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The ���������� Honors Scholarship

���������� the Scholarship

The full tuition ���������� Honors Scholarship, rooted in academic excellence and belonging, was founded in 1992 through the generous support of ���������� alumni Dr. Paul and Carol Yoder, whose endowed gift has helped sustain the program for more than three decades. The award also carries forward the legacy of the Webb Scholars: Ada Webb, one of the first African-American students to attend ����������, and Margaret 'Peggy' Webb, ����������'s first African-American graduate in 1954.

���������� the Process

Each year only a few students are selected as Honors Scholars and rewarded with ����������’s highest academic award: a full-tuition scholarship for all four years.

The ���������� honors faculty conduct the Honors Scholars award process, rigorously evaluating candidates’ academic performance, community and extra-curricular involvement, creativity, clarity of thought, and leadership potential. Participation in the award process requires candidates to construct a portfolio of their high school achievements, write an essay, generate a video, and meet with a member of ���������� honors faculty for a one-on-one interview.

Application Eligibility

1. Receive University Admission to ����������: Complete an undergraduate application to ���������� and submit your high school transcript. 
2. Minimum High School GPA: Applicants must have a cumulative weighted high school GPA above 3.5 to be eligible to apply for the Honors Scholarship.
3. Once admitted to ����������, submit your Honors application using your ���������� ID and have your reference form by 11:59 p.m. Eastern on Sunday, February 7, 2027. Contact your admissions counselor if you have any questions.

Application Process 

Honors Scholarship Application

Applicants need to have the following submitted by 11:59 p.m. Eastern on Sunday, February 7, 2027:

1. Two response pieces (see details below)
2. A resume indicating school, church, and civic involvement
3. One reference (choose one person from the following group that can affirm applicant's abilities in scholarship priorities): senior English, math or science teacher, school counselor, pastor/youth pastor, or employer. References may be submitted at .
4. An updated copy of your transcript that includes grades from the first semester of the current school year.

The application process will culminate with an online interview with a member of the honors faculty. Interviews for Honors applications will take place virtually in early/mid-February. Winning candidates are notified by early March of their selection to be an Honors Scholar, and they have until April 1st to accept or decline the award.

Guidelines for 2027 essays

Your essay must be your own work. Generative AI tools may not write or rewrite any part of it. We want to hear your voice, not a machine's. AI-generated submissions will be removed from Honors Scholarship consideration.

Complete the following two essays:

1. A 400-word written response: 

The long-time Chicago journalist Sydney J. Harris wrote,
“The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows.”
Using specific examples from your own life, explain whether you agree or disagree.

2. Conceptual Response: Your task is to tell us whatever it is you want to tell us through the medium of a 2-4 minute video in whatever way you choose.

Please do not name your high school, self, or home area in your essay. Put your ���������� identification number on the first page of your essay (not your name) and in the file name of your video.