College of the canyons honors application

The Honors Program is competitive. Our standards are high. Good grades are important but far from the most important trait. You are a solid candidate for the Honors Program if:

• You are up for an academic challenge — and ready to work hard in a community of bright, determined students and faculty

• You have the courage to explore and take a stand on social and ethical issues regarding justice, race, media, education, crime, law and social change

• You are curious, open-minded, and willing to consider different points of view, listen to others and engage in probing dialogue with professors and peers

• You have potential to be a leader — with a burning desire to shape ideas, influence people and change systems

• You have high aspirations in life — and want to do something important for yourself and to have a positive impact on your community

Eligibility & Requirements

Admission depends on high school GPA (minimum 89), writing sample, letters of recommendation and an interview. Students who meet the requirements below will be invited to apply to the program. Students must apply to the Honors Program through the official application. The application is open for Continuing Student and Transfer applications.

Entering Freshmen (for students who have never attended college)

• Minimum high school average of 89. This is computed by our Admissions Office as the “college admission average" (CAA).
• Students with a complete application by the deadline and who meet the criteria above will be granted an interview. Students that fall just below these cutoffs may still apply but are not guaranteed an interview.
• The decision to interview students that fall just below the minimum requirement is based on the strength of their essays, letters of recommendation and number and variety of extracurricular activities.
• Admissions decisions are made based on the entire application package: grades, essays, letters, activities, and the interview.

Currently Enrolled Students (for students who are currently enrolled in college)

• Cumulative GPA: 3.3 or higher
• Sophomores must have accumulated 30-45 credits; juniors must have accumulated 60-75 credits by the end of the spring 2025 semester.
• One letter of recommendation from a faculty member.
• Student transcript
• Finalists will be interviewed by a representative of the Honors faculty

Transfer Students (students who will begin studying at John Jay in the spring semester)

• Cumulative GPA: 3.3 or higher
• Sophomores must have accumulated 30-45 credits; juniors must have accumulated 60-75 credits by the end of the spring 2025 semester.
• One letter of recommendation from a faculty member
• Official transcript
• Finalists will be interviewed by a representative of the Honors faculty