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Dingledine-Bluestone Scholarship Application
The Dingledine-Bluestone Scholarships are awarded based on demonstrated excellence in academic achievement, leadership, and community service. The Dingledine-Bluestone Scholarship for freshman students is equivalent to in-state tuition and fees per year for a total of four years if eligibility requirements are met. All eligible in-state and out-of-state students may apply.
Competitive applicants must either:
- apply to the Honors College after completing the JMU admissions application; AND
- have a 3.6 cumulative GPA (on a 4.0 unweighted scale) or an 89 (on a 100 point scale); OR
- have a 1250 SAT (out of 1600 – writing portion not considered) or a 27 ACT score (composite only). If you choose to meet this criteria, you must have your scores sent officially from the testing agency to James Madison University and received by November 1st.
For Renewal of this award: A minimum 3.0 GPA must be maintained each year. All Dingledine-Bluestone Scholars will be required to be an Honors College student in good standing. All recipients are encouraged to participate in the Leadership and Service programs within the Honors College.
- Essay #1: Describe and discuss a time when you were under pressure to make a significant decision. Explain the causes of the pressure, the reasons you decided as you did, and the impact of your decision. Would you make the same decision again today? Please do not add any identifying information in the essay (name, birthdate, ID number, etc.)
- Essay #2: Choose one of your service or leadership experiences and describe how it relates to your dream for a different and better world. How are you presently working to better the lives of others in fulfillment of your dream? How do you expect to make your dream a reality in the future? Please do not add any identifying information in the essay (name, birthday, ID number, etc.)
- Using a bulleted list format, describe your involvement in extracurricular, personal, and volunteer activities. This can be school, church, community, work, etc.
- Using a bulleted list format, list any academic awards, honors, and recognitions. Please include any description necessary.
- Upload a copy of your most recent high school transcript, which includes your senior year schedule.
COB 300H: Honors
Creating a plan.
- Searching effectively
- Managing citations
Have a Question? Ask Me!
Never tackled a big project like this before? Sage Research Methods is a JMU database that can help.
Review some samples from past JMU honors students
- JMU Scholarly Commons: Honors College This link will let you browse the thesis projects submitted by previous Honors students.
What are people writing about in your subject area?
Dr. Connolly mentioned looking at recent issues of the top journals in your major to get ideas for what topic to investigate in your thesis or capstone.
- How to: Finding influential journals in Scopus This handout was created by the University of Sheffield. You must access JMU's subscription to Scopus using the link below.
- Next: Searching effectively >>
- Last Updated: Aug 26, 2024 6:21 PM
- URL: https://guides.lib.jmu.edu/cob300h
Home > Honors College
Honors College
We are an academic community engaging highly motivated and intellectually gifted students in exceptional experiences that develop excellence in leadership, scholarship, and service.
Through small classes and independent study, Honors students cultivate the habits of critical thinking, independent analysis, and creative expression under the guidance of outstanding professors. The program offers unique opportunities such as study abroad, priority registration, an Honors residence hall, financial support, and special programming. Through the Honors College, students receive preparation for graduate or professional schools, enhance their opportunities for rewarding careers, and expand their knowledge of themselves, others, and the world.
Submit your Senior Honors Capstone.
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Honors College Essay: Tips, Prompt Examples and How to Write
Writing honors college essay
An honors college essay is an academic paper that students typically complete to establish entrance into an honors college, program, or division. An honors paper seeks to test students’ research skills and focus their analytical abilities on a subject of academic interest.
Due to the specialized focus of the paper, students benefit from serious attention to the college essay topics, which are vital in developing the essay.
An Honors College essay is unique in terms of its requirements, structure, and background. The purpose of this article is to provide advice on writing and structuring an Honors College essay.
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Which Universities do Ask for Honors College Essay
1. uci (university of california irvine) .
The UCI has two programs, the Academic Honors Program and the Honors Program. Both are popular with many members. They are not mutually exclusive, but they have different requirements and different goals.
The Academic Honors Program is for students who want to get recognized by their professors for academic achievement. It does not require an essay but several letters of recommendation from faculty members.
You should not apply to either program if you are only interested in one or the other because there is no guarantee that either program will accept your application or that you will gain acceptance into either program.
2. VCU (Virginia Commonwealth University)
The applicants must complete the 500-word Essay on Honors. The essay should address the following topics:
- Your interests and goals, especially as they pertain to your intended major(s) and career path(s). How do you feel about being a lifelong learner?
- Your ideas about leadership, including h
- How you would define leadership, what your leadership style is, how you would use your abilities as a leader to positively impact your community in and out of college, and how you would lead if given the opportunity.
3. NJT (New Jersey Institute of Technology)
NJT requires you to write an essay and submit it along with your application.
These honors college essays usually focus on your intellectual interests and experiences, using specific examples to illustrate your points. It’s essential to select an area you are interested in and know about.
You should also pick something that you can write about easily; it will be evident if you are writing a research paper or other academic work instead of an honors college essay, so don’t try to fake it!
