The Honors Program at the University of Kentucky has program staff feeling very excited and, honestly, a little overwhelmed: More than 2,400 students applied for entry this year, as compared to 1,200 last year. The program expects to enroll an entering class of between 400 and 450.
Although those not admitted may remain active on a wait list, the yield on offers of admission already looks higher than in previous years. As a result, students on the wait list may be sorely disappointed.
Meg Marquis, director of student services for UK’s Honors Program, attributes the applicant pool’s growth to two factors: increased recruiting efforts to make sure in-state students and their school counselors know about opportunities, especially for high-ability students otherwise inclined to go out of state; and UK recruiting at more out-of-state schools generally.
A third factor, as well, may have impacted the applicant pool: The Honors application was appended to the general admissions application, rather than standing alone as in previous years, making it more convenient for students to apply.
Many denied in competitive review process
Marquis and her colleagues in the Honors Program have been hearing from unhappy students not admitted, as well as their parents. Many express surprise because they didn’t understand the quantity of applications received, nor did they understand the impact that quickly written essay responses might have had on the final decision.
Marquis urges parents to give as much responsibility as possible to students throughout the process, even at the end if questioning an admission decision.
Admission to the Honors Program is based on a holistic process in which students’ essay responses are weighted quite heavily. The three essay questions allow students to demonstrate writing aptitude and where they are in terms of thinking deeply about things, being curious and having a mind open to exploration.
There is no “auto-admit” based on grade point average and ACT, although 90 percent of those admitted have an unweighted GPA of at least 3.9. The average ACT composite for those admitted was close to 32, and more than a handful had a perfect 36. Marquis noted that a perfect score would not guarantee admission in and of itself.
All applications are read by faculty reviewers. In addition to academic excellence, extracurricular accomplishments and volunteer experience are considered. Faculty want “students who are interested in doing,” said Marquis, “students who are curious about the world.”
Although review of completed applications begins early, no preference is given to early applicants. However, Marquis observed that students who wait until the deadline to apply often approach the application less thoughtfully.
Program components
UK’s Honors Program is more than 50 years old. The curriculum has been molded to fit students’ needs and provide academic rigor, and to help students explore different courses and experiences rather than focus solely on graduate/professional school goals.
Honors seminars offer small classes, capped at 20, with Honors peers and highly experienced professors. Connections with Honors are now spread throughout all four undergraduate years. A flexible curriculum gives students credit for education abroad and undergraduate research; structure and guidance is available to make these opportunities realities for each student.
This is “a notoriously friendly program,” said Marquis, with students very friendly toward one another rather than competing against each other. “They’re proud of each others’ successes.”
Incoming freshmen should apply for competitive scholarships while applying for admission; there is no automatic award that accompanies Honors entry. Instead, Honors funding supports enrolled students as they pursue education abroad and undergraduate research conferences, as well as other educational experiences.
Honors Living Learning Community
As of fall 2013, a new residence hall will have 450 of its 600 beds designated for an Honors LLC. This can accommodate the entire first-year cohort if they choose to live there, but students are not obligated to choose this housing option.
Programming in the LLC is student-driven and includes networking with faculty, guest lectures and social/stress-release opportunities. The new residence hall makes connections between living and learning more deliberate, as it includes Honors classrooms and program offices. Perhaps this is a fourth reason for the extraordinary increase in applications this year.
Explore before applying
Students who seek the relative bargain of in-state tuition and who are up to the rigors of the Honors program overlay would do well to explore UK’s program as they build their college lists. Even students drawn to small liberal arts colleges may find that the hybrid approach of a smaller Honors program within a large public university is worth careful consideration. It is not purely for those in arts and sciences; the program boasts student enrollment from every major offered at the university.
Students are advised to seek information early to develop an understanding of the program, Marquis emphasized. She hopes that they will apply not because they see the Honors Program as a resume-builder, but instead because they see the program as an excellent match for their intellectual interests.
Jane S. Shropshire guides students and families through the college search process and is Business Lexington’s Higher Ed Matters columnist. Contact her at Jshrop@att.net.