HONORS COLLEGE PROGRAM (FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS ONLY)

Honors College membership is comprised of students with outstanding achievement in scholarship, leadership and community service. Membership in Honors is competitive with a maximum of 80 seats offered each Fall. Accepted students live on the sixth and seventh floor of Allegheny Hall. Students from all majors are welcome to apply.

We are about shaping leaders across all disciplinary areas who are motivated by a desire for community engagement. Students who have been accepted to WCU and meet the following requirements will be invited to apply for the Honors College.  The Honors application will be available through your student portal.

 

Eligibility Requirements

Successful candidates have a combination of the following:

  • SAT of 1270 minimum or ACT of 27 minimum*
  • Minimum cumulative high school (unweighted) GPA of 3.60
  • Top 20% of graduating class
  • Achievement in advanced curriculum (AP/Honors) when available through a given school
  • Co-curricular involvement and leadership in school and/or community
  • Community Service

A committee reviews the Honors application in preparation for a personal interview.  Interview sessions are held on select Saturdays in the Spring semester. 

*Submitting SAT and/or ACT scores is an optional part of the admissions process for students applying to attend West Chester University.

Candidates offered a seat in the incoming First-Year Student class are expected to attend the Honors Summer Symposium in August

Dates and Deadlines

Final Honors College admission decisions are made by the last week of April, and a waiting list is established. No seats may be guaranteed/held until a deposit is paid to the University.

Candidates offered a seat in the incoming First-Year Student class are expected to attend a New Student Orientation session in the summer, as well as the Honors Symposium in August.

Transfer Credits

Many Honors students have success with AP examinations. Exam scores should be communicated to the Honors College office as soon as they are available as they often positively impact graduation requirements. Please review the transfer credit instructions from the Registrar's Office website.

Students not admitted into the Honors College as first-year incoming students should review requirements for the Honors Bridge and Seminar Pathways.

Retention

To remain in good standing in the Honors Core Pathway, students must:

  • regularly schedule and complete Honors course offerings 
  • maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.25
  • earn a minimum grade of C+ in all honors coursework

Completion of the Pathway

To complete the Honors Core Pathway and receive recognition, students must:

  • complete the 10 Core General Education Honors College courses
  • maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.25
  • earn a minimum grade of C+ in all honors coursework

Recognition for Graduation

  • A document of merit and medallion will be awarded at the Honors Spring Graduation
  • If graduating in December, there will be a medallion ceremony in December and an invitation to the Honors Spring Graduation

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