4. Purdue University
Purdue University’s Honors College focuses on scholarship, leadership, research, and engagement by integrating residential and co-curricular learning opportunities with academic classroom experiences.
Your college application essay needs to breathe life into your application. It should capture your genuine personality, explaining who you are beyond a series of grades, test scores, and after-school activities.
Take a minute and think about the college or university admission officers who will be reading your essay.
5. Stony Brook University
The Stony Brook Honors College provides an exceptional opportunity for students who want to pursue a challenging course of study in the company of talented peers. Your essay should be no longer than three double-spaced pages and should address certain questions.
It is an opportunity to explain an event that took place on any day in history; what would that event be? Discuss why you chose this particular day. Also, as this question, what do you hope to learn/experience by being present?
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How to Write a Good Honors College Essay
Honors college essays follow a formal style with a clear structure. To get your honors college essay, follow these tips:
- Think about the prompt and what you want to say.
- Brainstorm.
- Organize your thoughts into a logical outline.
- Write your introduction.
- End with a conclusion that sums up the main points of your argument and connects those points back to the prompt.
Technically, the honors college essay can be a five-paragraph essay, but it should be more than that.
It should be closer to a 10-paragraph essay, with an introduction and conclusion paragraph that are each about four or five sentences long.
The introduction and conclusion paragraphs should be about the same size. The middle of the essay should be about three paragraphs long, and each of them should be about four to five sentences long.
1. Introduction
The introduction should have a hook which is a catchy sentence or two that gets the reader interested in reading your essay. Furthermore, it should have an explanation of why you want to go to Honors College: This is usually possible in one sentence.
Also, there should be a thesis statement. This is usually evident in one sentence at the end of the paragraph. The thesis statement tells the reader what you plan to write about in your essay. For example: “I want to attend honors college because of their strong pre-med program.”
Write the body of your paper using transition words to connect your ideas and explain the connections between them.
The middle paragraphs should include an explanation of why you have chosen your career path and why you are interested.
3. Conclusion
End with a strong conclusion that ties together everything you discussed within your paper, providing important takeaways for readers as well as leaving them feeling satisfied with what they just read.
Takeaways
- You are writing an essay, not a text message. In other words, please use complete sentences and correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation. If proper English is not your strong suit, enlist someone proficient at it to help edit your essay.
- Be specific about what you want to study and why. Do not just say that you want an education; tell the reader what kind of education you want and why. This is particularly important if you plan to study something that you did not find at your high school.
- The readers do not expect you to know everything about the field you plan to enter. They expect that you give serious consideration to it and explain why you want to pursue it beyond the fact that “it sounds interesting” or “it pays well.”
- Proofread your essays before sending them in. Errors will distract from whatever else is in those essays and may give us a negative impression of your abilities.
Things to Remember about Honor Essays
The honors essay is one of your best chances to stand out in a meaningful way from other applicants, so be sure to invest time in crafting a great response.
The admission office is looking for the following:
- The office wants to know that you understand what makes the honors program special. We have a diverse group of students and faculty who are passionate about learning and interacting across disciplines.
- What do you think this will mean for you? How will you take advantage of being in an environment that values interdisciplinary thinking?
- Your accomplishments. Let the audience know your talents. Have you excelled academically? What leadership roles have you taken on, or awards have you won? They want to discover what drives your passion for learning, leadership, and service.
- Your plans for the future. The honors program will prepare you for success beyond your skills, whether that’s graduate school or medical school, or a career in a completely different field.
People Also Read: NJHS Essay: How to Write a Winning Piece from Ideas to end
Examples of Honors College Essay Topics
- Considering your lifetime goals, explain how your present and future academic activities will assist you in achieving your goals.
- Settle for an issue of importance to you, whether it is political, personal, local, or international related. Then, craft an essay to explain the significance of that issue to yourself, your community, and your generation.
When not handling complex essays and academic writing tasks, Josh is busy advising students on how to pass assignments. In spare time, he loves playing football or walking with his dog around the park.
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College Essay Prompts: Complete List, Analysis, and Advice
College Admissions , College Essays
When talking about college essays, we tend to focus on the Common Application prompts , and it's true that many students will need to write a Common App essay. However, there are actually quite a few schools, including both public and private universities, that don't use the Common App and instead ask applicants to respond to their own college essay prompts.
Luckily, college essay prompts tend to be pretty similar to each other. In this guide, I'll list all the college essay questions for popular schools in the US (and a few abroad) and then break down the patterns to help you brainstorm topics and plan how to approach multiple essays efficiently. After reading this guide, you'll be able to strategize which essays you'll write for which colleges.
Feature image: Mayr /Flickr
Why Do Colleges Ask For an Essay?
The short answer: the essay gives admissions committees a sense of your personality beyond the statistics on the rest of your application. The essay is your chance to show the committee your unique perspective and impress them with your maturity and insight.
