To apply for the ATU University Honors Program, you must meet the following criteria:
Be a graduating high school senior admitted as a first-time, entering undergraduate
student on ATU's main campus.
Have a minimum high school cumulative GPA of 3.50.
Have a minimum ACT Composite score of 27 (or equivalent SAT score).
Important: To be considered for the University Honors Program, you must apply for Admission to Arkansas Tech University by the Priority Deadline (December 1). You will indicate your interest in Honors as part of the ATU application
and submit the required essay with your admission documents.
How to Apply to the ATU University Honors Program
To be considered for the University Honors Program at Arkansas Tech University, complete
the following steps as part of your Admission application by the Priority Deadline (December 1):
Apply for Admission to ATU by the Priority Deadline (December 1) Submit your undergraduate admission application along with:
A current high school transcript showing a minimum 3.50 cumulative GPA.
An ACT composite score of 27 or higher (or equivalent SAT score).
If using class rank to qualify, it must be documented on your transcript (top 10%).
Indicate Your Interest in Honors During the application process, select that you would like to apply for the University
Honors Program.
Submit Your Honors Essay Upload an original essay (300–500 words) responding to one of the designated prompts.
Essays must be your own work and not previously submitted for scholarships or competitions.
Note: All Documents must be on file by the Priority Deadline of December 1.
Essay Prompts:
As part of your University Honors Program application, submit a 300–500 word original essay responding to one of the prompts below. This is your chance to showcase your critical
thinking, creativity, and unique perspective.
Your essay should reflect your own ideas and writing style. Please do not submit an
essay previously used for scholarships or competitions—we’re looking for fresh, authentic
responses.
Choose one of the following prompts:
The Power of Perspective – Describe a time when your perspective on something significant changed. What led
to that shift, and how did it impact you?
Rewriting the Rules – If you could challenge a rule, tradition, or norm in society, what would it be
and why?
Unlikely Inspiration – What is something unexpected (a song, a moment, a person, a book, an experience)
that has inspired or shaped you? How?
Submission Instructions:
Upload your essay as a PDF or Word document in your ATU application portal under the "Honors Essay" checklist item.
Before submitting, make sure your essay is:
Well-organized and clearly written
Carefully proofread for spelling and grammar
Entirely your own original work
We're excited to read your response and learn more about you through your writing!
Application Review Process:
Once the Admissions Priority Deadline (December 1) has passed:
Completed applications (including essays) will be reviewed.
Interview invitations will be sent to your ATU email account, so check it regularly.
Interviews are held shortly after the Priority Deadline passes (specific dates will
be posted when available, typically in January).
Honors Stipend Consideration:
Admission to the University Honors Program is highly competitive and space is limited.
Students who are admitted may be eligible to receive a University Honors Stipend.
This stipend is awarded in addition to any scholarships that may be offered by Arkansas
Tech University or other sources.
Important Notes:
Late applications will not be considered.
To be eligible for the University Honors Program, you must meet the Admissions Priority Deadline of December 1.
