High School Students

All first-time students who apply to a baccalaureate degree at UC are considered for admission to the University Honors Program (UHP). In order for the student to be considered, the university must receive all completed all sections of the Common Application and additional documents for admission by December 1st. Students do not submit a separate application for the University Honors Program.

Admission to the University Honors Program is very competitive. Students invited to participate typically have:

• an unweighted high school GPA of 3.6 or higher or a weighted high school GPA of 3.8 or higher 
• Outstanding personal statement and essays in the UC application for admission that demonstrate particular skill in reflection
• Strong combination of co-curricular activities, unique experiences, awards and achievements or work history

For Fall 2023, University Honors will conduct a test-optional admissions process. Meeting the above academic parameters does not guarantee admission. Admission invitations are very selective and based on a holistic review of the entire application.

Admission is based on more than difficult classes, test scores and high school GPA. While we are looking for students who have excelled academically, we are also looking for students who demonstrate leadership capacities, a willingness to take on challenges, and an interest in becoming engaged in local and global communities. We are looking for reflective learners with a demonstrated history of making an impact.

With the above in mind, we pay very close attention to co-curricular activities as well as the personal statement and essay that are submitted as part of the application for admission to the University of Cincinnati. Applications are reviewed holistically, keeping all of these aspects in mind.

Students who have been admitted to the University Honors Program as incoming first year students for Fall 2023 will be notified after the UC Eearly Action Decision Day on January 23. These decisions will be emailed from late January to mid-February. 

First-years students who have been admitted to University Honors have the option to choose honors-reserved floors in some of the highest-demand locations on campus: Turner, Marian Spencer, and Scioto Halls. In order to be considred for a honors-reserved floor, you must indicate that preference on your housing application. For roommate pairs, both students need to be admitted to the University Honors Program in order to be placed in an honors-reserved floor. For more details, learn more about the University Honors housing benefits and process.

UHP Close-Ups are an opportunity for admitted students to learn more about what UHP has to offer and how we approach an honors education differently. Through experiential learning, innovation, and reflection, we enable our students to use their passions and strengths to make a positive impact on their communities. Learn more by watching this recording from our Close-UP on March 23, 2021.

Students who have not been invited to participate in the University Honors Program as first-time applicants will not be sent a notification.

We know that there are many high-achieving, highly-motivated students at UC who are not in the program. Due to limited capacity, we are not able to invite all high-achieving students to the program as first years. Those who are not invited to join the program as incoming students are encouraged to apply to participate in the program through our transition admission process.

While the UHP does not offer tuition-based scholarships or financial aid, we are often asked by students when they will receive notification of their UC financial aid package and scholarship awards. Typically, admitted students receive this notification in mid-March. If you have questions about financial aid or scholarships, please contact UC's Office of Student Financial Aid.

Please contact the Office of Admissions at 513-556-1100 or admissions@uc.edu.