Show us the best you've got.

Transfer students and high school seniors or graduates are all welcome to apply.

You can apply to the Honors College if you've already been admitted to SOU and you meet these minimum requirements:

• A 1200 combined critical reading and math SAT score or a 27 overall ACT score with scores of at least 22 on both the math and English sections
• A cumulative high school or previous college GPA of at least 3.75

The complete application includes:

• The application form
• Two letters of recommendation attached to completed evaluation templates. At least one letter of recommendation must be from a recent instructor. The other letter may be from anyone who knows you well enough to attest to your character. Download Letter of Recommendation Form here.
• A carefully researched and logically developed short essay (750-1000 words) responding to one of the following topics. Your essay can be submitted via the application form. You will have the choice of uploading a PDF or Word file or pasting your essay text into a form field. The topics are repeated in the application form, but you should have your essay completed before beginning the form. Please follow either the MLA or the APA writing standards.
• All Honors College applicants must also fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) AND the Southern Online Scholarship Application to be eligible for complete coverage of tuition.

Essay Topic 1

According to many, social media is transforming the way we connect with people today, locally as well as globally. Do you agree? Using an example, write a short essay critically evaluating this assessment.

Essay Topic 2

Identify some of the key characteristics that distinguish an Honors student from other students at a university. Critically evaluate and defend the characteristics you identify and why they are essential.

Essay Topic 3

Does the educational system in America force students to choose between studying the arts and studying the sciences? If so, why do you think this is and how do you respond to having to make that choice?

The application date for fall 2013 has now passed. Applications for fall 2014 will be accepted beginning September 1, 2013 Applications will be reviewed by the Honor College Admissions Committee. If you're selected from the pool of applicants, you will be interviewed by the Honors College Admissions Committee prior to being accepted. Students wishing to apply to the Honors College after the deadline should contact the Honors College Office to inquire about remaining openings in the program and possible wait-list status.

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