This fall, the Honors College at the College of Charleston will welcome its most accomplished class ever, chosen from a record number of applicants. More than 1,300 students applied for just 200 spots – an increase of more than 30-percent over last year.
The average SAT score of the Honors College Class of 2015 also increased by 18 points over the previous class (from 1340 to 1358) and five students made perfect scores on at least one section. Plus, more than 20 students made a perfect score on at least one section of the ACT, including 17 who recorded a perfect score in the reading section.
“Due to the large volume of qualified applicants, we were able to be more selective,” Dean John Newell says. “This means that our incoming students are bringing in stronger academic scores, a wide variety of backgrounds, and are representing more states and countries than in previous years. The growing pool of qualified applicants also enables us to select students who will be successful in the Honors College curriculum, as well as being leaders on campus and in the community.”
Newell credits the growing reputation of the Honors College with the increase in applications. Students are consistently presenting research at international conferences and winning national awards, including the College’s first undergraduate student Fulbright Scholar (Sara Sprehn ’11). Honors College students also try to get the most out of their college experience by becoming involved in clubs, organizations and in the community. This involvement spreads interest in the Honors College.
The Honors College Class of 2015 is bringing 3,246 credits from high school, with 25 percent of the class starting at sophomore status.
Honors College students get personalized advising with academic advisors, a 24/7 study space in a historic home on campus, a network of committed faculty hand-selected to teach honors courses, special topics courses and interdisciplinary classes just for Honors College students, and a strong relationship with the Office of Nationally Competitive Awards and the Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities.
The Honors College at the College of Charleston provides bright, motivated students the opportunity for a superb education. The curriculum is rooted in a strong liberal arts tradition, but also addresses contemporary issues using up-to-date technologies and methods of learning. Honors College students take responsibility for their own learning through class discussions, interaction with faculty and independent research. Honors College students, faculty and staff create a living/learning community that provides students with the academic challenge and personal attention that enables them to flourish and evolve into leaders in their communities and the world.
Applications for the Class of 2016 will be available in August 2011 as part of the undergraduate application for admission. An essay and two letters of reference are required beyond the basic application. Honors College essay topics are now available.
For more information, contact John Newell at 843.953.7154.
