Prospective Student's Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many students are admitted annually to the CHP?

Serving about 5% of undergraduate students, the CHP admits approximately 250 students per year. The majority of these are freshman applicants.

2. Is eligibility limited by a minimum GPA and standardized test score?

No. Admission to the Chancellor’s Honors Program is not based on minimum GPA’s or minimum ACT or SAT scores.

3. What are successful applicants’ typical GPA and standardized test scores?

The average standardized test score for the entering CHP Class of 2006 was a 31 composite ACT (and its equivalent combined verbal and mathematics SAT score of 1380). In 2007, the average score was above 31. And while we cannot report similarly exact GPA figures (as we do not record final semester high school grades), the typical incoming student has earned a 3.70 or better GPA at the time of application (and usually much higher than 3.70, often over 4.0 on a weighted scale), and this, in a curriculum that includes honors and/or advanced placement and/or international baccalaureate course work. We examine transcripts carefully.

4. Are GPA’s recalculated?

Yes. UT recalculates GPA’s to determine a “Core GPA” and to add extra value to honors, advanced placement, dual enrollment and international baccalaureate course work. The Chancellor’s Honors Program uses this recalculated GPA in its admissions process.

5. Should I not bother to apply if my GPA is 3.5 and I scored a 27 on my ACT?

We aim to recruit students, not numbers. That’s why we do not limit our decision-making by imposing arbitrary numerical constraints on the application process. We know that some students without the usual academic performance indicators will have life experiences, talents, and abilities that may qualify them for admission to the Chancellor’s Honors Program. We also know that quality honors programs are not built on amassing impressive average test scores and GPA’s. Diverse qualities in people and the quality of diversity among people are what combine to make an honors program a stimulating learning community for all. If a prospective student believes in the merit of their case, we hope they will not forgo application solely, for example, due to a disappointing score on a standardized test.

6. What happens if I am not admitted as a freshman?

Honors courses are open to non-honors students; we recommend that you enroll in one or more honors courses in your first year at UT. This includes Honors: English Composition (ENG 118), which is a mainstay of the Honors First-Year Experience. We also highly recommend that students enroll in a Freshman Seminar (FYS 129), the functional equivalent of a Chancellor’s Honors First-Year Seminar (UH 100), which is required of first semester CHP students. What’s more, recall that the CHP offers sophomore admission, and that UT offers specialized honors programs for which only current and returning students are eligible to apply.

7. Are Chancellor’s Honors students required to live in Morrill Hall?

No. While University Housing sets aside exclusive space in Morrill Hall for CHP members, and although it is the case that many Honors Community events are located in Morrill Hall, CHP students are not required to reside in Morrill Hall. CHP students who do choose residence on one of Morrill Hall’s Honors floors must, however, room with a fellow CHP student. Provided their roommate is also a member of the program, returning CHP students are also welcome to room on a Morrill Hall Honors Floor (which a growing number choose to do!).

8. Do most first-year CHP students live on an Honors Floor in Morrill Hall?

Yes. Usually 75% or more of freshman choose to live on an honors floor in Morrill Hall. Morrill Hall is centrally located and recently renovated, and residence there also facilitates participation in some regular Honors Community activities.

9. Is residence in Morrill Hall required for participation in the Honors Community?

No. The Honors Community is one of several learning/living communities offered by University Housing, but membership is not restricted to Morrill Hall residents or even to residents of University Housing in general. Any CHP member may join the Honors Community and participate in its extra- and co-curricular activities. What’s more, the CHP matches the $50 fee to double the resources available for Honors Community programming.

10. Why are CHP students required to sign a contract when they enter the program?

Membership in the Chancellor’s Honors Program is a privilege. The expectation is that all CHP members will not only meet basic academic requirements and minimum performance standards, but that they will also conduct themselves as exemplary students and effective student leaders on campus and beyond. Simply put, when prospective students sign the Honors Contract, they accept responsibility for meeting the high expectations that accrue with membership in the program.

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