College application essay prompts are written with this goal in mind. Admissions officers want to give you the chance to share your interests, aspirations, and views on the world, so most prompts ask about how your experiences have shaped you or what you're excited about studying or doing in college. I've collected a ton of examples below and provided some analysis to help you begin planning and crafting your own essays.
Keep in mind that the personal statement alone won't be enough to get you in— your grades and test scores are still the most important factors in your application . That being said, a stellar essay can help bring a borderline applicant over the top or give an excellent but not extraordinary student the opportunity to stand out in a competitive applicant pool.
As such, the essay tends to matter most for very competitive schools. Non-competitive schools generally don't ask you to submit an essay.
Complete List of College Essay Prompts
This list collects the 2022 college essay prompts for major state universities, top-50 schools, and other popular schools which have their own unique questions. They're divided by region, with all optional essays listed at the end.
I left off the Common App supplements, as those often require a substantially different approach. I also stuck to four-year schools, meaning I didn't include special two-year programs, such as Deep Springs College or Miami Dade College's Honors Program (both of which require essays).
Finally, note that these prompts are for freshman applicants, so the requirements might be different for transfer students .
General Applications
There are three general applications you can use to apply to many different schools at once:
Common Application
Universal college application, coalition application.
Each application has its own personal statement requirement. Some schools will ask for additional supplemental essays.
Many more schools accept the Common App than they do the UCA or Coalition Application , though some will accept more than one of these applications.
For the Common App essay, you pick one of the prompts and write 250-650 words about it. Here are the prompts for the 2022-2023 school year:
Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
Describe a problem you've solved or a problem you'd like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma—anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution.
Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.
The UCA essay prompt is completely open ended and has a 650-word limit. Here is the 2022-2023 prompt:
Please write an essay that demonstrates your ability to develop and communicate your thoughts. Some ideas include: a person you admire; a life-changing experience; or your viewpoint on a particular current event.
For the Coalition Application, you'll pick one of five prompts listed below. While there is no hard word limit, the range guidelines are 500-650 words. Here are the prompts for 2022-2023:
What interests or excites you? How does it shape who you are now or who you might become in the future?
Describe a time when you had a positive impact on others. What were the challenges? What were the rewards?
Has there been a time when an idea or belief of yours was questioned? How did you respond? What did you learn?
What success have you achieved or obstacle have you faced? What advice would you give a sibling or friend going through a similar experience?
Now that you know the essay requirements for the three general applications, let’s look at the application essays for specific schools . To keep things organized, we’ve grouped schools based on the region of the US in which they’re located.
Northeast/Mid-Atlantic
The Great Dome at MIT
Georgetown University
Georgetown asks applicants to write one short essay (about half a single-spaced page) and two longer essays (approximately one single-spaced page each). Each applicant must respond to the first two prompts and can choose among the other four based on the specific program she's interested in.
Short Essay: Briefly (approximately one-half page, single-spaced) discuss the significance to you of the school or summer activity in which you have been most involved.
All Applicants: As Georgetown is a diverse community, the Admissions Committee would like to know more about you in your own words. Please submit a brief essay, either personal or creative, which you feel best describes you.
Applicants to Georgetown College: What does it mean to you to be educated? How might Georgetown College help you achieve this aim? (Applicants to the Sciences and Mathematics or the Faculty of Languages and Linguistics should address their chosen course of study).
Applicants to the School of Nursing & Health Studies: Describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying health care. Please specifically address your intended major (Global Health, Health Care Management & Policy, Human Science, or Nursing).
Applicants to the Walsh School of Foreign Service: The Walsh School of Foreign Service was founded more than a century ago to prepare generations of leaders to solve global problems. What is motivating you to dedicate your undergraduate studies to a future in service to the world?
Applicants to the McDonough School of Business: The McDonough School of Business is a national and global leader in providing graduates with essential ethical, analytical, financial and global perspectives. Please discuss your motivations for studying business at Georgetown.
For more Georgetown application tips, check out our articles on the Georgetown essays and how to get into Georgetown .
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
MIT doesn't ask for a single personal statement but rather asks applicants to respond to a series of questions with just a paragraph or two of about 200 words each .
We know you lead a busy life, full of activities, many of which are required of you. Tell us about something you do simply for the pleasure of it.
Describe the world you come from (for example, your family, clubs, school, community, city, or town). How has that world shaped your dreams and aspirations?
MIT brings people with diverse backgrounds and experiences together to better the lives of others. Our students work to improve their communities in different ways, from tackling the world’s biggest challenges to being a good friend. Describe one way you have collaborated with people who are different from you to contribute to your community.
Tell us about a significant challenge you've faced (that you feel comfortable sharing) or something that didn't go according to plan. How did you manage the situation?
For more details on how to get into MIT , read our other articles on the MIT application process , tips for MIT essays , and an example of a real MIT acceptance letter !
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Indiana University Bloomington
IU asks for 200-400 words on your plans and interests.
