Requirements and How to Apply
Purpose: The Honors Program is an enrichment program, providing a more stimulating intellectual climate or community for our brightest and most motivated students. Undergraduate students from all AU colleges and disciplines are accepted, and interact within classes and at events.
Requirements for completion:
- Honors Seminars—usually taught by full-time professors—are the centerpiece of the program. Students are required to take at least 4 of these seminars while they are here at Alfred. First-year students are required to take at least one Honors Seminar in each of their first two semesters.
- Residency—Honors students are required to spend at least 4 semesters in the program in order to graduate with University Honors.
- GPA—Honors students must maintain a GPA of at least 3.2 to remain in good standing in the program, and must have at least a 3.2 GPA to graduate with University Honors.
- University Honors Thesis—Students must complete a University Honors Thesis (with a residing committee of at least 3 faculty members) to graduate with Honors. The University Honors Thesis does not have to be credit-bearing for the student; signing up for Honors Thesis credits is optional.
- Good character—Students must be of good character in order to graduate as AU Scholars.
Application
The Honors application** requires an original essay, a transcript and a letter of recommendation from a teacher; if you're a high school student applying to Alfred University, these last two items will be submitted with your AU application. You can also apply after enrolling up until the first semester of your junior year. Current AU students applying for the program should have at least a 3.5 GPA. Once in the program, you must maintain at least a 3.2 GPA.
Some basic facts: We have about 160 students in the program (about 8% of AU students); each incoming class admits between 35-50 new Honors students; the average SAT score for Honors students is around 1230 (Math + Verbal); retention for the program is around 93%.
Beyond the classroom: The Honors Program is a community. We have many meetings, gatherings, and even celebrations. Some of our events include Honors Orientation, Death by Chocolate, cultural field trips, the Honors Banquet, and Honors Convocation. There is also a leadership program and a Big Sibling mentoring program within Honors.
The Honors House: Many of our events take place at the Honors House, a home where 5 Honors students reside. Residents for the Honors House are chosen by application (groups of 5 current Honors students in good standing can apply).
Perks and Extras
- Honors students are allowed to take 2 credits beyond the normally allowed credit limit for their college as long as the 2 credits are for an Honors Seminar.
- Cultural and educational events are offered to Honors students at a greatly reduced rate.
- Funding to support the Honors Thesis is available; requests are due on February 1st.
**Make the most of your education through participation in our Honors Program, where you'll have outstanding educational, social and leadership opportunities. Applications open on October 1st, so check back then!