Start by reviewing how to apply based on your student type. First-year students apply through the main JMU application, while transfer and current students complete a separate Honors application. Use the sections below to prepare your essays, understand requirements, and review deadlines for your application type.
Step 1: Prepare Your Essays
All applicants complete two short essay responses as part of the Honors application. These essays are your opportunity to reflect on your goals and show how the Honors experience aligns with your academic and personal interests. Applications are evaluated based on responsiveness to the prompt, originality, specificity, and writing quality.
- What does your ideal college experience look like? In what ways do you hope the JMU Honors College will help you achieve that vision? (200 words)
- Of the qualities listed below, which one matters most to you? Why? (200 words)
Step 2: Choose Your Applicant Type
Select your student type below to view application instructions, requirements, and deadlines specific to your pathway, including what to prepare, how to apply, and next steps after submission.
How to Apply
First-year students apply to the Honors College through the main JMU application. We encourage students to review the Honors essay prompts and prepare their responses before starting the JMU application. Applying to the Honors College does not affect your admission decision to JMU, and admission to JMU does not determine admission to the Honors College.
To be considered for the Dingledine-Bluestone Scholarship, students must apply Early Action, and complete the Dingledine-Bluestone Scholarship through Madison Scholarships Hub by November 15.
After You’re Admitted: Next Steps
Students admitted to the Honors College must accept their Honors offer separately after paying the JMU enrollment deposit.
To accept your Honors admission:
- Submit your JMU enrollment deposit.
- Log into the Applicant Center once your deposit has processed.
- Select your Honors College decision (accept or decline).
Deadline to respond: May 1
Applications for incoming transfer students are accepted on a rolling basis.
- We will not act on your Honors application until you have been admitted to JMU.
- If you have been admitted to JMU, you can expect an Honors Admissions decision within one month of the submission of your application.
Direct Admission for Honors Transfers
Direct Admission allows JMU-admitted transfer students meeting certain criteria to join the Honors College without going through the standard application.
Elibigility
To be eligible for Direct Admission to the JMU Honors College, transfer students must:
- Be admitted to JMU.
- Complete one year of courses (minimum of 24 credit hours) at another institution of higher education (these credits must be completed post-high school graduation).
- Complete at least 9 credits of Honors coursework at their previous institution.
- Present a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 (4.0 scale) upon application to JMU. If a student has attended multiple institutions, they must have earned a minimum GPA of 3.5 (4.0 scale) at all previous institutions.
Additional Terms
- The JMU Honors College may recognize up to 12 Honors credits completed at another institution as Honors Electives at JMU.
- Students who are not eligible for Direct Admission to the Honors College may still apply through the standard process.
If you would like to be admitted to the Honors College under this policy, please DO NOT submit the standard application; instead, reach out to the Associate Dean of the Honors College, Dr. Allison Fagan.
Applications for current JMU students are accepted on a rolling basis.
- If you have completed at least one full semester at JMU, you can expect an Honors Admissions decision within one month of submission of your application.
- If you are in your first semester at JMU, we will not act on your Honors application until mid-term grades are available.
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