Describe your academic and career plans and any special interest (for example, undergraduate research, academic interests, leadership opportunities, etc.) that you are eager to pursue as an undergraduate at Indiana University. If you encountered any unusual circumstances, challenges, or obstacles in pursuit of your education, share those experiences and how you overcame them. Please note that this essay may be used in scholarship consideration.
University of Illinois
The University of Illinois asks for two essays (or three only if you selected a second-choice major other than what's noted on your application). All responses should be approximately 150 words.
You'll answer two to three prompts as part of your application. The questions you'll answer will depend on whether you're applying to a major or to our undeclared program, and if you've selected a second choice. Each response should be approximately 150 words. If You're Applying to a Major: 1. Explain, in detail, an experience you've had in the past 3 to 4 years related to your first-choice major. This can be an experience from an extracurricular activity, in a class you’ve taken, or through something else. 2. Describe your personal and/or career goals after graduating from UIUC and how your selected first-choice major will help you achieve them. If You're Applying to Our Undeclared Program in the Division of General Studies: 1. What are your academic interests and strengths? You may also include any majors you are considering. 2. What are your future academic or career goals? If You've Selected a Second-Choice Major (Including Undeclared): Please explain your interest in your second-choice major or your overall academic or career goals.
If you're applying to UIUC, check out our UIUC essay tips article as well!
University of Wisconsin–Madison
All applicants must complete two essays for UW–Madison. The essays should be 250-650 words in length and may be used for scholarship and campus program review.
If you apply through the Common Application, you’ll be asked to reply to one of the freshman Common Application essays in lieu of the first essay prompt below, but you’ll be required to respond to the second prompt below.
If you apply through the UW System Application, the following two essays are required:
This part is all about you. Tell us about something you've done — academically or personally — and what you've learned from it. Was it a success or a challenge? Did it represent a turning point in your life? How did this particular moment in your life influence you, and how will it continue to influence you as you pursue your college education?
Tell us why you would like to attend the University of Wisconsin–Madison. In addition, please include why you are interested in studying the major(s) you have selected. If you selected undecided please describe your areas of possible academic interest.
Kyle Field at Texas A&M ( Ed Schipul /Flickr)
The ApplyTexas application is used by all Texas public universities and some private colleges. There are four ApplyTexas essay prompts. Which ones you need to respond to will depend on where you're applying. UT Austin, for example, requires applicants to submit at least one essay responding to Topic A on the ApplyTexas application. .
While there's no set word limit, the online application will cut off each essay at 120 lines (~1000 words).
Topic A: Tell us your story. What unique opportunities or challenges have you experienced throughout your high school career that have shaped who you are today?
Topic B: Most students have an identity, an interest, or a talent that defines them in an essential way. Tell us about yourself.
Topic C: You've got a ticket in your hand – Where will you go? What will you do? What will happen when you get there?
Topic D: Please Note: The essay in this section is specific to certain college majors and is not required by all colleges/universities that accept the Apply Texas Application. If you are not applying for a major in Architecture, Art, Art History, Design, Studio Art, Visual Art Studies/Art Education , you are not required to write this essay.
Personal interaction with objects, images and spaces can be so powerful as to change the way one thinks about particular issues or topics. For your intended area of study (architecture, art history, design, studio art, visual art studies/art education), describe an experience where instruction in that area or your personal interaction with an object, image or space effected this type of change in your thinking. What did you do to act upon your new thinking and what have you done to prepare yourself for further study in this area?
We go into all the ApplyTexas prompts in detail here !
University of Georgia
For UGA, applicants must write two essays, one 200-300 words and one 250-650 words . Both essays are required for all applicants. The longer personal essay uses the Common Application prompts for 2023 ; the prompt for the shorter essay is as follows:
The c ollege admissions process can create anxiety. In an attempt to make it less stressful, please tell us an interesting or amusing story about yourself from your high school years that you have not already shared in your application.
For a more detailed discussion of the UGA essays, read this article .
The Campanile at UC Berkeley
University of California
Students applying to the UC system must respond to four out of eight short personal insight questions. The maximum word count for each response is 350 words.
- Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes or contributed to group efforts over time.
- Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side.
- What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time?
- Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced.
- Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement?
- Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom.
- What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?
- Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you stand out as a strong candidate for admissions to the University of California?
Learn more about the UC essays , the UC application , and how to choose which UC schools to apply to with our complete guides .
University of Oregon
Applicants to the University of Oregon are required to submit one essay of 650 words or fewer. You also have the option to write a second essay (maximum of 500 words), but it’s not required.
The essay prompts are as follows:
The UO is interested in learning more about you. Write an essay of 650 words or less that shares information that we cannot find elsewhere on your application. Any topic you choose is welcome. Some ideas you might consider include your future ambitions and goals, a special talent, extracurricular activity, or unusual interest that sets you apart from your peers, or a significant experience that influenced your life. If you are applying to the UO's Robert D. Clark Honors College, feel free to resubmit your honors college application essay.
