Applications for Honors College are open year round.
Texas A&M University Kingsville’s Honors College is a program built to academically challenge students who join the program, and is seeking applications.
It aims to provide a foundation for students to get the most out of their academic experience. The goal of Honors College is to engage students in an enriched educational experience through increased undergraduate research opportunities, leadership development, community engagement, and international program opportunities, according to the program literature.
TAMUK’s Honors College hosts many opportunities for students in and outside the classroom. Students apart of the Honors College must take honors courses as well as participate in a project that must be complete before graduation.
“Our coursework focuses on improving our students’ research skills and critical thinking as well as speaking and writing skills. Those are the long-term benefits” Dean of Honors College and Professor of History Dr. Thomas Spencer said.
The college reaches out to students through email, phone calls and even text to remind them of application deadlines.
“We reach out to prospective Honors students any way we can,” he said.
First time in college (FTIC) students interested in the program must have a 24 ACT composite and a record of leadership.
“Our online application requires FTIC students to submit an essay, a resume, unofficial transcripts and the email contact information for two recommenders,” Spencer continued. “We want to get a better holistic sense of the students by looking at more than just their standardized test scores and grades. We always encourage interested students to apply so can consider them.”
Continuing and transfer students have a similar application process that does not require standardized test scores.
“The basic academic criteria we are looking for is a GPA that is 3.5 or above,” he said. “As always, we encourage all interested students to apply.
The Honors College admits freshman, transfer and continuing students throughout the year.
“We have a convenient online application that allows a student to complete the process remarkably easily. Just visit our website https://www.tamuk.edu/honors/apply-now/index.html” Spencer added.
On average, the Honors college takes in 50 or more incoming freshmen and 10 to 20 returning students with no upper limit.
Sierra Glenn is a senior Honors College member who has thoroughly enjoyed her time in the program.
“The honors college gave me so many opportunities I wouldn’t have had otherwise,” Glenn said. “It really is like a family; you know exactly who you can go to if you have a problem or just need to talk.”
Glenn recommends the program to students interested in joining.
“It gives you not only the experience you need to give yourself the edge you need in grad school or the job market, but it also gives you support and a community,” she said.
