gw honors program essay

Honors Program at George Washington University Essay

George Washington University is one of the best performing institutions of higher learning which continues to attract students not only from the US, but also from various parts of the world.

The University’s exemplary performance is evidenced by the high quality of its alumni, some of whom include Colin Powell, a former US Secretary of State and Jacqueline Kennedy, a former first lady, and a number of legislators and other high-ranking personalities.

One of the most distinguishing features of the GW University is the quality of its Honors program. The University Honors Program attracts about 125 students each fall and to be one of the few selected for the program is simply a great honor.

The program does not only heighten the challenges experienced by students, but also increases the depth of their academic practice (The George Washington University, para. 1). The fact that students who join the University Honors Program are selected from among the best performing students in the country simply tells that this group is self-motivated, articulate, brilliant, and focused on making some changes in the world.

In addition, they display a high level of intellectual curiosity and a desire to learn new concepts everyday. Being a part of this wonderful group would increase my intellectual prowess by a great margin (The George Washington University, para. 2).

A second aspect of the GW Honors Program that interests me is the level of intellectual engagement among the honors students with their professors. This group is inspired by academic challenge and thought-provoking and practical questions that model them to be world changers.

The program also aids students in polishing their analytical and communicative abilities, expands their comprehension, and broadens their perspectives (The George Washington University, para. 1).

Due to its small size, the Honors Program cultivates the culture of companionship sustained by shared academic and co-curricular activities among the students.

Indeed, the various co-curricular activities enjoyed by students joining the program include symposia, pub debates and theater productions; they strengthen the companionship and serve to increase my desire to join the Honors Program at the GW University (Frawley, para. 2).

Works Cited

Frawley, Maria. “A Message from the Director.” The University Honors Program at The George Washington University. The George Washington University. 2010. Web.

“University Honors Program.” GWU.edu. The George Washington University. n.d. Web.

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George Washington University | GW’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Honors program interdisciplinality essay.

With small classes and a dedicated faculty, the University Honors Program (UHP) embraces the ideals of a liberal arts education. Within the UHP, students take classes in many different academic fields (philosophy, science, history, art, social science, etc.) and hone their critical thinking skills. Explain why, as a member of the UHP, you would value the opportunity to engage with topics outside your major field(s) of study.

Honors Program Community Essay

The UHP represents a community of scholars at GW. First-year UHP students live and take classes together on the Mount Vernon Campus. Upper-level UHP students remain connected to our community for the remainder of their time at GW through courses, faculty mentoring, advising, research, an optional Foggy Bottom housing opportunity, and our many co-curricular/social activities. How do you see yourself contributing to and/or benefiting from this community as a member of the UHP?

Cisneros Hispanic Leadership Institute Essay

At the Cisneros Hispanic Leadership Institute, community is central to our approach to leadership. Therefore, Cisneros Scholars are selected as a cohort that navigate their four years at GW together. How would you contribute to a sense of comunidad in your cohort if you were selected as a Cisneros Scholar?

Select-A-Prompt Essay

Every applicant can choose from one of the following two essay prompts to submit.

At the George Washington University, our students frequently interact with policymakers and world leaders. These experiences and those of our alumni can shape the future of global affairs. If you had the power to change the course of history in your community or the world, what would you do and why?

The George Washington University encourages students to think critically and to challenge the status quo. Thus, civil discourse is a key characteristic of our community. Describe a time when you engaged others in meaningful dialogue around an issue that was important to you. Did this exchange create change, new perspectives, or deeper relationships?

Common App Personal Essay

The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don‘t feel obligated to do so.

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you‘ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

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University Honors Program Blog

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Honors Senior Thesis FAQs

All students in the University Honors Program must complete a  Senior Thesis  as part of their Honors curriculum. A Senior Thesis is, broadly, a substantial work of independent scholarship that culminates in a written product, presentation, or performance. The Senior Thesis project can come in many different forms; this is your opportunity to get creative and explore an idea or topic that interests you. Additionally, your Senior Thesis must be supervised by a full-time GW faculty member.

What kind of topic should I explore?

Think about some of the classes you’ve taken thus far. Was there any topic that sparked your interest? Was there something you touched on but didn’t fully cover? Think about classes you’ve haven’t taken. What courses would you have liked to take? What kinds of material would they have explored?

Does the topic have to be in my major?

