Accepting Fall 2024 Applications
First-Year Students
Step 1:
Apply to Washington State University
Step 2:
Complete Two Essays Using the Prompts Below
Writing Prompt 1:
Imagine you are putting together a team to work on an issue that is important to you. Briefly describe that issue and what skills, experience, and expertise you would seek in your team members and why.
Writing Prompt 2:
At the WSU Honors College we realize that applicants cannot be reduced to their academic transcripts. Pick one activity or experience and explain how it illustrates an important aspect of who you are and how it reflects on your own values or those of your community.
Step 3:
Submit Your Essays for Review
Transfer Students
Students who are coming to WSU with college credits earned after high school are considered Transfer Students. If you have earned college credits while in high school, you are still considered a first-year student, please follow the instructions above.
Step 1:
Apply to Washington State University
Step 2:
Have a Cumulative College GPA of 3.5 or Higher
Step 3:
Schedule an Honors Advising Appointment
Current WSU Students
Step 1:
Have a Cumulative College GPA of 3.5 or Higher
Step 3:
Schedule an Honors Advising Appointment
Frequently Asked Questions:
- How long should my essays be?
Each essay should be about one page each ( ~400-500 words per essay - What format should my essays be?
There are no strict guidelines on the format, but when in doubt, Times New Roman size 12pt. We do request that you label your essays ( essay 1 and essay 2). Please save your essays as one document or PDF with your name as the title like this: “Last Name, First Name” (eg. Smith, Mary.pdf or Patel, David.docx). - What is the minimum high school GPA for applicants to be considered?
We will consider all applications, regardless of high school GPA. - How are the admission decisions made for the Honors College?
Each essay is evaluated by members of our faculty. We use a standardized rubric that assigns a score to your essays as well as your unweighted HS GPA, and we make our decisions based on the combination of those scores. - What Kind of things are you looking for in the essays?
We look for normal things like spelling, grammar, and continuity of thought, but we are also looking for critical thinking and creativity in your problem-solving. We also will evaluate your essays as they relate to the prompts, so please read the prompts carefully. - What if I don’t hear back within a month of applying?
The Honors College receives many applications throughout the year, please be patient. If you do not receive a response within 30 days, please feel free to email honors@wsu.edu, and we can check the status of your application. - What if I/my student receives a denial letter from the WSU Honors College?
Please schedule an advising appointment and we would be happy to explain your options to you.