Application Dates & Deadlines
While we do have deadlines specified below, please send us your essay as soon as possible.
Your response will go to either (1) the email account linked to your U-M application, if you have not yet decided, or (2) your umich.edu account, if you have accepted U-M’s invitation.
February 5, 2025 – All applications received by 11:59pm (Eastern Time Zone) on this date will have a decision sent out via email by 11pm on March 6, 2025. In your notification, you will fall into one of 3 decision categories: admit, defer, or deny.
March 5, 2025 – All applications received after February 5, 2025 but by 11:59pm (Eastern Time Zone) on this date will have a decision sent out via email by 11pm on April 3, 2025. In your notification, you will fall into one of 3 decision categories: admit, defer, or deny.
April 9, 2025 – All applications received after March 5, 2025 but by 11:59pm (Eastern Time Zone) on this date will have a decision sent out via email by 11pm on April 29, 2025. In your notification, you will fall into one of 2 decision categories: admit or deny. We cannot accept applications for admission into Honors for fall 2025 after April 9th.
In your notification, you will fall into one of 3 decision categories: admit, defer, or deny. If your decision is a defer, you will be notified by 11pm on April 29, 2025 at the latest, to inform you of our final decision.
May 1, 2025—If we admit you into Honors on or prior to April 29, 2025 you must confirm by May 1, 2025 that you plan to join the Program.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the LSA Honors Program?
The Honors Program is a Michigan learning community that provides its students with a variety of academic and co-curricular opportunities to help them grow intellectually, personally, and professionally.
Is Honors a 4-year program?
Yes, it is, but Honors is really made of two different 2-year programs.
- Students entering Honors from high school enter the lower-division program. Lower-division Honors focuses on a broad liberal arts experience.
- Upon finishing their sophomore year, Honors students can continue into the upper-division by declaring an Honors major or a HELA project. Upper-division Honors, which usually spans the student’s last two years of study, culminates in a senior thesis or a HELA project. Honors major requirements vary by field of study, so students can go directly to the website of their desired/declared major to learn more.
Is Honors the Honors College?
We are a program and not a college, as the LSA Honors Program is a program within the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA). Our students are held to the same policies and standards as all other LSA students. While we do not have many additional requirements for our students, we provide many opportunities that we encourage our students to take advantage of–and those Honors requirements meet your LSA requirements.
What are the program requirements?
The minimum requirements for the lower-division Honors Program are as follows (to be completed by the end of the second semester of the second year):
- Complete an Honors Core Course that fulfills the First Year Writing Requirement (FYWR)
- Achieve a cumulative 3.400 GPA
What are the advantages of Honors?
The Honors Program has three pillars: academics, community and engagement. In addition to to the academic offerings of LSA, Honors students also have the ability to enroll in Honors Core Courses, Honors sections, and to pursue Honors conversions. Students are able to build community by living in Honors housing with other Honors students and participating in various co-curricular activities. Honors also contains its own advising unit; all Honors students are assigned to an Honors advisor who advises on Honors, LSA, and University requirements.
When should I apply to Honors?
You must be admitted to the College of Literature, Science and the Arts (LSA) prior to applying to the Honors Program. You do not, however, need to decide if you are attending U-M before applying. We encourage you to apply as soon as you are admitted to LSA, as we are a space-limited program. Application dates are posted on your left.
How do I apply?
You will apply by completing the essay questions on the Apply Here page and submitting them through the linked online application portal. The application consists of one essay. Be creative—we want to see how your mind works!
Do I need to be invited?
The Honors Program is available to all LSA students. Anyone who is admitted to LSA is encouraged to apply!
I am applying for a dual degree with LSA and the School of Music, Theater, and Dance/Stamps School of Art & Design. Should I apply to Honors?
If you have expressed interest in another school or college in your U-M application, you can apply to Honors if you also plan to pursue a degree in LSA as well as SMTD or Stamps.
How many students apply and are accepted each year?
Our application reviewers read approximately 1700 applications to fill an incoming class of approximately 350 students.
Should I apply if I’m not sure I’m attending U-M?
We strongly urge you to apply to Honors even before you know that you are going to come to U-M. That way it is likely that you will be able to base your decision, in part, on whether or not you are in Honors.
Is it possible to complete a joint degree with LSA and another U-M school?
Yes! Several special degree programs are offered by the joint cooperation of LSA and other colleges or schools within the University. You will want to work with your Honors Academic Advisor to discuss your options.
When will I hear if I am accepted into Honors?
Refer to the application date guidelines on the left for a reply timeline. Your Honors decision will go to either (1) the email that is linked to your friend account and U-M application or (2) your umich.edu email address, if your deposit has been paid. If you do not receive a reply–either to your inbox or spam folder–and have a record of submitting your essay, use the “Contact Us” quick link below.
Can I or my parents call prior to the notification date for an admission decision?
Due to our compliance with FERPA regulations, Honors cannot notify parents or discuss a student’s application decision without the explicit consent of that student. Furthermore, we do not release admissions decisions early. Students can expect to hear back from us via email on the date corresponding with when they applied.
Can I visit campus and meet with an Honors student or Honors advisor?
Yes! Honors participates in every Campus Day date and you can talk with one of our advisors during the Q&A. If you are visiting campus and/or are unable to attend a Campus Day, we offer meetings with current Honors students so you can learn more about the program. You can access the meeting request form on our Visit Us & More Information page, underneath the Honors Ambassadors section. We also host virtual sessions from February-April. Our advisors are unable to meet one-on-one with prospective students due to limited availability.
Quick Links:
Honors Application Link
Contact Us
Undergrad Admissions
Contact Undergrad Admissions