We are pleased you are considering joining the Kent State University Honors College. This is an exciting opportunity for students who are looking for a challenge, and who will immerse themselves in all that the Honors College has to offer.
The admissions process and requirements depend on your point of entry. Find your admissions guidelines by clicking on an image below:
The Honors College enrolls students who are academically motivated and demonstrate the potential for significant academic and creative ability at Kent State University. We take a holistic approach to evaluating students for admission. Standardized test scores have historically been just one indicator among many in our review process. Those students applying as a first-year student in the Honors College are not required to submit standardized test scores (ACT or SAT).
In the absence of test scores, we will continue to look at all available factors, including the completion of a core curriculum; high school GPA; a student’s decision to take rigorous coursework such as AP, IB, honors or college credit, where it is offered; application essays; extracurricular activities; positions of employment and leadership experiences; along with other achievements or extenuating factors. We do not accept or review letters of recommendation. Any submitted letters will not be considered.
First-Year admission to the Honors College is by invitation only. Invitations are sent out beginning in October. In order to receive an invitation, you must: have a 3.7+ (weighted or unweighted) cumulative high school GPA AND apply to Kent State University via the Kent State App or Common App by:
Admission to the Honors College is competitive. The Honors College application is an additional requirement to the Kent State University application. Please ensure you complete the university application by Nov. 1, if you are starting class in spring and Dec. 1, if you are starting classes in the fall. This is one of the most important components in determining a student's success and acceptance into the Honors College.
If you qualify to apply to the Honors College, you will receive an email inviting you to apply through your application portal. The Honors College application requires an essay response along with requested information regarding academic rigor and leadership/extracurricular activities. We highly discourage the use of ChatGPT or other AI software to prepare your essay, as only you can show us who you are through originality of thought and purpose and clarity in your writing.
Please use the username and password used to apply to Kent State University. If you applied to Kent State using the Common Application, you should have received an email with your applicant portal login credentials. If you’re unable to log in to your applicant portal, please contact the Admissions Office at 330-672-2444 or admissions@kent.edu.
When you apply to the Honors College, you are automatically considered for Honors College Scholarships. The Honors College application is used to award scholarships to entering freshmen that demonstrate the potential for superior scholarly and creative activity at the university. All entering freshmen are offered an Honors Distinction Award of $2,000 per academic year (students whose tuition is fully covered through other avenues are not eligible).
Students are also considered for additional honors scholarships when they apply to the Honors College. With support from our generous Honors College donors, these scholarships can range from $500 to $2,000 per academic year. The Honors College will contact those honors students who are selected to receive these scholarships each academic year.
If you have questions about the Honors College application or deadlines, please contact us at 330-672-2312 or honors@kent.edu
Honors College Application Frequently Asked Questions
Current Kent State students and transfer students with outstanding academic records may be considered for admission to the Honors College.
Current Kent State students who are not admitted as incoming freshmen but would like to join the Honors College may apply for membership in the Honors College for the purposes of completing a Senior Honors Thesis/Project. Typically, this consideration occurs in the junior year.
Students who transfer to Kent State from another honors program or college at an accredited institution are eligible to apply for admission to the Honors College. For more information about the benefits of the Honors College and why transfer students should consider applying, please visit Why Honors For Transfer Students?.
To be considered for admission to the Honors College for the purpose of completing a Senior Honors Thesis/Project, we require students to have the following:
Current Kent State students interested in completing a Senior Honors Thesis/Project must contact Theresa Yogi at tyogi@kent.edu for information about the thesis process and the required thesis information meetings.
Transfer students must contact Ólöf Thórdardóttir, Coordinator of Admissions, at othordar@kent.edu for information on accessing the Honors College application for transfer students.
The Honors College will accept applications from continuing Kent State students and transfer students during the fall and spring semesters. Decisions will be made on a rolling basis, but students must apply by the deadline.