Optional second essay: As you've looked into what it will be like to attend Oregon, you've hopefully learned what makes Ducks Ducks. No two are alike, though, so tell us what makes you you, and how that connects to our campus community. We are interested in your thoughts and experiences recognizing difference and supporting equity and inclusion, and choosing one of these two options will guide you in sharing those thoughts. You can learn more about equity and inclusion at Oregon by visiting the Equity and Inclusion website . Maximum statement length is 500 words. This statement is not required.
University of Washington
In addition to its specific prompts, the University of Washington gives specific advice about what its admissions officers consider to be good writing before the prompts:
"At the UW, we consider the college essay as our opportunity to see the person behind the transcripts and the numbers. Some of the best statements are written as personal stories. In general, concise, straightforward writing is best, and good essays are often 300-400 words in length.
Essay Prompt (Required): Tell a story from your life, describing an experience that either demonstrates your character or helped shape it. Maximum length: 650 words.
Short Response (Required): Our families and our communities often define us and our individual worlds. Community might refer to your cultural group, extended family, religious group, neighborhood or school, sports team or club, co-workers, etc. Describe the world you come from and how you, as a product of it, might add to the diversity of the UW. Maximum length: 300 words
You can also find more tips on the University of Washington essays in this blog article .
International
Generally speaking, international schools are less likely to ask for an essay, since admission tends to be heavily focused on grades and test results. However, a few popular international schools do ask for a personal statement as part of their application.
Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UK Schools)
UCAS is a general application for UK schools (similar to the Common App in the US). There's no specific prompt for the personal statement—instead, applicants are required to write an essay describing what they want to study, why they want to study it, and what they bring to the table. There is a 4,000-character/47-line limit.
University of British Columbia
UBC asks applicants to fill out a personal profile consisting of five to seven short-answer questions that vary depending on the program you're applying to. Answers should be 50-200 words.
Depending on which degree program you apply to, you’ll be asked to answer some or all of the following questions on the UBC application:
- Tell us about who you are. How would your family, friends, and/or members of your community describe you? If possible, please include something about yourself that you are most proud of and why.
- What is important to you? And why?
- Family/community responsibilities
- Creative or performing arts
- Work/employment
- Service to others
- Tell us more about one or two activities listed above that are most important to you. Please explain the role you played and what you learned in the process. You will be asked for a reference who can speak to your response.
- Additional information: You may wish to use the space below to provide UBC with more information on your academic history to date and/or your future academic plans. For example: How did you choose your courses in secondary school? Are there life circumstances that have affected your academic decisions to date? What have you done to prepare yourself specifically for your intended area of study at UBC?
- Please submit the names of two referees who know you well and can comment on your preparedness for study at UBC. Examples of referees include an employer, a community member, a coach, a teacher/instructor, or anyone who knows you well. One of the referees you select must be able to speak to one of the activities/experiences described in one of your long-answer responses above. For applicants who are currently attending a high school, one of your referees must be a school official (e.g., Grade 12 or senior year counsellor, teacher, or IB coordinator). Neither referee should be a friend, family member, or paid agent.
Some programs of study may ask applicants to respond to the questions above and some additional, program-specific questions when completing the personal profile.
University of Cambridge
Optional Essays
Some schools don't require an essay from all applicants but do recommend or require an essay for certain programs. I've listed a selection of those prompts below.
Arizona State University
Students applying to the Barrett Honors College at ASU must submit one essay of 300 to 500 words in response to one of the following prompts (your response may be critical or creative):
Prompt 1 Discuss how a specific piece of art (painting, literature, photograph, etc.) or popular culture (song, comic book, etc.) helped you realize something new about yourself or the world. What was that realization, and how did the piece of art or pop culture bring about this change in your thinking? Do not simply describe the piece of art or pop culture; instead, focus on its effect on you and how it makes you a good fit for the Barrett Honors College experience. Prompt 2 Tell us about a habit or way of thinking that others would recognize as “uniquely you.” This is something you value and would hesitate to give up because it is a distinct part of who you are or what makes you different - why is it so? Be sure to share how this aspect of your identity makes you a good fit for the Barrett Honors College experience.
City University of New York
Applicants to Macaulay Honors College must write two essays: an “about you” essay, and an essay describing your plans for college. Each response should be around 500 words, give or take a few within reason.
Essay 1: About you. (Select one of the options below.) Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story. OR Tell us about an area or activity, outside of academics, in which you have invested a lot of time and effort. Tell us why. What did you learn? How was it meaningful?
Essay 2: About your plans for college. Please discuss all points below. Why do you want to go to an honors college ? There are many benefits of being a Macaulay student, such as the Macaulay community, special courses, Honors advisement, cultural passport, opportunities funds, and other financial benefits. Please describe how these features will shape you and your college experience, including, what you expect to bring to the college community and what you expect to get out of your college experience.
Florida International University
Only applicants who don't meet the criteria for automatic admissions and whose applications undergo holistic review will need to submit a 500-word essay:
Students requesting appeal or additional review of their admission status must submit a written statement including:
Your goals and educational or professional objectives
A summary/explanation of past academic performance
Information and/or circumstances that may have affected past academic performance
- Any other information the student wishes to have considered
Ohio University
For the Ohio University application, students who've been out of school for more than a year must submit an essay explaining what they've done in their time off from school.
