Essay guide · 2026–27 cycle
Honors and special-program essays
Honors colleges, scholars programs and combined degrees read these for one thing: whether you understand what the program adds beyond the regular degree, and whether you would use it. Impressiveness is not the test. Fit with how the program actually teaches is.
No card. Paste a draft and Admitify reads it line by line against the question it has to answer. It never writes for you.
What the question is really asking
Why this specific program at the school, and whether you understand what it adds beyond the regular degree. Honors and scholar programs read these for fit with how they teach, not for how impressive you are.
Treating it as another "why us" or restating your transcript. Not mentioning anything the program actually does.
Name one thing the program does that the regular path doesn't (seminars, research, cohort, a specific project) and connect it to something you've already done. Show you'd use it, not just qualify for it.
How to write it, in order
Find out what the program does differently. Seminars instead of lectures, a required thesis, a cohort that lives together, research in year one, a combined curriculum. Name it.
Connect that one thing to something you have already done. If the program is built on small discussion seminars, show a moment where discussion changed your thinking.
Say what you would do with the program's specific resource in the first year.
Do not restate your transcript. The program can see it. The essay is for what the transcript cannot show.
If it is a combined-degree program, explain why the combination, not just each half.
Before you submit
- One concrete feature of the program is named and explained.
- The essay would not work as a general “why us” for the university.
- No grades or test scores appear.
- There is a past experience that matches the program's method.
- For dual degrees, the link between the two fields is stated.
Every school that asks it
15 schools, 18 prompts. Click a school for all of its supplements, word counts and a prompt-by-prompt guide. Schools marked with a cycle year show last year's wording; the 2026–27 version was not yet published when verified.
- Washington and Lee Universityup to 800 words
“W&L's Spring Term is a four-week, intensive experience during which students take only one course, allowing for undivided attention to the subject matter. Spring Term courses are known for innovative pedagogy, interdisciplinary scholarship, travel, and fieldwork in diverse settings. If you could design a Spring Term course, what would you propose, and why would you choose to pursue that topic?”
- University of Florida150-400 words
“The UF Honors Program's mission is to connect, nurture and engage the next generation of scholars who change the world. How do you envision yourself contributing to this mission? Consider the people, experiences, resources, and aspirations that have shaped your journey thus far and your future plans.”
- Lehigh Universityup to 150 words
“What makes the Integrated Degree in Engineering, Arts & Sciences (IDEAS) Honors Program the best fit for your academic and/or professional goals?”
- Lehigh Universityup to 150 words
“What makes the Integrated Business & Engineering (IBE) Honors Program the best fit for your academic and/or professional goals?”
- Auburn Universityup to 600 words
“Describe your academic and/or professional goals and the experiences that have shaped them. How will your participation in the Honors College at Auburn University further your education, help you pursue these goals, and prepare you for your next steps? In your response, explain how you plan to engage with the academic opportunities and challenges offered by the Honors College and what you hope to contribute to the Honors community.”
- Auburn Universityup to 600 words
“Each year, the Honors College selects a quote to exhort the incoming cohort to aspire to the ideals of the college. Select a quote that deeply resonates with you and explain why it matters to you. How does this quote reflect your self-understanding, values, or way of thinking? How has it shaped your perspective, decisions, or sense of purpose?”
- Stony Brook University (SUNY)up to 250 words
“Please discuss why you are a good fit for your preferred University Honors Program (Honors College, University Scholars, or WISE).”
- Purdue Universityup to 500 words
“Explain your vision, ideas, or goals for how you hope to shape your honors experience while at Purdue. Please put this in the context of the four pillars which are the foundation of the Honors College.”
- University of Massachusetts Amherstup to 100 words
“Commonwealth Honors College is a community in which students examine complex questions, learn across differences, and connect their academic interests to the world around them. What is one perspective, experience, or question you would bring to this community, and how would you hope to develop it at UMass Amherst?”
- New Jersey Institute of Technologyup to 400 words
“The Honors College develops leaders who are engaged members of their community and profession. How have you been of service to your community (either as a volunteer or in a work environment) and what has that taught you about being a leader? How will you contribute to the Honors community?”
- University of Tennesseeup to 800 words
“If you are an Agriculture Sciences and Natural Resources major, please provide a personal statement with general information about yourself, your background, educational goals, professional aspirations, interests and the reasons you are applying for a scholarship. Also provide other such information that will be of benefit to the Scholarship Committee, including a statement concerning your financial need or special circumstances, if applicable.”
- University of Arizonano stated word limit
“The W.A. Franke Honors College emphasizes five core values: We Seek, We Connect, We Create, We Evolve, and We Celebrate. Which of these values resonates the most with you, and how do you imagine pursuing that value/those values as a Franke Honors Wildcat?”
- Clark University200-350 words · 2025-26
“What piece of media (a book, film, photograph, video game, article, etc.) truly captivates you and why? How have you pursued this interest in your life either in and out of the classroom? How might you share your fascination with your peers in the Clark Honors Experience?”
- Ohio State University350-500 words · 2025-26
“The Morrill Scholarship Program encourages students to lead with character while making a positive impact on their communities. In what ways have your life experiences and/or endeavors prepared you to be an active Morrill Scholar who will champion scholarship, leadership, and civic engagement while investing in Ohio State's culture of service reflective of its land grant mission? Please answer fully, and when possible, provide specific examples.”
- University at Buffalo (SUNY)up to 650 words · 2025-26
“UB Honors scholars are characterized by intellectual curiosity, a broad range of interests, and a commitment to a diverse and inclusive society. What experiences have helped to broaden your perspectives academically, socially and culturally? What experiences do you hope to have that will enlarge your understanding of the cultural richness of America and the world? Please be as specific as possible in your answer.”
- Texas Tech Universityup to 800 words · 2025-26
“Briefly describe any financial need circumstances you would like for the scholarship committees to consider.”
- Texas Tech Universityup to 500 words · 2025-26
“Please describe any special contributions you would make to Texas Tech University and your academic program? (First generation college student, record of overcoming adversity, special accomplishment, etc.)”
- Rochester Institute of Technologyup to 150 words · 2025-26
“Please provide a brief statement about why you are you interested in being considered for the RIT Honors Program.”
Common questions
- Is the honors essay worth the time?
- If the program carries scholarship money, priority registration or research access, yes. Check what it actually gives before deciding how much to write.
- Can I reuse my “why us” essay?
- No. Readers of program essays are usually faculty who run the program, and they can tell a university-level essay from one about their program in the first paragraph.
- What if I do not get into the program?
- At most schools, the program decision is separate from admission to the university. A weak program essay rarely hurts the main application; a strong one sometimes helps it.
Prompts verified September 2026 against each school's published application. Browse all schools A–Z. Spotted a change? Tell us.