The Honors College at Appalachian State supports a collaborative community of about 550 highly motivated students from all majors. If you’re in your first year at App State and are excited by challenging ideas, interdisciplinary learning, and working closely with faculty and peers, we encourage you to review our Honors curriculum and apply to the Honors College as an internal candidate.

Because University Honors (including the 15-credit upper-division path) is a rich, multi-year experience, we strongly recommend planning to spend at least three years in the Honors College to get the full benefit. This timeline gives you space to build relationships, engage deeply across disciplines, and develop your research or creative work.

If your plans don’t align with this timeline, a shorter, major-focused Departmental Honors program may be a better fit. You can also combine both programs if that aligns with your goals. Compare the Honors paths to determine which Honors Path is right for you.

If you have any questions about your potential place in the Honors College or the application process, please schedule a meeting with Dr. Vicky Klima, associate vice provost for the Honors College, to discuss. She is always delighted to talk about Honors!

How to Apply as a Continuing App State Student

Complete the Internal Honors College Application within the timeframe outlined below. This application asks you to:

  • State your intended graduation date
  • Share the activities you’ve been involved with since joining App State
  • Respond to the Honors application essay prompt to discuss your intellectual curiosity, your experiences so far, and your vision for how the Honors College fits into your remaining time at App State.

Application Timeline & Deadlines

For Spring Admission

  • Applications Open: October 15
  • Applications Due: December 15
  • Admissions Decisions Shared: December 20

For Fall Admission

  • Applications Open: March 15
  • Applications Due: May 15
  • Admissions Decisions Shared: May 20

Here are the four areas we focus on, and how you can help us see your strengths:

Intellectual Engagement & Academic Potential

We’re interested in how you approach learning—what sparks your curiosity, how you think through complex ideas, and where you’ve pushed yourself intellectually.

  • Share what excites you intellectually—inside or outside the classroom
  • Let us know about challenging courses, independent work, or creative projects
  • Use your activities list to show academic curiosity and initiative
Perspective-Taking & Collaboration

We’re looking for students who engage across differences, listen actively, and contribute to a collaborative learning environment.

  • Talk about teamwork, volunteering, or group activities you’ve contributed to and grown from
  • Reflect on how you've engaged with and learned from people with different viewpoints and experiences
Holistic Development & Initiative

We want to see how you’ve grown—academically, personally, or otherwise—and how you take initiative in shaping your experiences and learning.

  • Reflect on experiences that shaped your values, creativity, or self-awareness
  • Use your activities list to show us how you’ve taken initiative, whether through leadership, service, or self-directed projects
Contribution to the Honors College

We’re interested in what draws you to this community—what you hope to bring to Honors, and what you’re excited to discover, create, and learn here.

  • Share your excitement about the Honors community
  • Be specific about how you’d like to get involved

Use your Honors essay as well as the essay, interest statement, and activities list you share through the Common App (or Scholarships Essays and Activities Form) to tell your story. Specific examples help us see the real you—your goals, your values, and your potential. We’re not looking for perfection.  We want to see your commitment to discovering, creating, learning, and growing together.

We’re here to help

Have questions or want feedback?

If you have questions or want personalized feedback, reach out to our Associate Vice Provost for the Honors College, Vicky Klima, at klimavw@appstate.edu for guidance and support.