<p>Not sure if I am understanding this correctly, but it almost seems like when selecting Honors students, the selection committee focuses mostly on application essays and teacher recs? Not really a mention of grades and scores as being a major criteria. Do they assume that we're all smart, and they are searching for personal qualities that will enhance the classroom experience and discussion? Is this more about looking for diversity, leaders, and students who will challenge others to think out of the box? (all sounds good to me!)</p>
<p>Just wondering if I am reading the info correctly and Honors is NOT purely GPA and score driven.</p>
<p>Fairly sure the above is true. I wasn’t admitted to the Honor’s Program back when I applied, and I had 2360 SAT, 34 ACT, National Merit Scholar, blah, blah, blah, along with various other things. To be honest, I was a little ticked I wasn’t selected for the program, but came here anyway, and it was a good decision to say the least.</p>
<p>Anyone being considered for the honors program is sure to have top-notch stats, so I agree with what you’re saying. For those who are not selected, Carolina does have other ways to graduate with honors, including applying after freshman year.</p>
<p>Just to be clear, graduating with Honors has nothing to do with being in the Honors Program. You can apply to be a part of the Honors Program Spring semester of your first year or Fall semester of your sophomore year. Graduating with Honors requires doing your own research and writing an Honors Thesis. People not in the Honors Program graduate with Honors, and many people in the Honors Program choose not to write an Honors Thesis.</p>
<p>Yes, you’re completely right. Whenever I speak with Admissions, they always stress that the focus is on your essays and teacher recommendations. In the former, they want personality; in the latter, they want anecdotes. </p>
<p>Or at least that’s what I’ve gotten out of them.</p>