Utah (including AP, IB, concurrent enrollment, and transfer). Out of the 60 credits accepted by the University of Utah, students must have earned a minimum of 40 credits after high school graduation. In-progress courses at the time of application will contribute to meeting the 60-credit requirement.
For questions relating to your specific situation or other admissions inquiries, please contact admissions@honors.utah.edu.
Spring Deadline
December 1
Summer Deadline
April 2
Current student applicants will be notified in time for the opportunity to register for Honors courses for the following semester, if accepted.
Data Points
- Up to 60 students selected
- Minimum 3.5 GPA
Meet with Our Admissions Team to Learn About Honors
Meet with our Program Manager for Admissions to learn more about the Honors College. In-person appointments include a guided tour of our Honors spaces. Meetings are available for incoming freshmen, transfer students, and current University of Utah students with virtual and in-person options. Please select the link below that best matches your student status.