Apply to the Honors Scholar Program

Getting Started

We're excited that you are interested in applying for the Honors Scholar program!

Applying to the Freshmen Honors Scholar Programs is a two-step process:

Step 1 – You must first apply for admission to Hunter College via General Freshman or Macaulay Application.

Step 2 – 48–72 hours after your admission application is submitted, you can Create Scholarship Manager account to apply for the Freshmen Honors Scholar Program of your choice.

Deadline and Notification Timeline

Priority Deadline: February 1, 2025

Scholars are chosen on academic merit based upon high school performance, outstanding achievements, and written responses to the Honors Scholars application. Diversity, inclusiveness, and community engagement are considered factors in Honors Scholars selection, as characterized by application responses.

Notification of awards will begin at the end of March.

Honors Scholar Cohort Info Session

The information session provides an overview of all Honors opportunities at Hunter College, details of the exceptional learning communities, introduction to dedicated academic advisors, and the support that can help create an extraordinary learning experience for honors students.

Frequently Asked Questions

Each scholar cohort will ask you to submit two essays limited to 300 words each.

Essay Prompt 1:
What have you learned about the specific scholar cohort of your choice that makes you interested in applying?

Essay Prompt 2:
Specific to the scholar cohort of your choice:

Athena – Please answer all questions below in allotted word limit. Max Length: 300 words.
- Describe a book you have read, a class you have taken, or a project that you worked on, that drives you to think you might like to major in humanities or liberal arts. How did it define your goals?
Daedalus – Please answer all questions below in allotted word limit. Max Length: 300 words.
- How were you first introduced to Computer Science?
- How have you continued to develop your computer science skills? How have you sought out additional exposure to computer science?
- Describe an experience which helped you develop your interest in computer science.
- A wide range of perspectives ideas, and cultures make for a productive learning environment. Tell us about your background and experiences and how they make you unique and influence you.
Muse – All questions below must be answered in allotted word limit for each question:
- Tell us about a time you encountered a work of art in any artistic discipline (fine art, music, dance, theater, film) that resonated with you and how that informed your creative/artistic practice, or your intellectual pursuits related to the arts? (Max Length: 300 words)
- Are you interested in being involved in the arts on campus? If so, in what capacity? (Max Length: 150 words)
- Please list any volunteer and extracurricular activities in the arts that that you wish for the committee to know about. (Max Length: 150 words)
Nursing – Please answer all questions below in allotted word limit. Max Length: 600 words.
- Nurses make up the largest profession within healthcare providing round-the-clock care to all patients in many different settings. What are the elements of caring needed by a nurse today? How have you shown this in your life thus far?
- One of nursing’s most important responsibilities is to advocate for the individual, as well as, the global community. How do you think a nurse would achieve this? Have you ever advocated for an individual or group?
- The Nursing Scholar Program at Hunter College is a rigorous, fast paced curriculum which requires students to take and excel in advanced courses such as Chemistry, Anatomy & Physiology, and Microbiology. In 1-2 paragraphs, please explain why you think you are prepared to take on such a rigorous curriculum and why you think you will excel in such an environment?
Roosevelt – All questions below must be answered in allotted word limit for each question:
- Describe an organization or government agency that is doing work that inspires you. What issue(s) are they addressing and why is it meaningful to you? What have you learned about this/these issue(s) so far, and what are some of the things you still want to know? Some issue areas you might want to discuss include but are not limited to social mobility, housing, sustainable cities, affordable education, criminal justice, human rights, economic development, public health, immigration, job security, access to voting, veterans, unions. (Max Length: 300 words)
- Are you interested in internships in government and non-profit and civic organizations? If yes, please outline your long term career aspirations. (Max Length: 100 words)
- Please list work, volunteer, and extra-curricular activities — in school or in the community — that you have participated in (including but not limited to: clubs, sports, student government, fundraisers, teaching Sunday school, 4H, journalism, local politics, nursing home visits, VFW, Rotary, etc.). Please include your public service requirement if your high school had one. (Max Length: 150 words)
Yalow – Please answer all questions below in allotted word limit. Max Length: 300 words.
- Are you considering a career in any or all of the following: Scientific Research (ex. chemistry, biology, physics, math, psychology), Medical School (ex. physician, dentist, veterinarian) or Allied Health fields (ex. physical therapy, optometry, genetic counseling, pharmacy etc. – excluding nursing)? Briefly describe and share any related experiences that speak to or affirm the interest(s).