Prospective Students
Ready to Broaden Your Intellectual Horizons?
Thank you for your interest in the Honors College. Whether you are a senior in high school, a first-year student at St. Cloud State, or a transfer student, we believe in your potential. In the Honors College, you will develop the skills you need to pursue any career through close one-on-one interaction with faculty and Honors mentors, experiential learning opportunities at all levels of the curriculum, and guided and independent research. Being an Honors student gives you the edge with employers, graduate, medical, or law schools.
Why Chose Honors?
- Personalized interdisciplinary environment that nurtures and challenges you to achieve more than you thought possible
- Community presence in historic Lawrence Hall
- Small, discussion-based classes designed to promote a closer relationship with professors & peers
- Priority registration
- Honors scholarship opportunities
- Honors travel opportunities, including international experiences
Applying for the Honors College
To be considered for admission to the Honors College, prospective and current SCSU students are asked to fill out an application. Note: Only admitted students are able to apply to the SCSU Honors College (Use starid@go.minnstate.edu and password to apply).
Students can be admitted into Honors by several paths. Whether a student is an incoming first-year student right out of high school, a transfer student from another college or university, a member of an Honors program at another college or university, transfer student, or currently enrolled at St. Cloud State University as a general education student, there is a particular procedure for admission to the program.
Admission to the Honors College is based on a holistic review of applications by Honors faculty and staff. Reviewers prioritize evidence of commitment to academic pursuits, a record of participation in school and community activities, and demonstrated writing skills through a required short essay.
Priority deadline is March 1.
What are we looking for?
- Engaged and active learners
- Leaders on campus and in the community
- Effective communicators and listeners
- Intellectually curious and interested in exploring innovative ideas
- Academically accomplished and professionally motivated
- Willing to take risks and encounter the unexpected
- Purpose-driven and committed to making a difference
- From a wide range of backgrounds with diverse experiences
I applied. Now what?
Admission decisions for Honors College are typically made within two to three weeks of receiving a completed application and applicants will be notified via email.
All St. Cloud State admitted students will be invited to participate in an Advising and Registration Day (A & R Day) hosted by Advising & Student Transitions. Invitations will be sent via mail and reservations are made online. Honors students may attend any A & R Day. Honors College staff is present at each A & R Day and will work directly with Honors students. No special reservations are required for Honors students. A & R Days begin the middle of May. Exact dates and details will be on the invitation.
Schedule a Visit
Current and prospective SCSU students interested in learning more about the Honors College are encouraged to contact our office to set up a half or full day VIP Honors Visit. Visits are offered Monday –Friday and are tailored to meet the interests and needs of the individual student. Students do not need to be admitted to the Honors College to request a visit.
Request a Visit
Email: honors@stcloudstate.edu
Phone: (320) 308-6623
Sample Schedule
11:45 a.m. - Arrive and meet with Honors College representative
Noon - Major Advisor Meeting
12:30 p.m. - Honors Humanities Class Visit Experience a class! (optional)
1:45 p.m. - Lunch with Honors College representative at Garvey Commons
2:45 p.m. - Private Campus Tour with a current Honors student
4 p.m. - Meeting with a sports coach Halenbeck Hall (optional)
The Honors College has been a way for me to look inwards and outwards and know who I am, what I want and where I want to be in the future either individually or academically.