Apply to Honors

Admission Requirements

You may enter the Honors Program during your first semester at NOVA or you may enter later. To be considered for admission to the Honors Program, you must meet at least one of the following in each area.

English

  • Document an average score of > 600 on the SAT Reading/Writing and Language Tests (ERW)
  • Submit recommendations from one faculty member based on English courses either completed at NOVA or a previous college or in progress at NOVA

Mathematics

  • Document an average score of > 600 on the Math SAT exam
  • Submit recommendations from one faculty based on math or science courses either completed at NOVA or a previous college or in progress at NOVA

Alternatively, you may meet one of the following criteria.

  • Document a combined score of at least 1200 out of 1600 on the SAT Critical Reading/Writing and Language (ERW) and Math sections
  • Document a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 at the last academic institution attended (high school, college, or university), or your current GPA at NOVA, OR
  • Demonstrate a combined ACT score of 25 or higher, OR
  • Present recommendations from two high school teachers (if currently a high school student) or from two college teaching faculty or counselors based on any course taken at a college or university

How to Apply

You are encouraged to apply to the Honors Program in your first semester, but you may apply at any time. All applications will be reviewed by the NOVA Honors staff for completion and eligibility. All students will be notified via email within 4-weeks of application submission.

Not Sure Honors is Right for You?

Honors Lead Faculty and Honors counselors are available at each campus to help students decide if the Honors Program or specific Honors courses will help focus their academic goals. Student services staff, counselors, and advising specialists also can provide students with further information.