First Year Students

First Year Students

Admission Requirements for Incoming First Year Students

Thank you for your interest in joining our Honors community. The Martinson Honors College is for academically motivated and curious students who want to participate with others in rewarding and enhanced educational experiences. The undergraduate experience in Honors is personified by our motto, “think, thrive, share.” We develop socially and civically-minded leaders active in participation and service within and beyond Honors, while our innovative and interdisciplinary curriculum, alongside extracurricular activities, fosters an understanding and appreciation of cultures and the arts.

Questions about the Honors Application process can be directed to honors@rowan.edu or 856-256-4775.

Admissions FAQs

Who is eligible to apply?
  • Students who have a submitted a complete general application for Fall 2025 to Rowan University by 1/31/25
    • A complete application includes the application, and all supplemental materials: transcript, letters of recommendation, etc.
    • Any questions regarding your general application should be directed to your Undergraduate Admissions Counselor or admissions@rowan.edu 
  • Students who can actively participate in our program for a minimum of four (4) semesters (fall and spring terms)
  • Students who are applying to in-person, first-time undergraduate programs
  • Students must be enrolled full time
  • Incoming high school students with a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.70
How do I apply?

Step 1: Complete your general application for Fall 2025 to Rowan University as early as possible, but no later than January 31st, 2025. 

Step 2: If you meet the eligibility requirements (see “Who is eligible…” above), you will be sent an invitation via email with a link to apply.

Step 3: Submit your Honors Application as early as possible but no later than Saturday, February 15th, 2025. This application includes an essay and an Honors Recommendation Form. (The Honors Recommendation Form will be sent to your recommender only after you submit your Honors Application.)

Step 4: Ask your recommender to submit your Honors Recommendation Form as early as possible but no later than Saturday, February 22nd, 2025. Applications cannot be reviewed until the recommendation form is submitted. 

Step 5: Your completed Honors Application and Honors Recommendation Form are reviewed by the Honors Admissions Committee. Once reviewed, you will receive a decision via your application portal. Decisions will be released on a rolling basis but no later than April 1st, 2025.
What are the deadlines to apply?

Students interested in the Honors program have to submit a completed application for Fall 2025 to the university by January 31st, 2025. Students with a completed application by 1/31/25 who have an unweighted GPA of 3.70 will be invited to apply. The invitation and link to apply will be sent via email. 

The Honors Application is due as early as possible, but no later than Saturday, February 15th, 2025.

The Honors Recommendation Form is due as early as possible but no later than Saturday, February 22nd, 2025.
What are the program requirements?
  • Enroll as a full time student at Rowan
    • Must be enrolled in an in-person undergraduate program
  • Complete the Honors curriculum (typically one in-person Honors course per semester)
  • Complete the Honors co-curricular participation requirements each term
  • Earn a 3.5 cumulative GPA by graduation
Honors Application Things to Consider
  • Application materials should be the student’s own work; the use of generative AI is strictly prohibited. The Honors Admissions Committee reserves the right to deny any application where AI is utilized.
  • A critical component of the Honors Application is the essay. Applicants should take time to review and properly respond to the essay prompt. We recommend that applicants draft their response in a separate document prior to submission. 
  • The Honors Application must be submitted in order for your recommender to receive the Honors Recommendation Form. 
    • The Honors Recommendation Form is automatically sent to recommenders after the Honors application is submitted. 
    • The Honors Recommendation Form should be completed by someone who can speak to your potential success within the Honors College. Typically, this is a former teacher, guidance counselor, advisor or someone who can speak about your success.
    • The Honors Recommendation Form is specific to Honors; recommendations submitted with the common application will not be considered.