High School Students

Starting for Fall 2026, prospective students who apply to a baccalaureate degree at UC through the Common Application by November 1 will be automatically considered for invitation. The University Honors Program uses only the materials submitted through the Common Application; UHP does not have a separate application nor requires additional materials. UHP conducts a test-optional review of all available materials. 

Admission is very competitive; UHP aims to enroll around 275 new students each fall semester. Students invited to participate typically have:

• an unweighted high school GPA of 3.7 or higher or a weighted high school GPA of 3.9 or higher 
• Outstanding personal statement and essays in the Common Application
• Strong combination of co-curricular activities, unique experiences, awards and achievements, dedicated work history, or significant impact in their school or communities

Meeting the above academic parameters does not guarantee admission. Admission invitations are very selective. Generally, fewer than 5% of applicants to UC are invited to University Honors for their first semester.

The University Honors Program values students who have excelled academically while also demonstrating 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 and being inspired to help solve the world's complex problems.

Students who applied for Fall 2025 admission to the University of Cincinnati by December 1 were automatically reviewed for admission. Most of the decisions were delivered on February 3. Because all students were automatically considered, only students who received an invitation will be notified. 

Because of the difference in admissions schedules due to auditions, UHP admissions decisons for CCM students will be delivered in March. Additionally, students who are selected for some other scholar programs such as Hoffman Honors Scholars, NEXT Innovation Scholars or the Connections Dual Admissions program who have not already been invited to University Honors will be invited throughout the spring, typically before April. 

First-year 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, Morgens, and Siddall Halls. In order to be considered for a honors-reserved floor, you must indicate a preference to live in one of those halls. 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.

We know that there are many high-achieving, highly-motivated students at UC who are not admitted in the program. Due to limited capacity, we are not able to invite all high-achieving students to the program for their first semester. 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-February. 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.