Discover Your Path to Excellence
Incoming First-Year Students
As an admitted first-year student at Marshall University now in high school, you have two pathways to join the Honors College. You must be admitted by the university first, before pursuing admission to the Honors College.
- Admission by Invitation: Based on standardized test scores and high school GPA. No application required–only accepting our offer of admission (the “invitation”).
- Admission by Holistic Review: An application-based process for students without qualifying test scores but who demonstrate exceptional potential and fit with our mission.
Opting to join the Honors College means that if a prospective student were to decide to come to Marshall, they will be starting as a member of the Honors College as well as a student in a degree program in another college at the university. If they decide not to come to Marshall, we’ll just miss having them here. That’s it–no obligations. Opting to join the Honors College does not affect admissions standing with Marshall University. That is a separate decision.
Honors College Admission Pathways for Incoming, First-Year Students
- Eligibility: Incoming students accepted to Marshall with a 26 ACT or 1230 SAT (composite) and at least a 3.5 GPA that have been reported to the university and are now on your admitted student record. The Honors College admits bachelor’s degree seeking students
- How It Works: Eligible students may accept our invitation after being admitted to Marshall with their GPA and test scores received by the university.
- Deadlines: The invitation must be accepted by students before June 15, 2025. Invitation opens by September 15. All students applying for Top Scholars program must be admitted to the college to be considered for one of these scholarships.
- Next Steps: Accept your invitation as soon as possible to secure your place in the Honors College. Details for this process are available through the link below.
- Eligibility: Incoming students with at least a 3.5 GPA who do not meet the standardized test score requirement. The Honors College admits bachelor’s degree seeking students
- What We Look For: Curiosity, self-motivation, leadership, and a passion for contributing to the common good.
- Application Opens: September 15, 2024
- Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through June 15, 2025. All students applying for Top Scholars program must be admitted to the college to be considered for one of these scholarships.
- Decision Timeline: Most decisions are provided within two weeks of submission.
Application Requirements:
- Academic information (GPA, courses, AP/Dual Credit classes)
- Community involvement and leadership roles
- Optional: employment history, awards, or personal circumstances
- Responses to short essay prompts reflecting your goals and alignment with the Honors College mission
My membership in the Honors College at Marshall University has allowed me to expand my knowledge of several diverse fields of study outside of my majors. As an Honors College student, I’ve formed meaningful relationships with my seminar professors, I’ve engaged in important community service initiatives, and I’ve gained leadership experience that has prepared me for the next phase of my education.
Explore Additional Honors College Admission Pathways
NOT an incoming first-year student? The Honors College also offers opportunities for:
- Transfer Students: Students transferring to Marshall from other institutions.
- Current Marshall Students: Students already enrolled at Marshall University.
- Special Admission Programs: Unique pathways for students with exceptional circumstances or interests.
To learn more about these pathways, eligibility requirements, and application processes, visit:
Explore All Honors College Pathways