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Yes, the Honors College is test-optional. A test-optional admission policy allows you to choose whether your SAT or ACT test scores will be considered as part of the admission review.

Incoming freshmen will select their preference on the Kent State University application. If a prospective student selects on the application to submit a test score, then a test score MUST be submitted in order to complete the application process.

The Honors College enrolls students who are academically motivated and demonstrate the potential for significant academic and creative ability at Kent State University. We take a holistic approach to evaluating students for admission. Standardized test scores have historically been just one indicator among many in our review process.

In the absence of test scores, we will continue to look at all available factors, including the completion of a core curriculum; high school GPA; a student’s decision to take rigorous coursework such as AP, IB, honors or college credit, where it is offered; application essays; extracurricular activities; positions of employment and leadership experiences; along with other achievements or extenuating factors.

Admission to the Honors College is competitive. The Honors College application is supplemental to the Kent State University application (which should be completed by December 1) and is one of the most important components in determining a student's success and acceptance into the Honors College. The application should be completed after receiving your invitation, and requires an essay response along with requested information regarding academic rigor and leadership/extracurricular activities.

We expect to place approximately 550 students in the Honors College freshman class.

Yes, the Honors College does have a waitlist for those who are not immediately accepted after submitting their application.

First-Year admission to the Honors College is by invitation only.  Invitations are sent out beginning in October. In order to receive an invitation, you must: have a 3.7+ (weighted or unweighted) cumulative high school GPA AND adhere to the deadlines for the Kent State University undergraduate admissions application and the Honors College application:

Fall Semester 2025

• Honors College Application Deadline- Jan. 15, 2025
  • In order to receive an invitation to the Honors College, you should apply to Kent State by Dec. 1, 2024.

Spring Semester 2025

• Honors College Application Deadline- Dec. 1, 2024
  • In order to receive an invitation to the Honors College, you should apply to Kent State Nov. 1, 2024.

When a prospective student applies for Honors College admission, they are also automatically considered for Honors College scholarships. The same application is used to award scholarships to entering freshmen that demonstrate the potential for superior scholarly and creative activity at the university. All entering freshmen are offered an Honors Distinction Award of $2,000 per academic year, based on their academic profile (students whose tuition is fully covered through other avenues are not eligible.) Students are also considered for additional honors scholarships when they apply to the Honors College. With support from our generous Honors College donors, these scholarships can range from $500 to $2,000 per academic year. The Honors College will contact those honors students who are selected to receive these scholarships each academic year.

No, honors students may live in any residence hall on campus, or may commute from off-campus.

Fall Semester

• All decisions will be announced by late January, via email, with a formal printed decision letter to follow.

Spring Semester

• First round decisions will be announced in early November and final decisions will be announced in early December, via email, with a formal printed decision letter to follow.

Current Kent State students wishing to join the Honors College, may join for the purpose of completing a Senior Honors Thesis/Project only. Typically, this consideration occurs in the junior year. For more information, visit the Senior Honors Thesis/Project webpage.

The Honors Leadership Academy connects incoming Honors College freshmen to leadership learning and civic engagement in our local community. On the Honors College application, if you select that you are interested in joining the Honors Leadership Academy, you will be contacted to apply for the academy in early March. Acceptance into the academy is based on excellent high school leadership experiences. For more information, please visit the Honors Leadership Academy webpage.

Students who have applied and been accepted to the Honors College but no longer wish to become a member, may email honors@kent.edu.