Applying to Honors

Drury’s Honors Program is highly competitive. Each year no more than 25 students are accepted. Those students are chosen on the basis of their previous academic accomplishments and on the quality of their application into the program.

High-school seniors and incoming freshmen who meet the following requirement are invited to apply to the honors program:

  • 3.50 high school GPA
  • ACT score of 27 (SAT 1190) or higher
  • After your first semester a faculty member may recommend you if have a 3.50 GPA, or you may apply for admission
  • Graduating with honors requires a cumulative 3.50 grade point average

The application process takes approximately 3-5 hours and will require, among other things, that you write an essay. Eligible students should fill out the online application form. Applications must be received by July 15. After you've finished this part of the process, your application will be reviewed by the honors director and by members of the honors council; together they will decide which students they wish to interview. Interviews are scheduled throughout the school year, but for incoming students they are held during Orientation Week in August.

A second opportunity to enter the program occurs each fall. In October, the honors director will ask Core 101 professors to nominate freshmen who have shown the qualities valued in the program, which include writing ability and intellectual curiosity. The honors director and members of the honors council will get in touch with the nominees to schedule interviews, after which some nominees will be invited to join the program.

Throughout the process, remember to be yourself. The qualities valued in the program are as various and unique as the people who exhibit them. In broad terms, we value intellectual curiosity, adventurous thinking, motivation, and an ability to work collaboratively and on one’s own.