Not at all. You can do a thesis on Art History even if you’re a Business major, or a Philosophy thesis as an engineer. In fact, this might be a time to discover more about a topic that you’ve always thought about but would never otherwise explore. On the other hand, perhaps you are going into graduate school for English Literature and you want to have a solid product of work to submit as part of your application. Or perhaps you just want to dive more deeply into the topics you’re already familiar with!

Ok, so I have a topic. How do I find a faculty member to supervise me?

Keep in mind that only full-time GW faculty members can supervise your project. Think about professors that know your work or with whom you’ve already formed a relationship. Have you done research with a faculty member? Is there a faculty member that studies something similar to what you want to research? Is there a faculty member you’d like to get to know more?

If you don’t know the professor too well, you will need to think about how you plan on approaching them. Keep in mind that even faculty that you are close with are not required to be your advisor! If you have questions about how to approach faculty or who to pick, it may be helpful to reach out to the undergraduate program chair in that department, ask fellow students about their experiences, or talk to Brianna or Ben.

How early should I start talking to potential advisors?

Definitely start before the semester you plan to work on the thesis, but the earlier the better. If you can, get the conversation started a year in advance! It never hurts to start having these discussions early on as they may lead you to other paths. Maybe one professor isn’t available to help you—but they know of a colleague who is. Maybe your potential advisor can start narrowing down ideas with you. At the end of the day, the last thing you want is to be scrambling during the Spring of your Senior year to figure out all these details!

Alright, I have a topic and an advisor. What now?

Next on the docket is working on an Honors Contract so you can be registered for HONR 4198 (our Senior Thesis course). . The Contract is an agreement between you and your advisor on the nature of the thesis work, the meeting schedule, deadlines, etc. The course doesn’t have a pre-established meeting time or topic, so the Honors Contract serves as the syllabus. Once we receive the Honors Contract materials, Brianna and Ben will be able to add HONR 4198 to your schedule. Based on the nature of the work, you and your advisor will decide if the course should count as 3 or 4 credits.

I’m already doing a thesis for my major though…do I need to do that  and  HONR 4198?

Nope! We know that many majors already have a thesis built into the curriculum. As long as the course involves substantial work similar to a thesis, it will fill your Honors Thesis requirement. If you choose this path, you will need to fill out the Senior Thesis Verification form (see below). In this form, you will list the course serving as the replacement for the Honors Thesis and have your faculty advisor sign, agreeing that the course is equivalent to the Honors Thesis. The replacement course must be 3 or 4 credits. If you have any questions on which courses qualify as an Honors Thesis, please reach out to Brianna or Ben (emails below).

My major has Special Honors. Does that count?

In short: if your major(s)’ Special Honors requirements include a thesis, it counts. If not, it doesn’t. Either way, you’re welcome to still pursue it! If you’re not sure of the requirements for Special Honors in your major, we recommend you reach out to your major advisor or school advising center. Once you have more information, be sure to follow up with Brianna or Ben to ensure that your thesis will count (as discussed above).

How many pages should my thesis be?

We don’t require a set page count. A thesis performing quantitative research in Microbiology will likely be shorter than one doing qualitative analysis in Religious Studies, for example. See below for a guide to proposed requirements for various disciplines.

I don’t see my question. Who should I ask?

Program Managers, Brianna Crayton ( [email protected] ) and Jasmine Williams ([email protected]) are happy to help answer your questions on the Honors requirements. For questions on In regards to aspects of your research, for example, a faculty member would be most helpful.

Click here   for suggested requirements broken down by various disciplines.

Click here  to access the Senior Thesis Verification and Honors Contract forms.

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Honors (HONR)

Explanation of course numbers.

• Courses in the 1000s are primarily introductory undergraduate courses
• Those in the 2000s to 4000s are upper-level undergraduate courses that also may be taken for graduate credit with permission and additional work assigned
• Those in the 6000s and 8000s are for master’s, doctoral, and professional-level students
• The 6000s are open to advanced undergraduate students with approval of the instructor and the dean or advising office

HONR 1015. Honors Seminar: UW 1020: Origins and Evolution of Modern Thought. 4 Credits.

Exploration of significant exemplars, milestones, and developments of human thought. Foundational and representative thinkers and texts from Western and Eastern traditions provide an indication of the diversity and complexity of attempts to articulate responses to universal questions, problems, and aspirations. Credit cannot be earned for this course and UW 1020 .

HONR 1016. Honors Seminar: Origins and Evolution of Modern Thought. 3 Credits.

Continuation of HONR 1015 . Key developments and trajectories in human thought and inquiry into modern times.

