Admissions Process

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions reviews the records of admitted students who expressed interest in being considered for the Honors Program on their admission application and provided a short essay response (1-2 paragraphs) for Honors Program consideration. Invitations are sent to a select number of candidates 4-6 weeks after they receive admission to the university. If you have questions, contact honors@rit.edu and admissions@rit.edu.

Honors students at RIT represent approximately the top 5% of RIT’s admitted students and less than 1% of all applicants. We look for these characteristics in student applications:

• The ability and motivation to take full advantage of the academic, professional, and experiential opportunities that the program provides
• Excellent high-school grades
• High-class standing
• Strong recommendations
• A record of extracurricular activities and personal interests

Each year, a select number of current RIT students are invited to apply to the Honors Program through the Internal Admission process. This process is highly competitive (see eligibility below) and takes place in the fall semester, targeting students who have just entered their second year at RIT. Invitations are sent after grades are posted in the spring semester, with the application process taking place through the summer months and an application deadline falling withing the first few weeks of the fall semester. The review process takes place in September with decisions being communicated in early October. An in-person orientation takes place in late October / early November.

Eligibility requirements include:

• A cumulative GPA of 3.8 or higher  
• Faculty recommendation
• At least two years (four semesters) of academic coursework remaining at RIT to complete the undergraduate degree, beginning with the upcoming spring semester
• Evidence of co-curricular, service, leadership and involvement in the intellectual and cultural life of the university
   

On the application students will provide:

• Basic contact information
• Things you do (e.g., your co/extra-curricular activities, leadership roles, and volunteer experiences)
• How membership in the Honors Program will contribute to your educational and professional goals
• A plan for completing the Honors Program requirements
• The name and email of an RIT faculty member who has agreed to complete an evaluation on your behalf
   

The RIT Honors Program takes seriously students’ impact on the community, and their role as representatives of the university and the Honors Program. The Honors Program will work with the RIT Conduct Office to review the records of all students invited to apply to the program. Any noted conduct issues may negatively impact final decisions. Students who are accepted to the program agree to conduct themselves with integrity in a manner that maintains our university and society as a safe place that fosters creativity, curiosity, constructive change, and free expression.