Honors Program
(570) 326-3761, ext. 7910
Eligibility, Selection, and Maintaining Membership
Eligibility
Students are invited into the Honors Program during the second semester of their freshman year based on the following criteria:
- First-time college student
- Full-time status
- Commencing studies in August
- Enrollment in any associate or bachelor degree
- High school GPA of 3.5 or higher
- High school class rank within top 10%
- SAT (1800) or ACT (27) scores
- Students must earn a 3.5 graduation GPA during their first semester (Fall semester) of study at Penn College
Selection Process
Students who meet the seven criteria receive correspondence through the matriculation process regarding the Honors Program and their eligibility. Upon determination of first semester grades, students who meet all eight criteria are invited to attend an informational session in early January. During this session, students will be advised on the application process.
Students who wish to apply for the Honors Program have one month to complete the application which includes:
- Two letters of recommendation from non-relatives attesting to the student's potential for enriching the College. One letter must be from a Penn College faculty member.
- A personal essay describing how the program will benefit your personal development.
Upon review of applications, the Honors Program Committee will conduct interviews and make final selections. The program capacity is ten students.
Maintaining Membership
Students are expected to maintain a GPA of 3.5 for the academic year; therefore, if the GPA falls below 3.5 for a semester, there is one semester in which to elevate it.