+ Frequently asked questions l HOW CAN THE UNIVERSITY HONORS PROGRAM HELP ME?
The University Honors program is designed for students seeking to get the most out of their college careers while preparing themselves for success after they graduate. Its requirements focus not only on rigorous instruction but also providing students with the flexibility and independence to pursue their own intellectual interests. Combined with an emphasis on opportunities for research and independent study, Honors students graduate with a skill set and record of accomplishment that gives them a distinct advantage when applying for their first job or a top-tier graduate school.
+ APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONs • Submit an online application at admission.slu.edu for freshman admission to Saint Louis University.
+ BE BRILLIANT.
BE A BILLIKEN.
• Visit slu.edu/departments/honors to complete the separate Honors Program application, including a short personal statement and two letters of recommendation. • The application deadline for the University Honors Program is Dec. 1. Only complete applications (including letters of recommendation and personal statement) will be considered. • Admission decisions for the University Honors Program will be emailed to all eligible applicants in March of their senior year of high school.
l CAN I JOIN THE UNIVERSITY HONORS PROGRAM AS A CURRENT SLU STUDENT?
Mail application and all other documents to:
Yes. Current SLU students who have at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA and have earned fewer than 45 hours of college credit at SLU, or through dual credit, may apply to the University Honors Program. The application deadline for current SLU students for fall is Feb. 15 and Oct. 15 for spring. However, due to space limitations, students are strongly encouraged to apply as incoming freshmen.
Saint Louis University
Office of Admission
DuBourg Hall, Room 119
St. Louis, MO 63103 For more information, visit
SLU.EDU/HONORS
University
Honors
Program A Guide to one of SLU’s most selective academic opportunities
l WHICH MAJORS/PROGRAMS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR UNIVERSITY HONORS PROGRAM CONSIDERATION?
Students from all majors and pre-professional programs are welcome to apply for admission to the University Honors Program.
l WHEN WILL I FIND OUT WHETHER OR NOT I HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED?
Admission decisions for the University Honors Program will be emailed to all eligible applicants in March of their senior year of high school.
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BE BRILLIANT. BE A BILLIKEN. Honors students harness their passion for learning both in the classroom and beyond. They study abroad, pursue teaching assistantships and engage in faculty-sponsored internships or research. Prospective students and their families are welcome to visit the University Honors Program and meet with an adviser. Students should be certain to tell their SLU admissions counselor of their interest in the program.
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+ BENEFITS OF THE
university HONORS PROGRAM
University
Honors
Program
Through a vibrant scholarly community of students, faculty and staff, the University Honors Program provides a holistic approach to learning through customized advising, independent research opportunities and study abroad experiences.
Students work closely with faculty and their advisors to create demanding courses of study focused on exploring individualized academic and career interests while developing leadership skills, cultural competency and personal responsibility.
Designed for academically talented and motivated students from all majors, this specialized academic pathway is intended to complement, not compete with whatever degree you choose. Instead, the University Honors Program at Saint Louis University directs students in creating a more in-depth, enriching and engaging college journey. To learn more about graduating with honors, visit slu.edu/honors.
“I knew when I decided to attend SLU that I would be part of an intelligent, selective group of students that wanted nothing but the best from a Jesuit education. The University Honors Program provides invaluable guidance and student resources while hosting fun, helpful events throughout the year that
Partnering with other programs and departments across campus, the University Honors Program offers a distinctive college experience: • • • • • • • • • •
Individualized advising Honors-only and/or cross-listed courses with smaller class sizes taught by key faculty Priority status for course registration Faculty mentoring Experiential learning opportunities for college credit Honors peer mentoring through SLU’s Leaders for Involvement, Networking and Knowledge (LINK) program Community-building programming by the Honors Student Association Leadership and governing opportunities on student boards and groups Residence hall floor learning community dedicated to Honors students Two Honors first-year interest groups (FIGs)
+ BE AMONG SLU’S TOP ACHIEVERS Incoming Honors students are grouped together in a single residence hall floor, which allows for friendships that develop based on a desire for intellectual growth and discourse as well as shared experiences. These activities include community dinners, sightseeing, service projects and study breaks. This environment enables students to tackle the University Honors Program’s rigorous academic challenges with the support of peers who, like them, are intellectually curious and motivated toward higher achievement.
build community and relationships among Honors students. However, the true gift of the University Honors Program lies in the enhanced growth and learning that comes from participating in classes with peers who are motivated, inquisitive and discussion-oriented.” Mike lally, Honors Student
Several groups and organizations designed specifically for Honors students further enhance these connections with plenty of opportunities for taking classes, attending events and discussing ideas together. As students progress, these friendships grow into a professional network that can be leveraged in their post-undergraduate career.
+ Connect with the honors Community • Two Honors-only FIGs, “Life Sciences” and “Being Human,” provide clusters of classes that students take together their first semester, leading to increased community and study partnerships. • LINK offers support for incoming students and leadership opportunities for upperclassmen Honors students with mentoring and special events. • Students are also automatically enrolled in the Honors Student Association, a student-led organization that provides social programming, service opportunities and academic support.
+ REQUIREMENTS For Prospective Students Admissions decisions are based on each individual’s personal qualifications and achievements, and a number of factors are considered. Strong candidates meet the following criteria: • A composite ACT score of at least 30 or a combined SAT score of at least 1330 (math and critical reading). • A cumulative high school GPA of at least 3.8 as reported on the student’s high school transcript at the end of junior year. Once accepted, students are expected to maintain full-time enrollment at Saint Louis University and a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 to remain in the University Honors Program.
Completing the University Honors Program Honors students are required to complete at least 24 credit hours of Honors coursework and earn academic credit in at least one Honors course each semester. Required courses include: • HR 190: Crossroads (to be completed during the first semester) • One upper-level honors seminar • At least three hours of HR 490: Honors Senior Thesis/Capstone Remaining Honors coursework requirements include: Honors sections of core-curriculum classes, where Honors sections of required courses are selected from the course catalog during registration. Cross-listed courses, where students earn Honors credit through coursework if an Honors project is completed in addition to the course’s regular requirements.