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Applying to the Salem State Commonwealth Honors Program

Applying to the Honors Program

  • Prospective Freshmen: February 1, however priority consideration is given to students who apply by early action on, or before, November 15
  • Prospective Transfer Students: June 1 (Transfer Application)
  • Commonwealth Honors Associate's Degree Graduates: August 1
  • Current Students Deadline: March 1 - Please complete the Honors Program Current Student Application form and attach your admissions essay.

Students interested in the Commonwealth Honors Program should indicate this on the Salem State University application and are asked to submit an essay for review by the Honors Admission Committee.

With the exception of competitive degree programs such as Nursing and Biology from which we can accept only a limited number of students, students with a recalculated GPA of a 4.0 and higher will be automatically considered for the Commonwealth Honors program. Students with a 3.7-3.999 GPA will be considered once an essay is submitted.

Please email your completed essay to admissions@salemstate.edu.

Possible essay topics include, but are not limited to:

  • How will you contribute to the Salem State University community?
  • Describe a struggle or adverse situation which you have overcome and been stronger for.
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Honors Program Eligibility

Honors Program Eligibility

The minimum suggested standards for eligibility for high school students are:

  • A scaled high school GPA of 3.7 or higher
  • We are an SAT-optional program, but test scores are required for some prestigious scholarships. 

  • Student applicants must also submit an essay for review by the Honors Admission Committee 

Currently enrolled students should have an overall university GPA of 3.5 or higher and fewer than 48 college credits (inclusive of the semester of honors application).

Transfer students should have an overall university GPA of 3.5 or higher and fewer than 48 college credits (inclusive of the semester of honors application). Transfer students who have completed honors courses at other colleges are encouraged to apply and may do so with college credit totals up to 60 credits (inclusive of the semester of honors application). Currently enrolled students and transfer applicants are considered on a case-by-case basis to determine whether they can meet the Honors Program requirements within their selected course of study.

The program guarantees admission to all students who graduate from Commonwealth Honors Programs within Massachusetts community colleges and are accepted for transfer.

If you are not qualified but feel you belong, please explain your circumstances clearly in the statement accompanying your application.

Attach with your application two letters of recommendation from your high school teachers, principal, counselors, or college professors. These letters should be sent to the Commonwealth Honors Program at Salem State University, 352 Lafayette Street, Salem, MA 01970.

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