Eligibility for new freshmen
The program was designed to accept 40 students annually, beginning with the Class of 1997, until 160 students filled the available seats. An entrance requirement of at least 30 on the composite ACT (or at least 1300 on the SAT) and a class rank of at least 15% was set as a minimum for acceptance into the program, thus providing from the outset a focus on high academic attainment. However, students with a composite ACT of at least 28 (or at least 1220 on the SAT) and class rank of at least 15% with some other distinguished accomplishments will also be considered. The number of outstanding applications has increased steadily over the last few years, which prompted President Leslie Cochran to increase the number of University Scholarships during the fall of 1998 from 160 to 200 per year. The freshman classes since that time have been made up of 45 students.
Replacement Scholars
In previous years openings have become available in the University Scholars Program. Students, who are active members of the Honors Program, have been invited to apply for these positions. The student must have at least 6 hours of honors credits completed and a 3.8 accumulative G.P.A. This is subject to the availability of scholarships within the program and the budget.