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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.

Fall Deadline

December 1

Summer Deadline

December 1

Decisions Released

February 15

Application Materials
  • 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.
    Freshman Applicants
    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.

    Freshman applications not accepted to start in Spring. 
    • 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.

    Fall 2024 Entering Class Profile

    550
    Class
    Size
    3.90*
    Average
    GPA
    30†
    Average
    ACT Score
    17%
    First-Generation
    Students
    53%
    Class
    Size
    47%
    Male
    Students
    59%
    Utah
    Residents
    41%
    Non-Utah
    Residents
    Top States‡
    California, Idaho, Colorado,
    Washington, Oregon (tie),
    Arizona (tie)

    * 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.

    Fall Deadline

    February 1

    Summer Deadline

    February 1

    Decisions Released

    November 1

    Application Materials
  • 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.
    • 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 admission@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

    • Minimum first semester GPA 3.50
    • 25 students selected
    • Required first semester course HONOR 1030
    First Year Honors Curriculum
    Students admitted after a successful first semester have access to the same curriculum and opportunities as those who joined during their first semester. To earn an honors degree, first-year students complete 24 honors credits.
    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.
    Learn More

    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 admission@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
    Upper Division Honors Curriculum
    Students who have completed approximately half of their undergraduate degree can start with Honors at the beginning of their third year or with two years remaining at the University. To earn the honors degree, Upper Division students complete 15 honors credits.
    Learn More