Prospective Students

An Honors College at an Honors University
The Honors College at UMBC is the destination for students who see intellectual challenge as a lifelong endeavor, and for those who seek a liberal arts foundation for their futures. Honors College students have access to special Honors courses with limited enrollment, as well as opportunities to participate in study-travel, research experiences, conferences, service learning, internships and cultural events.

The Honors Community
The Honors College experience involves much more than the classroom—it brings students together with one another and with people and events throughout the Baltimore-D.C. region and beyond. Each year, the Honors College sponsors a series of cultural events to enhance the academic curriculum. Recent excursions have included theatre trips to New York, the Baltimore Symphony and Baltimore Opera, the Kennedy Center, and the Folger Shakespeare Library and Theatre in Washington, D.C.

The Honors College Council, our student organization, sponsors service projects, cultural and social events. These include experiences such as the Lunch in the Lounge series, where students have lunch with faculty members; Service Day, when Honors College students participate in service projects together; and the annual Mirror Ball, a spring celebration.

The Honors College also sponsors an annual study-travel program in which we study, then visit another country for several weeks in late spring. In the past years, we have taken students to Spain and Portugal, Greece and Turkey, France, Italy, and Ireland.

The Honors College Living-Learning Community offers the opportunity for members of the Honors College to continue their collaborative learning experiences in a relaxed residential setting. Students are able to pursue a range of academic and social activities with like-minded colleagues. At the same time, they will develop strong friendships through common goals, classes, conversation, and fun.

At UMBC, the Honors College is not a separate entity, but rather an integral part of the university community. Our students are actively involved in student government, athletics, publications, and student clubs and organizations, frequently as the leaders of their groups. The various cultural events sponsored by The Honors College attract a large and diverse audience from across the university.

Qualifications
In reviewing applications, the Honors College places special emphasis on the written material submitted. The strength of the high school curriculum, grade point average (GPA) and standardized test scores are also very important. We recommend that applicants have a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and an SAT score of 1400 or better on the critical reading and math sections.

How to Apply
In addition to university requirements for admission, Honors College applicants must submit The Honors College Application, including all essays and recommendation forms. All materials should be sent directly to The Honors College. For full consideration for admission and scholarships, the application must be completed by January 15th. Applications received after January 15th will be reviewed on a space-available basis; however, no consideration will be given for The Honors College scholarships.

Transfer Students and Current Students
Transfer students, as well as students currently enrolled at UMBC, may apply for admission to The Honors College by submitting the application and required materials as outlined above. The student should have a minimum cumulative college grade point average of 3.25.