FAQs

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Students sitting at a table deep in discussion

Here are some of the questions we hear most often.

If you still can’t find the answer you’re looking for, please call us at 520-621-6901 or email honors@email.arizona.edu.

Please visit the Application Process page under the Admissions tab of our website.

The W.A Franke Honors College doesn't require standardized test (SAT/ACT) scores and does not have a minimum required GPA. Admission is competitive and we have a thorough and holistic review process. Learn more about required application materials and admission averages here

Yes. If you are a current University of Arizona student and you have at least three semesters remaining until graduation, a cumulative UArizona GPA of 3.4 or better, and have completed at least 12 credits at Arizona, you may apply for admission into the W.A. Franke Honors College through the Current Wildcat application process. To learn more, visit the Application Process page under the Admissions tab of our website.

The W.A. Franke Honors College is test-free. Even if SAT or ACT scores are submitted to the University of Arizona, we will not see them as part of your Franke Honors application.

Not necessarily. Students who receive these awards might not qualify for W.A. Franke Honors admission, which is a separate application and evaluation process.

To be considered a transfer student, you must have graduated high school or earned a GED, and completed 12 or more units of college credit by the time you apply to UArizona. Students who have completed fewer than 12 units or who have not yet finished high school at the time of application will apply as freshmen.

At the W.A. Franke Honors College, we know that students who participate in international baccalaureate programs are especially well-prepared for the opportunities we offer. IB students have the ambition and passion that we recognize as necessary characteristics in Honors students. They are ready to seize research options, interaction with faculty and the benefits of a tight community.

For admission purposes, the W. A. Franke Honors College considers the challenge of your high school transcript in addition to an unweighted GPA other metrics. This means that if you have a high number of IB courses, you could stand out as someone with a solid work ethic and a talent for learning.

The University of Arizona recognizes the challenge that goes into IB courses and awards credit based on each IB exam. Most exams are awarded credit if they are higher-level exams. A current chart with more details is available online.

Additionally, the university offers an IB Tuition Scholarship available to both Arizona and non-Arizona resident students who graduate high school with an IB Diploma and earn a minimum of 24 IB units.

The goal of honors courses is to give students the chance to do hands-on, interactive work with faculty members and like-minded peers. Students who have excelled in Advanced Placement classes are ready to engage in this kind of study, as they already have the support of an education that has honed their skills in comprehension and analysis.

We know AP classes are challenging and we want to reward you for that effort. The W.A. Franke Honors College considers the number of AP and other advanced courses on your transcript, as well as your unweighted GPA and other metrics when making an admissions decision.

Many of our students bring in college credit from their AP exams in order to maximize their hard work. A current chart explaining transfer credit from Advanced Placement exams is available online.

The Dean’s Distinction Award offered by the University of Arizona is an additional scholarship opportunity for Arizona resident students who challenged themselves with a rigorous curriculum in the 16 core courses.

To graduate with honors from the University of Arizona, you must be a member of the W.A. Franke Honors College who has:

  • A cumulative grade point average of 3.4 or higher at the time of graduation.
  • Completion of honors courses.
  • Completion and submission of an honors thesis or capstone.

For more detailed information, please visit this page.

There is no requirement for students to live in the Honors Village, but we suggest that students consider living in the Honors Village as one of their housing options. Please contact the Honors recruitment team for more information.

No. There is no Early Decision or Early Action at the University of Arizona.

The essay topics may change from year to year. Be sure to check back in the fall of your application year for the current essay or personal statement topic.

We are currently offering limited in-person visit options.  Please check out our Visit Us page for more information.

Please contact the Franke Honors College at 520-621-6901 and we will help direct you to one of our Recruitment and Admissions staff.

It is recommended that you speak with someone about the W.A. Franke Honors College. If you would like to opt out, please email us at honors@arizona.edu. Declining the W.A. Franke Honors College will not affect your admission to the university.

Yes, we have students from almost every major from science to fine arts to engineering (and many students double major or pursue a dual degree). We can work with any major or combination of majors.

One recommendation is required for Honors consideration. The letter can come from a teacher, counselor or community member.

After you’ve been admitted, take the next steps toward becoming a Franke Honors Wildcat by paying your enrollment fee, signing up for housing and registering for orientation in your Next Steps Center.

Incoming first-year students who complete a Fall semester application by 11:59pm Arizona time on the posted due date will be notified in their Future Wildcat account one month after the deadline. Admission packets will also be mailed to students' home addresses. We are unable to accept applications after our deadline.

The fee is $475 per semester or $950 per academic year. If the fee is a financial burden, you may be eligible for a fee scholarship if you are a U.S. citizen and have completed the FAFSA. To learn more about your financial aid options, please visit the Cost and Aid page of our website.