Applicants who have been out of high school for more than one year must submit an essay detailing activities since graduation.
Additionally, applicants to the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism are encouraged, though not required, to submit an essay detailing how they want to help shape the future of journalism.
For all other applicants, submitting an essay here is optional; however, if you do wish to write an essay, the application suggests that you describe any academic challenges you’ve faced, academic and career objectives, or involvement in community affairs (recommended length is 250-500 words).
Those interested in Ohio University's OHIO Honors Program (including the Cutler Scholars Program) are required to answer the following essay prompt (limit 250 words):
Students in the OHIO Honors Program represent all majors on campus and take engaging honors courses while applying what they learn outside of the classroom. Students choose from classes and experiences across three pathways: community engagement, research and creative activity, and leadership . Students in OHP can move among the three pathways as their interests evolve and they develop their goals. What pathway is most exciting to you right now, and why?
Finally, those interested in the Honors Tutorial College are must answer the following two essay prompts (in about 500 words each):
HTC Question 1: Please explain why you have chosen your particular program(s) of study.
HTC Question 2: We expect that one reason you seek a tutorial education is for the one-on-one interaction with faculty, but other than that, what interests you about pursuing a tutorial-based undergraduate education? What aspects of your education and life experience have prepared you for a tutorial education with its emphasis on research and creative activity?
University of Central Florida
The essays for UCF are optional but recommended. Applicants are provided two prompts and may compose responses of no more than 250 words each.
Why are you interested in UCF?
Discuss your reasons for pursuing the academic program (major) selected above.
UCF applicants also have the option (but are not required) to write a response to one of the Common App personal essay prompts.
For tips on how to write the UCF essays, read this article .
University of Kansas
Applicants to KU's honors program must answer one of the following three essay prompts in 500 words or fewer:
Option 1: KU’s Gunn Center for the Study of Science Fiction fosters a community “exploring the limitless potential of the human imagination, whether that be to question, to play, or to dream the future.” Envision a future — imaginative or realistic — and describe your role in it. Option 2: Author, professor, and autism advocate Temple Grandin has often spoken about how the world needs “different kinds of minds.” Discuss how considering perspectives or problem-solving approaches different from your own will strengthen the work you do at KU and beyond. Option 3: Part of KU’s mission is to “lift students and society” by making “discoveries that change the world.” What kind of personal or academic discoveries do you hope to make at KU — and why?
University of Nebraska, Lincoln
UNL doesn't require applicants to submit an essay, but you will need to write one to be considered for scholarships. There is a 500-word limit.
Tell us about the experiences that have shaped you as a person—the family or community circumstances you've overcome, your leadership or service experiences, your career goals, examples of your commitment to help your family or under-served communities, or experiences you've had with the global community.
University of Utah
Applicants to the Honors College must complete an essay using the Common Application. The maximum word length is 650 words.
The prompts you may choose from on the Common Application are as follows:
1. (In 250 words) Your first semester at college, you find you must take a required course in a discipline you have never been interested in exploring. What happens next is... 2. (In 250 words) What is it that interests you about the Liberal Arts and Sciences education (hint: look this term up) offered by the Honors College?
Applicants to the Business Scholars Program must complete an additional essay. There is no word limit, but U of U recommends keeping answers between 250-500 words.
Exploration, perpetual learning and development, and a passion for the world of business are essential traits of Business Scholars. Describe a time in your life when you experienced something impactful, challenging, or new and how that experience encouraged you to be the person you are today and will help you be successful in business.
Type 1: Questions About a Meaningful Experience
This type of college essay question is the most common. The exact focus of these prompts can vary quite a bit, but they all ask you to reflect on an important experience. Some questions specify a type of experience whereas others don't, simply opting to have applicants write about whatever matters to them.
There are three basic sub-types that you'll see when dealing with these prompts. Let's look at an example of each.
#1: Overcoming a Challenge
These prompts ask about how you dealt with a particular challenge or solved a problem. Below is a typical example of this question type from the MIT application:
Tell us about the most significant challenge you've faced or something important that didn't go according to plan. How did you manage the situation?
To address a question like this, you need a topic that has real stakes —that is, something that you genuinely struggled with. Even though it can seem as though you should only discuss positive experiences and feelings in your college essay (you want to impress your readers with how awesome you are!), unwavering positivity actually hurts your essay because it makes you seem fake.
Instead, be honest : if you're writing about a negative experience, acknowledge that it was unpleasant or hard and explain why. Doing so will just make your overcoming it that much more impressive.
#2: Engaging With Diversity
Questions about diversity ask how you interact with those who are different from you . See an example below from the Common Application:
When approaching this type of question, you need to show that you're thoughtful about new ideas and perspectives. Colleges are full of students from all kinds of backgrounds, and admissions officers want to know that you'll be accepting of the diversity of other students, even if you don't necessarily agree with them.
