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Freshmen and External Transfers  

The Honors program at Kutztown University represents an inclusive community of learners who seek to wring the most out of their education through commitments to leadership, involvement, intellectual curiosity, experiential learning, and originality. Slate Application. 

Although academic achievement matters, GPA and test scores are not the sole measures of capacity or potential. The Honors program recognizes that every individual’s learning journey is distinct and personal, and with that in mind we celebrate diverse demonstrations of ability and distinction. We aim to be inclusive while at the same time endeavoring to build a community of individuals with high levels of work ethic and ambition. 

The Honors Program at Kutztown University is rigorous. We seek to admit students who are likely to succeed meeting our graduation requirements, which include 21 credits of Honors coursework, 30 hours of community service, consistent involvement in extracurricular programming, a self-directed Honors capstone project, and a high GPA. Therefore, in reviewing applications we look for concrete evidence of strong academic potential, a community-centered mindset, broad extra-curricular involvement, and goal-oriented thinking that reflects our program commitments.     

Preferred deadline to complete your application so that you may be able to enroll in an Honors course and sign up for the Honors living community in Rothermel Hall is April 1, 2025. Applications Admission to the KU Honors program is based upon a holistic review of multiple criteria, including: 

• GPA from previous academic institutions 

• Class Ranking (in the top third of HS graduating class) 

• Achievement in Standardized college entry tests such as the SAT/ACT 

• A resume of academic achievement, school and community involvement, leadership in community service, and work experience (submitted as pdf)  

• Recommendations of teachers, guidance counselors, and or professors with direct experience of the student’s commitment to academics, leadership in extracurricular activities, and community service (submitted as pdf) 

•  Statement of intent that demonstrates an ambitious commitment to education and personal motivation with concrete illustrations (submitted as pdf) 

To be considered for a foundation scholarship in addition to the above criteria an application must include 

• at least one in-depth recommendation from a teacher, guidance counselor, or school administrator that illustrates the points of their recommendation with concrete examples of exceptional academic performance, community leadership, and/or community service 

• the student’s application essay must make a concrete and cogent demonstration of the student’s intention to build on their academic background with regard to academic achievement, campus involvement and leadership, community service, and research or creative originality; consideration will be given to applications that demonstrate perseverance in the face of hardship  

• complete applications must be received by (name date) to be eligible for scholarships 

Guidance on personal essay:  

Given our holistic approach to admissions, the most important element of your application to the KU Honors Program is your personal statement, which gives us a chance to get to know you. We ask for an essay of 300-700 words that explains where you are coming from in terms of your background, where you see yourself going, and why you want to join the KU Honors program as part of your educational journey. Your essay should be cogent and intentional. Tell us about challenges or hardships you’ve overcome. Tell us about your ambitions. Tell us about the ways that you are involved in your community and connect those activities to the kinds of involvement that you seek at KU and beyond. There is no formula for your personal statement. Your story is your story. Feel free to be creative but be sure give concrete examples of your academic efforts, your community service, and your extracurricular involvement, because we want to see why you will flourish as a member of KU Honors.  

Guidance on Resume:  

In addition to a personal statement, a one-page involvement resume that focuses on both academic and community service can be very helpful giving us a picture of you as a whole person. A resume allows us to quickly understand your diverse commitments and activities, especially those related to your education such as membership in clubs or Honors societies, community service, participation in athletics, or work experience.  

Internal Transfers:

Internal transfer students are students already enrolled at Kutztown University and have an interest in joining the Honors program.

Students are eligible to apply to the program once they have completed 15 credits at KU and have maintained a 3.25 CGPA. Interested students should fill out an application for the Honors Program, submit a letter of recommendation, and a personal essay (the essay prompt is listed in the application). 

Please send full application (letter of recommendation, personal essay and application) to honorsprogram@kutztown.edu or visit Honors Hall located across the street from the MSU.