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Why Join?

For Prospective York College Honors Program students: why should I apply? what is the program? what are the requirements to apply? how to apply?

Why Should I Apply?

  • For the community!  York College Honors Program students attend special classes and events with other honors program students.  Your peers in these classes will be, like you – academic leaders – and they will challenge you to excel academically.  You and your peers will also be able to support each other in your academic pursuits.

  • For the mentoring!  York College Honors Program students spend their last year working in a one-on-one relationship with a professor.  With your mentor you will develop and complete an honors thesis, a professional-level research paper. 

  • For the recognition!  Your official York transcripts will show that you have graduated from the York College Honors Program.  Also, after you graduate you will be able to proudly place on your resume that you are a graduate of the York College Honors Program.  Employers and graduate programs will know that you reached higher academically than most students.  Your honors thesis will serve as evidence of the high level of academic work you have proven you can do!

The York College Honors Program

The York College Honors Program seeks to provide academic, cultural and social opportunities to enhance the intellectual development of serious, highly able and motivated students. The program is designed to provide students opportunities for research and exploration in a wide array of courses, in multiple disciplines as well as interdisciplinary learning experiences. Students accepted in the program will be engaged; in challenging classroom discussions within designated honors courses, and will be introduced to a wide array of topics by means of their attendance at seminars, lectures and cultural programs, both on and off campus. The experience of being part of a group of peers, and the rapport with faculty members and designated advisors, constitute fine ingredients for a truly rewarding learning experience.

For more information about the requirements of the program, you are encouraged to contact the Coordinator or Director of the program. 

Requirements to Apply

Students can apply to the Honors Program as incoming first year students, or prior to the Sophomore and Junior years. To be considered for the program, students must meet the following criteria:

High School Students (incoming freshmen):




90 average or higher (submit official transcript)

Proof for York acceptance/registration

Academic course of study, including science and math courses


Complete application, including writing sample & biographical essay


Two academic letters of recommendation


Current York Students/Transfer Students (12-60 credits):


  • 3.5 GPA or higher (submit unofficial transcript)

  • Complete application, including writing sample & biographical essay

  • Two academic letters of recommendation (must include college faculty)

The York College Honors Program Admission Process

The York College Honors Program admission process is highly competitive with attention to a student's scholarly record and evidence of potential for academic leadership. 

To apply, students must:


  • meet the above criteria, & fully complete the application.