Also, make sure to pick a specific instance to focus on. Writing a general essay about how you accept others won't impress admissions officers—you need to show them an example of a time that you did so.
#3: Growing Up
Finally, this type of prompt asks about a transitional experience or rite of passage that made you feel like an adult. I've reprinted another example from the Common App:
For these types of prompts, you want to show personal growth. Explain to the reader not just who you are but also how you've changed . (Really, this is a good idea no matter which prompt you're addressing!)
College can be challenging, so admissions officers want to know that you have the maturity to deal with (likely) living on your own, managing your own life, and planning for your future.
Regardless of the exact prompt, the key to this type of college essay is to show what you've learned from the experience. Admissions officers don't care that much about what happened to you—they care about what you think and feel about that event. That's what will give them a sense of who you are and what kind of college student you'll make.
Once you write a first draft, put it in a drawer for a week. Taking some time away from it will allow you to come back to it with fresh eyes. Then, try to read your essay from the perspective of someone who knows nothing about you. Would they be able to understand the story? Do you explain clearly what you learned? Does your intro grab the reader's attention?
It can also be helpful to ask someone you trust, such as a parent, teacher, or peer, to read your essay and give you feedback. Really listen to what they say and think about how you can improve your writing.
Finally, try reading your essay aloud. This will help you catch any weird or awkward phrasings.
What's Next?
If you're struggling with how to approach your personal statement, consider looking at some college essay examples .
The essay is just one part of the college application process. Check out our guide to applying to college for a step-by-step breakdown of what you'll need to do.
Finally, if you're planning to take the SAT or ACT , consider taking a look at our expert test-prep guides for some helpful advice on whatever you might be struggling with.
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Alex is an experienced tutor and writer. Over the past five years, she has worked with almost a hundred students and written about pop culture for a wide range of publications. She graduated with honors from University of Chicago, receiving a BA in English and Anthropology, and then went on to earn an MA at NYU in Cultural Reporting and Criticism. In high school, she was a National Merit Scholar, took 12 AP tests and scored 99 percentile scores on the SAT and ACT.
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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, james madison university undergraduate admissions.
Hey all, I'm interested in applying to James Madison University for undergraduate studies. What does the application process look like, and what factors do they consider besides GPA and test scores? Any advice would be awesome!
Hello! I'm glad you're considering applying to James Madison University (JMU). The application process for JMU is quite straightforward. You'll need to submit the JMU online application or the Coalition Application, along with a few other materials. Here's an overview of what you need to submit:
1. Application: Complete the JMU online application or the Coalition Application. Both platforms have unique essay prompts, so choose the one you're most comfortable with.
2. High school transcript: Request that your high school sends your official transcript to JMU.
3. Standardized test scores (optional): JMU is test-optional for the 2024-2025 application cycle. If you choose to submit test scores, you can do so through the testing agency or by self-reporting on your application.
4. Extracurricular activities: In your application, you can list your most significant activities, honors, and achievements, such as clubs, volunteering, and awards.
5. Application fee or waiver: You'll need to pay the $70 application fee or submit proof of eligibility for a fee waiver.
JMU has a holistic review process, meaning they consider various factors beyond GPA and test scores. Some of these factors include:
1. High school curriculum: JMU values students who challenge themselves academically. This means they'll look at the rigor of the courses you took, such as AP, IB, or dual-enrollment classes.
2. Extracurricular involvement: Your participation in clubs, sports, volunteer work, or any other activities outside the classroom shows your interests and commitment to personal growth.
3. Essays: The essays you submit as part of your application give JMU a glimpse into your personality, experiences, and perspective. Make sure to compose thoughtful, well-written essays that showcase who you are and what you can bring to the university.
4. Graduation requirements: Ensure that you've met JMU's required high school classes, which include four years of English, three years of math, two years of lab science, two years of social studies, and two years of a foreign language.
My advice would be to start your application early, give yourself plenty of time to revise your essays, and research JMU thoroughly to show why you're a good fit. Best of luck with your application process!
About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.
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In the JMU Honors College, we value independent, student-centered learning, interdisciplinary training, collaboration, and active and informed service and leadership. To illustrate how participation in Honors education at JMU is aligned with your values and plans, please respond to one of the prompts below. Please limit your response to 250 words.
The College Essay. 1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story. 2. The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success.
Only Two Required Steps. STEP 1: Submit your online application ($70 application fee). If you have application questions, look over our Application Instructions. STEP 2: Send in an official high school transcript, including your senior year schedule. Your transcript must include: Any Dual Enrollment or online classes you have taken or are taking.
Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don't feel obligated to do so.
Cheers! 7 months ago. The acceptance rate for the James Madison University (JMU) Honors College is not publicly available, but it is generally considered to be competitive. While it's difficult to provide an exact number, the Honors College admits a select group of high-achieving students each year and offers a challenging curriculum for them ...
