Honors Admissions

Join the Honors College at NC A&T

The Honors College welcomes academically talented and highly motivated students who are eager to challenge themselves through enhanced coursework, leadership, research, service, and global engagement.

Select the application process that applies to you below.

Apply as a First-Year Student

 

Are you a current high school student applying for first-year admission to North Carolina A&T State University?

To be considered for admission to the Honors College, you must first submit your application for admission to N.C. A&T. Once your university application has been submitted, you may complete the Honors College application through the Aggie Admissions Portal.

How to Apply

  • Apply for admission to North Carolina A&T State University through the Common Application or the N.C. A&T application.
  • After submitting your university admissions application, Access the Honors Application through the Aggie Admissions Portal.
  • Log in using your Aggie Admissions Portal credentials.
  • Select Start New Application.
  • Choose Create Application.
  • Select Open Application to begin your Honors College application.

Important: Applicants do not need to be admitted to North Carolina A&T before applying to the Honors College. Students must first submit an application for admission to North Carolina A&T before they can access and submit the Honors College application. However, acceptance to North Carolina A&T is required before an offer of admission to the Honors College can be extended.

Interested in our premier scholarship programs? Learn more about the Honors Distinguished Scholars Program, including the Cheatham-White, Dowdy, and February One Scholars programs.

Application Dates & Deadlines

  • Application Opens: August 1, 2026
  • Priority Deadline: November 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. (EST)

Students who submit a complete Honors College application by the priority deadline will be considered for both Honors College admission and the Honors Distinguished Scholars Program.

  • Final Deadline: December 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. (EST)

Students applying after the priority deadline but by the final deadline will be considered for Honors College admission only. Additional scholarship opportunities may be available through the academic colleges or the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships.

  • Decision Notification: Mid-March 2027

 

Apply as a Transfer or Current N.C. A&T Student

Are you an incoming transfer student or currently enrolled at North Carolina A&T State University? If so, applicants should submit the Current-Transfer Honors application. Transfer students should apply to N.C. A&T prior to submitting an application to the Honors College.

Application Deadlines

  • Applications for the Fall 2027 semester, will open for submission on March 1, 2027 and the deadline to apply is 11:59pm EST on May 1, 2027. 
  • Notification of Decisions: All applicants will be notified of their admissions status to the Honors College by June 15, 2027 via email.

What to Expect in the Honors Application

The Honors College application is designed to help us learn more about your academic interests, leadership experiences, and future goals. Applicants should be prepared to complete the following:

  • Academic & Activities Information
    • Review and verify academic information
    • List extracurricular activities, leadership roles, employment, research, service, and other meaningful experiences

  • Essay Response

    • One written response (approximately 500–1,000 words)

    Prompt:
    What impact do you hope to make through your education and future career? Describe the interests, values, or motivations that have shaped this vision, and explain how the Honors College will help prepare you to achieve that impact.

  • Video Interview

    • One recorded video response (approximately 90 seconds)

    Prompt:
    Select an activity from your extracurricular list and describe one specific experience that made this activity meaningful. Explain how it has shaped the person you are today.

  • Letters of Recommendation
    • Two recommendations are required.
    • Recommenders complete a brief evaluation form and may optionally upload a formal letter on official letterhead.
  • Application Review
    • Once submitted, applications undergo a holistic review that considers academic achievement, leadership, engagement, communication, and potential contributions to the Honors College community.

What Makes a Strong Application

The Honors College seeks students who demonstrate academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, leadership, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact. Because we use a holistic review process, no single accomplishment determines admission. Instead, we consider the complete picture of each applicant.

Strong applications often demonstrate the following:

Academic Achievement

Consistent academic performance that reflects a commitment to learning and intellectual growth.

Leadership

Meaningful leadership experiences, whether through school, work, community organizations, athletics, faith-based organizations, or family responsibilities.

Service & Engagement

A genuine commitment to serving others and making positive contributions within your school or community.

Initiative & Growth

Evidence that you have challenged yourself, pursued opportunities beyond the classroom, and continued to grow through your experiences.

Reflection & Self-Awareness

Thoughtful responses that explain not only what you have done, but why those experiences mattered and how they have shaped your goals and character.

Communication

Clear, organized, and authentic writing and video responses that effectively communicate your ideas.

Alignment with the Honors College

An understanding of how the Honors College's opportunities—including research, leadership, global experiences, and community engagement—will help you achieve your educational and career goals.

Tips for a Strong Submission

  • Be authentic—your own voice is more compelling than what you think we want to hear.
  • Provide specific examples rather than general statements.
  • Focus on quality and impact rather than the number of activities.
  • Proofread your written responses before submitting.
  • Record your video in a quiet, well-lit location where you can speak clearly.
  • Give your recommenders sufficient time to complete their recommendations.