HONR 1033. Honors Seminar: Scientific Reasoning and Discovery. 4 Credits.

Using an inquiry-based approach, students learn to identify hidden regularities and patterns in nature that may indicate fundamental unifying principles and laws. The scientific method; evaluation of scientific information; limitations of the scientific process; development of a scientific hypothesis. Tools and methodologies of geology, chemistry, physics, biology, anthropology, and other disciplines.

HONR 1034. Honors Seminar: Scientific Reasoning and Discovery. 4 Credits.

Continuation of HONR 1033 . Using an inquiry-based approach, students learn to identify hidden regularities and patterns in nature that may indicate fundamental unifying principles and laws. The scientific method; evaluation of scientific information; limitations of the scientific process; development of a scientific hypothesis. Tools and methodologies of geology, chemistry, physics, biology, anthropology, and other disciplines.

HONR 1120. Introduction to Biomolecular Research. 2 Credits.

Research methods in the studies of proteins and DNA; exploration of faculty research to help prepare students for conducting their own research. Prerequisite or concurrent registration: BISC 1115 and BISC 1125 . Permission of the instructor is required. Laboratory fee.

HONR 2016. Enlightenment East and West. 4 Credits.

This course replaces HONR 1016 for students who enter the Honors Program as sophomores.

HONR 2043. Honors Microeconomics. 3 Credits.

An introductory microeconomics course that considers both the philosophical basis of economics as well as its methods and applications. Same as ECON 1011 .

HONR 2044. Honors Macroeconomics. 3 Credits.

An accelerated introductory macroeconomics course that includes the study of special topics. (Same as ECON 1012 )

HONR 2047. Self and Society Seminar. 3 Credits.

Understanding significant social and political phenomena by using the tools and modes of inquiry of the social and behavioral sciences; relationships among individuals, collectivities, families, and communities; interactions of psychological, social, political, economic, and historical forces at work in a given culture. May be repeated for credits provided the topic differs. See program for more details. Same As: HONR 2047W .

HONR 2047W. Self and Society Seminar. 3 Credits.

Understanding significant social and political phenomena by using the tools and modes of inquiry of the social and behavioral sciences; relationships among individuals, collectivities, families, and communities; interactions of psychological, social, political, economic, and historical forces at work in a given culture. Includes a significant engagement in writing as a form of critical inquiry and scholarly expression to satisfy the WID requirement. May be repeated for credits provided the topic differs. See program for more details. Same As: HONR 2047 .

HONR 2048. Self and Society Seminar. 3 Credits.

Understanding significant social and political phenomena through the use of social and behavioral sciences tools and modes of inquiry; relationships between individuals and among collectivities, families, and communities; interactions of psychological, social, political, economic, and historical forces at work in a given culture. May be repeated for credit provided the topic differs. See program for more details.

HONR 2048W. Self and Society Seminar. 3 Credits.

Understanding significant social and political phenomena through the use of social and behavioral sciences tools and modes of inquiry; relationships between individuals and among collectivities, families, and communities; interactions of psychological, social, political, economic, and historical forces at work in a given culture. Includes a significant engagement in writing as a form of critical inquiry and scholarly expression to satisfy the WID requirement. May be repeated for credit provided the topic differs. See program for more details. Same As: HONR 2048 .

HONR 2053. Arts and Humanities Seminar. 3 Credits.

Inter- or multi-disciplinary approaches to topics in the arts and humanities. Exploration of the relationship between literature, religion, art, film, photography, philosophy, or other humanistic fields of study. Topics vary by semester. May be repeated for credits provided the topic differs. See program for more details. Same As: HONR 2053W .

HONR 2053W. Arts and Humanities Seminar. 3 Credits.

Inter- or multi-disciplinary approaches to topics in the arts and humanities. Exploration of the relationship between literature, religion, art, film, photography, philosophy, or other humanistic fields of study. Topics vary by semester. May be repeated for credit provided the topic differs. See program for more details. Includes a significant engagement in writing as a form of critical inquiry and scholarly expression to satisfy the WID requirement. Same As: HONR 2053 .

HONR 2054. Arts and Humanities Seminar. 3 Credits.

In-depth exposure to an area of literature, art, film, philosophy, or other humanistic field of study, often placing the subject matter in cultural and historic contexts.Topics vary by semester. May be repeated for credits provided the topic differs. See program for more details. Credit cannot be earned for this course and HONR 2054W .

HONR 2054W. Arts and Humanities Seminar. 3 Credits.

