Academic Requirements

Applicants must submit a one-page, typed essay outlining their reasons for participating in the Honors Program, their academic talents and goals, and other information that would be helpful in getting to know them. Transfer students must also submit an official copy of their transcript. Click here to download the application form (pdf).

Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements to Remain in Good Standing
Academic Requirements for Graduation as Commonwealth Scholar

Admission Requirements

Incoming freshmen must have achieved a combined score of at least 1200 on the SAT or at least 26 on the ACT and must meet one of the following requirements:

• Rank in the top 10% of their senior class upon graduation, OR
• Have a recalculated grade point average of 3.25 or better.

Candidates who meet the SAT requirement and one of the above requirements are welcome to apply to the Honors Program with the understanding that admission into the program is subject to the approval of the honors director. Applications will be reviewed on the basis of overall achievements and the essay.

Currently enrolled UMass Lowell students or transfer students may apply to the Honors Program if they have achieved an overall GPA of 3.25 or higher on a 4.0 scale with at least 12 earned credits.

Students who transfer in good standing from another approved Commonwealth Honors Program are automatically admitted to the UMass Lowell Honors Program. Please be sure to contact the Honors Office or stop by Southwick 320 to let us know you have arrived, fill out some paperwork, and be advised on the remaining honors requirements you will need to fulfill at UMass Lowell.

Academic Requirements to Remain in Good Standing

To remain in good academic standing within the Honors Program, students must maintain an overall cumulative grade point average of 3.25 or higher. Students whose GPA falls between 3.25-3.0 must consult with the honors program advisor to develop an educational plan of action to raise their GPA to 3.25 or higher. Students whose GPA falls below 3.0 will be dismissed from the program. Students wishing to reapply to the program may do so when the minimum GPA is reached.

All honors students must participate in one enrichment activity per semester, outside their major, in order to maintain good standing in the Honors Program for the semester.  Students are expected to use an event solely for the purpose of fulfilling this requirement, and not to “double dip” and use an event that fulfills a course or other requirement for the E1 as well.  Any event that is emailed by us, as an annoucement, can count for the E1.