Your future. On the rise. The Williams Honors College at The University of Akron
The Williams Honors College at The University of Akron
The Williams Honors College logo at The University of Akron

Admission to the Honors College

The Williams Honors College (WHC) welcomes applications from intellectually curious, self-motivated students like you who have demonstrated an ability to excel and are seeking opportunities to distinguish themselves at The University of Akron and onward.

Opportunities & Scholarships

Scholarship opportunities

Every student admitted to WHC is awarded an Honors Scholarship, on top of any other academic scholarships awarded at UA. Also, every admitted Honors student is considered for a host of additional scholarship opportunities for WHC students.

  • Feb 1 — Deadline for prestigious scholarship consideration
  • May 1 — Deadline for scholarship consideration, including optional letters of recommendation

Emerging Leaders Community

Honors students with extensive leadership experience may wish to apply for the Honors Complex Emerging Leaders Community. This is a residential community of students with leadership background, independent of college major, who are housed near each other on the fifth floor of the Honors Complex.

Participation in the community requires an extra application. See the details and the application for the Emerging Leaders Community.

How to apply

New first-year students (Fall 2025)

The Williams Honors College (WHC) welcomes applications from well-rounded, self-motivated students who wish to join our diverse community of scholars.

Williams Honors College Acceptance Criteria

Consideration for admission to the WHC is based on four components. Students must have a minimum 3.6 GPA and submit an ACT or SAT test score to be considered for admission.

Williams Honors College acceptance diagram indicating 3.6 minimum GPA, written essay, extracurricular involvement, and ACT or SAT score

How to Apply

Complete the University of Akron application for fall 2025.  After you are admitted to UA, you may complete the Williams Honors College application.

Apply now as a new WHC freshman

Transfer students

Consideration for admission to WHC for transfer students:

  • You have completed less than 64 credit hours
  • A minimum 3.60 GPA
  • If you have potential that might not be highlighted in your academic record, such as entering college after pursuing a career or meeting other responsibilities, please include a letter describing your circumstances, accomplishments and goals in your application.
  • If you have accumulated more than 64 credit hours, please contact us to discuss if the Williams Honors College is right for you.

Scholarships for transfer students: You may be eligible for a renewable Honors scholarship of up to $2,000.

Deadlines:

  • Apr 1 is the priority deadline for transfer applications for fall admission

Apply now as a transfer student

Current UA students

Consideration for admission to WHC for current UA students:

  • Must be currently enrolled at UA
  • Have a minimum GPA of 3.60
  • Have completed fewer than 64 credit hours

For questions or more details on how to apply as a current UA student, contact the Williams Honors College Admissions Office to make an appointment.

Apply now as a current UA student

When to expect admission decision

Priority and regular application decisions

You will receive your admission decision a few weeks after submission of all your application materials.

Contact us & more

For admissions questions

Sarah Psihountakis
Director of Recruitment & Student Services
330-972-6261
sas107@16300a.com

Contact the Honors College

Phone: 330-972-7966
Email: honors@16300a.com
Address: 180 S. College St.
The University of Akron
Akron, OH 44325–1803
(see on campus map)