The Honors College seeks to develop a diverse community of inquisitive and aspirational learners from all parts of campus through distinctive and challenging educational experiences. Under the guidance of recognized teacher-scholars, this program offers students the opportunity to cultivate the habits of critical thinking, independent analysis ...
apply to the Honors College after completing the JMU admissions application; AND; have a 3.6 cumulative GPA (on a 4.0 unweighted scale) or an 89 (on a 100 point scale); OR; have a 1250 SAT (out of 1600 - writing portion not considered) or a 27 ACT score (composite only). If you choose to meet this criteria, you must have your scores sent ...
As an incoming freshman, I would say the honors college is definitely worth it. The perks like early registration and the offer to live in the honors dorm alone (some would debate the second one though) is reason enough. Also the general education classes they offer I found to be better quality, much better quality.
Overall, the James Madison University Honors College offers an enriched and well-rounded academic experience with a focus on interdisciplinary studies, research, global engagement, and leadership development. These aspects will help prepare students for future success and contribute to a fulfilling college journey. CollegeVine's Q&A seeks to ...
This handout was created by the University of Sheffield. You must access JMU's subscription to Scopus using the link below. Scopus This link opens in a new window. Indexing, abstracts, and citation searching for science and social science scholarly literature. Last Updated: Aug 26, 2024 6:21 PM. URL: https://guides.lib.jmu.edu/cob300h. Print Page.
Honors College. We are an academic community engaging highly motivated and intellectually gifted students in exceptional experiences that develop excellence in leadership, scholarship, and service. Through small classes and independent study, Honors students cultivate the habits of critical thinking, independent analysis, and creative ...
Honors College. The mission of the James Madison University Honors College is to develop a diverse community of inquisitive and aspirational learners from all parts of campus through distinctive and challenging educational experiences. Our core values include independent, student-centered learning; interdisciplinary training; collaboration; and ...
To get your honors college essay, follow these tips: Think about the prompt and what you want to say. Brainstorm. Organize your thoughts into a logical outline. Write your introduction. End with a conclusion that sums up the main points of your argument and connects those points back to the prompt.
When I read the description of the JMU Honors program and saw the three questions that described the desired candidate, I couldn 't help but think that this was the perfect program for me. ... I love the idea that by being in the JMU Honors program, ... Kilachand Honors College Essay 594 Words | 3 Pages; Honors College Application Essay ...
James Madison University ... It is administered by the deans of the Honors College. Under the guidance of recognized teacher-scholars, this program offers students the opportunity to cultivate the habits of critical thinking, independent analysis and creative expression through classes and independent study. The program offers a setting in ...
Applicants to KU's honors program must answer one of the following three essay prompts in 500 words or fewer: Option 1: KU's Gunn Center for the Study of Science Fiction fosters a community "exploring the limitless potential of the human imagination, whether that be to question, to play, or to dream the future.".
Honors Interdisciplinary Studies Minor Requirements. All students must complete a total of 25 credit hours. Honors Scholar minors need to show progression in honors coursework and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above in honors courses in order to remain in good standing in the college. Exceptions may be granted based on faculty and student ...
For the 2023-2024 academic year, that amount is $13,576. The scholarship is given annually by the Dingledine-Bluestone Academic Selection Committee within the JMU Honors College. This year the Honors College will be awarding 1 Dingledine-Bluestone scholarship. All eligible in-state and out-of-state students entering JMU as Honors College first ...
The honors program is actually a minor so you will take about one class a semester that is honors. Those can be gen Ed classes with an honors section, honors seminars which are honors specific classes or sometimes there's honors options where you apply to do something extra for a class you are already taking usually a major class and receive ...
Writing a Common App essay is a task many college applicants must undertake. If you are looking to apply to institutions in the US, you may have heard of the Common App essay required to submit your application through the Common App portal. Common App provides a wide range of prompts, as seen here, and you are only required to answer one of ...
2023-2024 Common Application Supplemental Essay Prompts and 2023-2024 Coalition Application Supplemental Essay Prompts, in addition to other school-specific supplemental essays for the HS Class of 2024 released during summer 2023. ... James Madison University: ... but they do have required essays for students applying to the Honors College, ...
Here's an overview of what you need to submit: 1. Application: Complete the JMU online application or the Coalition Application. Both platforms have unique essay prompts, so choose the one you're most comfortable with. 2. High school transcript: Request that your high school sends your official transcript to JMU. 3.
Essays should show a passion for interdisciplinary learning. For more information on the selection criteria, please contact the Honors College office at (540) 568-6953 or visit: jmu.edu/honors. Decisions. Honors application decisions can be found in the Applicant Center of MyMadison. If an Honors Early Action applicant is deferred by JMU ...
Completion of the following courses for a total of 3 credits and final completion of the project. HON 401. Introduction to Honors ePortfolio Credits: 1.00-2.00. HON 402. Honors ePortfolio Credits: 1.00-2.00. Portfolio students must complete an additional 3.00 credits of Honors approved coursework. Students completing the Senior Portfolio ...