In-depth exposure to an area of literature, art, film, philosophy, or other humanistic field of study, often placing the subject matter in cultural and historic contexts.Topics vary by semester. May be repeated for credit provided the topic differs. See program for more details. Includes a significant engagement in writing as a form of critical inquiry and scholarly expression to satisfy the WID requirement. Credit cannot be earned for this course and HONR 2054 .

HONR 2175. Honors Special Topics. 6 Credits.

Topics vary by semester. May be repeated for credit provided topic differs. See department for more details.

HONR 2182. Honors Internship. 4 Credits.

The Honors Program allows credit to Honors students for academic work that puts an internship in a broader scholastic context. Each student must have a GW faculty member oversee his or her project. The Honors internship faculty member determines the student's grade. May be repeated for credit.

HONR 2184. Honors Undergraduate Research. 4 Credits.

Independent or faculty-mentored research resulting in a significant written or other product. May be repeated for credit.

HONR 2185. Honors Research Assistantship. 4 Credits.

Students provide substantive assistance to a faculty member engaged in scholarly or scientific research. May be repeated for credit.

HONR 4198. Honors Senior Thesis. 3-4 Credits.

One- or two-semester thesis under faculty guidance. May be repeated for credit.

HONR 4199. Honors Capstone Experience. 1 Credit.

Students re-engage with core questions and issues related to the Honors Program curriculum, reflecting on their learning in relation to enduring questions and challenges of our world.

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Honors Program Application?

<p>So I’m sitting here a little more than confused. I’ve been doing all of my applications through CommonApp- including GW’s. On the supplement, there are an additional two essays for consideration for the Honors Program (both of which I have written). However, on the GW website there is also an application for the Honors Program, which I clicked on to make sure there wasn’t an additional application that needed filled out. It asks basic information that is all included on the CommonApp, but when I got to the Essay section, the prompts were completely different. </p>

<p>On the CommonApp, the longer essay (besides the one asking why you want admitted to the Honors Program) asks: "In an essay of approximately 500 words, please write on one of the following three topics:</p>

<p>a. An important aim of the GW University Honors Program is to enable its students to become “active global citizens.” What do you think it means to be a global citizen? Be specific, and use imaginative examples or illustrations. Surprise us.</p>

<p>b. “A table, a chair, a bowl of fruit and a violin; what else does a man need to be happy?”

• A. Einstein.</p>

<p>What four things would make you happy? Explain.</p>

<p>c. “Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.”

<p>Describe your most interesting mistake."</p>

<p>The essay questions on the GW site ask for a comprehensive list of all of the books I have read this year and the prompt: “In an essay of approximately 500 words, respond to one of the two essay topics below. a. Frank Herbert wrote that “truth suffers from too much analysis.” Agree or disagree with this statement using examples or experiences from your own life. b. You are having a dinner party. Invite four people (living or dead), explain why you invited them, and discuss the main topic of conversation.”</p>

<p>So… which are we supposed to do? The GW site does not ask why you want admitted while the CommonApp does, and CommonApp does not ask for the book list. What’s going on? Thanks for any help, this is really unclear what to do. :(</p>

<p>I followed the essays on the commonapp…:/</p>

<p>Talk to an advisor through AOL Instant Messenger: Jordana Cole is GWHonorsAdvisr </p>

<p>She can probably answer your question. I know I wrote the dinner party essay for honors.</p>

<p>Sorry- her screen name is GWHonorsAdvsr</p>

<p>im pretty sure you can do either. on the gw website, it says you can use either application, so i guess its whichever you want. im not positive though, so you probably should ask the gw advisor schmohawk mentioned.</p>

<p>i’m pretty sure that you either submit the common app and supplement (with honors program essays) or you submit the gw app and the honors program app on the website.</p>

<p>I had to start filling out PI of the application on the website so I could register for an interview so I’m just finishing it on the website. I just used my common app essay for the Freshman #2 Essay…</p>

<p>There are 2 applications but both are equally valid. Basically, if you are applying via the common application - you would use the common app supplement and answer the essay questions on there.</p>

<p>If you are applying via the GW specific application, then you would apply to the Honors Program using the Honors Program supplementary application, and would submit those essay questions.</p>

<p>One set of questions doesn’t have an advantage over another, so just apply using the method that is best for you.</p>

<p>Also, I noticed that Jordana’s screenname was listed incorrectly once above. It is GWHonorsAdvisr. She is only from about 9am-530pm est Monday-Friday and is more than happy to answer any of your questions!</p>

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