Transfer students interested in becoming members of the Honors College must apply both to the University of Vermont and to the UVM Honors College (the Honors College invitation process for transfer students is separate from the UVM admission process). Students may work on both applications concurrently, but no action will be taken on the Honors College application until the student is admitted to the University.
The Honors College has two priority application deadlines for transfer students:
- January 2nd for spring semester admission
- June 1st for fall semester admission
Students interested in applying for transfer admission to the Honors College must ensure that the following materials have been sent to honors.college@uvm.edu by 4 p.m. the day of the deadline:
- One sheet with the student's contact information (name, address, phone, email), and answering the following questions:
The Patrick Leahy Honors College aims to build a vibrant community that embeds the liberal arts in a culture of research and scholarly inquiry. We cultivate a community centered in inclusive values, we empower students through experiential learning, and we nurture our students’ potential to grow into courageous thinkers and compassionate leaders.
In three brief essay answers, please address the following (250-word max for each response):
1. Identify a current social or ecological problem and explain why it is important to you.
2. Discuss how this concern informs your chosen field of study and the opportunities you might like to pursue in the Patrick Leahy Honors College.
3. Explain why an understanding of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are crucial for efforts to engage with this issue.
In addition to scholarship and research, PLHC values civic engagement, service, community, and DEI. Please answer the following short answer questions (250 words max total):
1. What do you expect to gain from being a member of PLHC?
2. What do you expect to contribute to the PLHC community?
3. Please provide one example of how your experiences, personal values, or academic goals have demonstrated a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion while at UVM.
- A copy of the student's first year transcript, with all final grades posted.
- Letter of recommendation by faculty of current college
Assuming admission to UVM and a cumulative GPA of at least 3.40 from the student's previous institution, an admissions decision to the Honors College will be rendered upon receipt of the above materials. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that all components have been received by the Patrick Leahy Honors College.
If accepted into the Patrick Leahy Honors College, students complete a rigorous 13-16-credit curriculum that complements and enhances their undergraduate degree with multidisciplinary seminars, research and scholarly work in their field, and a capstone Honors thesis. Students who successfully complete their Honors College requirements graduate as Honors College Scholars. This distinction is noted on a student’s diploma and final transcript.
Honors students also receive the following benefits:
- An assigned PLHC advisor, whom can help with academic and co-curricular planning throughout their undergraduate career.
- Priority registration, and the ability to register for classes first in their class.
- Honors funding opportunities for research and internships.
- The option to live in Honors housing (on a space available basis).
- Students who successfully complete their Honors College requirements graduate as Patrick Leahy Honors College Scholars. This distinction is noted on a student’s diploma and final transcript.