Applying to the Honors College

The Honors College is open to highly motivated CCBC students.

Your Honors application should highlight your interest in the Honors College and your capability to thrive in a rigorous academic environment. Admission decisions are based on a holistic review of your achievements, intellectual potential, leadership experience and commitment to academic excellence. The review considers these factors:

• Your desire to be challenged and your motivation to achieve 
• Your ability to communicate effectively 
• Strong recommendations from those who know your academic potential
• A strong academic transcript or evidence of recent improvement

How to apply

Prepare to submit the following items for review with your Honors College application:

500-word essay

• Explain why you are interested in the CCBC Honors College, how your interest relates to your plans and why you think membership would enhance your college experience.
• Consider the importance of any of our core values: critical thinking, civic engagement, research, community and leadership. You do not need to address each of these areas in your response.

Writing sample (or other scholarly project) on a topic of your choice

• This should demonstrate your ability to develop, explore and analyze an academic concept.
• As with your essay, this should be your own work with all references properly cited.

Contact information for 2-3 instructors who have worked with you

• Include instructors who know your academic abilities and who will be able to provide letters of recommendation.
• When you apply, we will ask you to provide their names and email addresses.
• We will email them with instructions about what to provide on your behalf.

Your high school and college transcripts

• Please be prepared to provide unofficial transcripts of your high school and any previous college experiences.

Take great care in preparing these materials, particularly in writing your essay and choosing a writing sample. Both help us understand who you are, what you value and how you might contribute to the Honors College community.

Provisional acceptance

If you do not currently meet the minimum qualifications for the Honors College, you may still apply and will be considered for provisional acceptance. As part of the application process, you will be required to complete an interview with Honors College staff to provide an opportunity to share your academic goals and demonstrate your commitment to success in the Honors College. 

During the interview, you should be prepared to discuss any challenges, circumstances or factors that have contributed to your current GPA and the steps you have taken, or plan to take, to improve your academic performance.