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Division of Academic and Student Affairs
University Honors Program

Is the UHP right for you?

Let’s be real—not every program is for everyone. The University Honors Program is designed for students who are curious, driven, and looking for something deeper than just checking boxes.

How to tell if the UHP is a good fit for you:

  • Do you like asking big questions and exploring how different ideas and disciplines connect?
  • Are you into small, discussion-based classes where you actually get to talk and think, not just take notes?
  • Are you excited about doing something meaningful outside the classroom, like study abroad, research, service, or internships?
  • Can you see yourself engaging with events each semester that challenge your perspective or spark your interests?

Interest Form

Students can complete a form to indicate their interest in the UHP and ask questions

Prospective Students

How to apply:

Incoming First Year Students

Admission is not automatic. Students are required to respond to additional program-specific essay questions for the University Honors Program as they apply to NC State. These questions are integrated into the NC State application. 

Admission is based on the assessment of your potential for exceptional academic work and understanding of the program requirements. Primarily this is done by evidence of creativity, initiative, and aspirations for academic excellence as described in your application essays. Secondarily, the programs consider SAT/ACT scores (when available), high school grades, the rigor of courses taken in high school, class rank (when available).

Application Timelines

EARLY ACTION

  • Students have until November 1st to submit their University Honors Program application to be considered for Early Action. Students who apply by this date will receive their UHP decision by January 30th.

REGULAR DECISION

  • Students who apply between November 2nd and January 15th will be considered for Regular Decision. Students who apply during this period will receive their UHP decision by March 31st.

Applications submitted after January 15th will only be considered on a space-available basis.

Students applying to the University through the Common Application can apply to the Honors Program within that application OR in their WolfPAW account. Students applying to the University using the Coalition application must apply to the Honors Program exclusively through their WolfPAW account.

Common Application Users: If you select “yes” to apply to UHP, you’ll need to complete the UHP application before submitting your Common Application. If you select “no”, you can still apply later through your wolfPAW account.

Note: The UHP application is the same whether you apply through the Common Application or later via wolfPAW. The timing of when you submit it does not change the content of the application.

Note: After submitting your NC State application, it can take up to 24 hours to process to wolfPAW. The UHP application will not appear immediately after you submit your NC State application.

We encourage you to review the UHP Frequently Asked Questions page.

If you have questions about the application process, please email Mike Steadman at mtsteadm@ncsu.edu.

Mid-year Program Applicants

First year students that learn about the University Honors Program during their first semester and wish to apply for the first time will receive an invitation to apply from our office, and directions for how to do so, after earning at least a 3.5 GPA during their first semester at NC State.