High School Seniors
Interested in participating in the Honors
Program at James Madison University?
Once you complete and submit your online application to James Madison University, you will receive an e-mail describing the Honors Program and providing you a link to the online Honors Program application. You may also use the link below, however you must first submit your application to JMU. By using the same User ID as your JMU application, you will be able to access the Honors Program application.
THE APPLICATION DEADLINE HAS PASSED
Click here to see a completed SAMPLE of an Honors Program application
How do you apply to the JMU Honors Program?
- An interested student who wants to apply must submit an online application to the Honors Program by January 22, 2008. All supporting documents (transcripts, recommendations, etc.) must be received no later than February 29. This year, the program has revised its application procedures in order to provide an earlier response to all applicants. DECISION LETTERS WILL BE MAILED NO LATER THAN THE FIRST WEEK OF APRIL.
The online application to the Honors Program Includes:
- an Honors Scholar Application Form
- two letters of recommendation
- high school transcript
RECOMMENDATION FORM
Please mail transcripts, recommendations, and any other documents to:
JMU Honors Program
MSC 1501
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the criteria to be admitted into the Honors Program?
- a combined Math and Critical Reading score of 1300 or higher on the SAT; OR
- a composite ACT score of 30 or higher; OR
- an unweighted GPA of 3.50 or higher; OR
- graduating in the top 10% of your high school class
These are only guidelines, as the entire application packet is considered as a whole. The essay, letters of recommendation, and extra curricular activities all play a vital role in the decision-making process.
What are the benefits of participating in
the JMU Honors Program?
- Increased scholarship opportunities. The Honors Program has the largest number of academic scholarships at JMU.
- Small honors classes with a maximum of 20 students.
- Priority registration.
- A computer laboratory exclusively for honors students.
- Subsidized printing in the honors computer lab.
- Opportunity to join the Honors Learning Community, a residential living and learning experience.
- Some of the most elegant facilities of any Honors Program in the country.
- Mentoring support for undergraduate research.
- Financial support to present your research at undergraduate conferences.
- Award of a gold medallion upon graduation.
- Designation of "Honors Scholar" and "graduation with distinction" on diploma and transcript.
- A very high success rate in admission to prestigious graduate and professional schools.
Are honors classes harder than other university classes?
University honors classes are different from high school honors classes. They are not harder than other courses and they do not receive any greater weight in your GPA. They do offer greater opportunity for discussion and debate, work with primary materials, research and writing, and the development of critical thinking.
How many freshmen will be selected to participate in the Honors Program?
Approximately 200 students enter as freshman Honors Scholars each year.
Who should write the letters of recommendation?
Two letters are required. At least one letter should come from a teacher.
Can I use the same recommendations as submitted with my JMU application?
Yes, you may have the same people send one set of letters to JMU Admissions and a duplicate set of their letters to the Honors Program. It is preferred the form accompany a letter, however a letter alone or the form alone is acceptable.
Do you need my high school transcripts? Do they need to come directly from my high school?
Yes, we need your transcripts, but they may come either from you or the high school.
Why do I have to send another copy of my transcript and recommendations when they were already sent to Admissions?
The Admissions Office does not distribute documents submitted as part of the admission process to other departments. These documents become part of your permanent record and are kept confidential. Therefore, we must request that you submit an additional copy of these documents to the Honors Program to maintain in our own confidential files.
If my school does not rank, am I still eligible to apply?
Yes. You are strongly encouraged to apply.
If I have been home-schooled, am I still eligible to apply?
Yes. You are strongly encouraged to apply.
What are the requirements to stay in the Honors Program after my freshmen year?
To remain in good standing, students must achieve and maintain at least a 3.25 cumulative GPA.
If I don't get in, can I apply to the Honors Program later?
Yes. Students achieving a 3.25 GPA at JMU are invited to apply to the Honors Program as 2nd semester freshmen, sophomores, and juniors. At that time, the JMU GPA is the primary criteria for acceptance. More information is available on our website under Admissions.
Why do I have to complete three applications as an incoming freshman: 1) Admission application 2) Bluestone Scholarship application 3) Honors Program application? Why can't you cross reference these three applications?
The three applications have three different purposes and three different selection committees. All candidates must first meet the requirements of the JMU Admissions office. However, the Bluestone scholarship opportunity and criteria for selection into the Honors Program differ. If you have additional questions, please consult our website (www.jmu.edu/honorsprog/) or call our office at (540) 568-6953.
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