Incoming Freshmen
For first-time freshmen, this innovative two-year Honors program is designed to
enrich students’ first years on campus, particularly in their general education
courses and introductory courses in their major. The Honors Foundations program
provides ample support to encourage you to take intellectual risks, make discoveries,
explore the world around you, participate in exciting cutting-edge research projects,
engage in community-based learning, and find your passion.
Admissions Benchmarks
TEST-BASED ADMISSION
Students invited through test-based admissions will
receive an email invitation to submit an application that consists
of one short admissions essay. Applications will be evaluated on a rolling
basis.
- Test-based invitations are sent based on the following criteria:
- 3.7 High School GPA (weighted or unweighted) AND
- 26 ACT or 1230 Redesigned SAT (M/EBRW)
TEST-BLIND ADMISSION
Students invited through this process will receive an email invitation to complete an extended application. In your extended application, you will tell us more about yourself, your interests, and why you want to join the Honors College.
- Test blind invitations are based on a qualifying GPA:
- 3.7+ on a 4.0 scale OR
- 4.0+ on a 5.0 scale
Deadlines and Decisions
The Honors College will accept applications for Fall 2026 admissions until April 1, 2026.TEST-BASED TIMELINE
Test-based applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis during the application cycle. Students who apply test-based should receive an admissions decision within 5 - 7 business days.
TEST-BLIND TIMELINE
Test-blind applications are accepted and reviewed in 4 cycles. Each cycle is outlined below:
- Cycle 1
- Application Deadline
- December 1
- Decision Received
- December 19
- Cycle 2
- Application Deadline
- January 21
- Decision Received
- February 13
- Cycle 3
- Application Deadline
- February 25
- Decision Received
- March 20
- Cycle 4
- Application Deadline
- April 1
- Decision Received
- April 24
Updates to Your WVU Application
Students who received a WVU admissions decision may update their GPA or standardized test scores with the Office of Admissions. Updates to academic credentials will automatically be reviewed for Honors College eligibility.
Learn how to submit your updated transcript and GPA or new test scores.
Requests To Apply
Students with at least a 3.5 GPA who do not meet benchmarks for test-based or test-blind admissions processes may still apply for admission to the Honors College. Email Honors@mail.wvu.edu with the subject line “Requesting an Application from the Honors College” to request an application. Students who request an application through this process will have their applications and files fully reviewed and considered holistically by the Honors Admissions Committee.