Honors College Application Process

Everyone is invited to apply!

The Winthrop University Honors College welcomes applications from all students. The typical applicant meets or exceeds two or more of these academic thresholds:

GPA

• In-State: 4.50
• Unweighed GPA: 3.50
• Out-of-State: 3.50
• Transfer: 3.30

Class Rank

• In-State: Top 20 %
• Out-of-State: 20 %

Standardized Test Score

• SAT: 1200
• ACT Composite: 23

Applying is easy - here's what you'll need:

• Applicaiton timeframe: The deadline to apply to the Honors College is May 15th.
• Basic contact information including the email address you used to apply for admission to Winthrop University.
• Academic credentials: Your current high school GPA and approximate class rank percentile (e.g., top 15%).
• Standardized test scores (optional): You are encouraged to include your ACT and/or SAT scores.
• Achievement summary: Information about your academic honors, leadership experiences, and awards you've received.
• Alternative pathway (if applicable): If you don't meet the standard academic thresholds described above, be prepared to explain how your unique experiences and perspective make you a strong candidate for the Honors College.
• Leadership essay: A 500+ word essay describing how your core values shape your definition of leadership.
• Top-Flight application materials: If you plan to apply for the prestigious Top-Flight Scholars program, make sure to have your application materials ready.  Top-Flight applications are due on January 15th.

 

Important Dates

• Priority Review: Applications received by January 15th will receive highest priority consideration.
• Top-Flight Scholar Application Deadline: January15th
• Final Application Deadline: March 31st 

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and decision letters are sent through email, typically 2-3 weeks after you apply. No decisions are made until you have been accepted as a student at Winthrop University.

Get Started Here!

 

Guidelines for Generative AI Use in Honors College Application Essays

We recognize that generative AI tools are readily available and can be tempting to use during the application process. While we won't explicitly prohibit their use, we want to be transparent about why we strongly encourage you to write without AI assistance.

Our Philosophy: We're seeking to understand who you are as a thinker, writer, and person. Your authentic voice, which resonates with distinct rhythms, perspectives, and imperfections, tells us far more about your potential than a polished, AI-enhanced essay ever could.  The most compelling stories emerge from genuine, unfiltered expression. Trust your own voice - it's more interesting than a computer.

Why We Discourage AI Use: The rough edges in your writing aren't flaws to be corrected; they're windows into your authentic self. The way you naturally express ideas, the questions you ask, and the connections you make are distinctive elements of your voice - and that's precisely what we're looking for. Even minimal AI assistance tends to smooth away these remarkable features, leaving us with prose that could have been written by anyone.

A Note on Perfection: Please don't feel compelled to leave in grammatical errors to "prove" you didn't use AI. We understand the difference between natural writing voice and intentional mistakes. What we're after is genuine expression, not performance of imperfection.

 

Transfer and Upperclass Applicants

Transfer students with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.30 are invited to apply to the Honors College. 

Winthrop students who are in their first year and have a GPA of 3.3 or above are invited to apply to the College. 

Required materials

 

 

Please contact the Honors College with any questions.