Perhaps your ambitions and goals include getting into the Clark Honors College. The Clark Honors College is an extension of the University of Oregon, a public research college established in 1876. Today, the honors college is known for promoting a rigorous academic curriculum while also offering a research experience that caters to problems and challenges on a global scale. Keep reading as we address how hard it is to get into Clark honors program and what you can do to improve your chances of securing admission.
Overview of Clark Honors College
Overview of Clark Honors CollegeRobert D. Clark founded Oregon University’s Clark Honors College in 1960 with the radical idea of delivering small, intensive liberal arts classes to high-achieving students. More than half a century later, the honors college became a model for public honors education both nationally and globally.
It comprises a community of scholars that empower, challenge, and excite students by implementing creative thinking and collaborative learning. These students then transition into transformative leaders of our society, community, and world.
One hallmark of the Clark Honors College is the intellectual diversity it promotes, offering 65 different undergraduate majors and allowing students to explore which one they should choose. Whether you’re interested in the popular choice of biology or any other major, the University of Oregon Clark honors college benefits and welcomes everyone with open arms.
Luckily, there are no minimum requirements for applying, and the admissions team is looking for applicants that showcase their best and whole selves, with GPA and test scores contributing to only a piece of the big picture.
But wait, it gets better: 44%-34% of Clark honors college students study abroad for a semester. When they return, they bring new ideas to the classroom and help create a richer academic and practical experience for everyone.
What is Clark Honors Acceptance Rate?
Although the exact percentage of the University of Oregon Clark College acceptance rate is not disclosed, the school is highly competitive. More than 4000 students apply yearly and compete for a limited number of spots. The admissions team considers critical thinking, creativity, and academic motivation in each application, prioritizing diverse backgrounds, interests, and experiences.
However, we uncovered the University of Oregon’s general acceptance rate, which currently stands at 93%. This means you have a high probability of getting into the university and working hard for the first two to three years to secure a position in the Clark Honors college. The institution’s success depends on how well students mix together and carry out intellectual and academic adventures.
Why is it Hard to Get into the Clark Honors Program?
Do you care intensely about the world’s social problems and wish to rally with others to find solutions? Do new ideas energize you? Are you someone who always digs deeper into a topic? If the answer to all these questions is yes, getting into the Oregon Clark honors program won’t be that hard.
Since the college prides itself on being a community of faculty and students brimming with approaches, opinions, and thoughts, that’s the kind of individual they’re looking to admit. Oregon Clark honors college majors should be eager to consider facts, listen to others, and grow both professionally and personally.
The institution offers resources that promote research-based and innovative solutions, such as innovation incubators, zebrafish labs, a 3+3 law school program, and much more to facilitate this environment.
Additionally, students can enjoy personalized attention due to the small class sizes. These classes are navigated by professors who are passionate about their fields and exhibit a desire to teach the material with new and engaging strategies. The average number of students per class is typically 15 and doesn’t exceed 19 students.
You’ll have access to signature teaching programs, including the Mentored Research Program, which pairs professors and students to work in-depth on research projects, and the Calderwood Seminars for Public Writing, which teach students to take academic subjects and reorganize information for a public audience. Additionally, you’ll have to write a thesis that will hone your writing and research skills.
Clark Honors College Admission Requirements
In this section, we’ll delve into the University of Oregon Clark honors college requirements so that you can prepare accordingly and improve your chances of securing admission.
GPA Requirements
Although Clark Honors College doesn’t have a minimum threshold for admission when it comes to your GPA, most students who get in have an average GPA of 3.9 or higher. This makes the program highly competitive.
SAT and ACT Requirements
If you score in the 90+ percentile of test takers, you have a higher probability of getting into the honors program. To be in the 90+ percentile of the SAT, you must get a mid-1300s score or better to compete with other applicants. In contrast, the 90th percentile or above for the ACT means scoring 29 or higher.
How Do You Apply to Clark Honors College?
The best thing you can do if you want to pursue an honors degree is to start talking to your professors early in your academic career. Ask them whether you can do research under their supervision. Depending on their research projects, you may have to pass certain prerequisites to work with some faculty.
Work for the honors program begins in a student’s first semester of senior year or their second semester of junior year. You can apply by contacting the relevant department chair in writing or email. Within your letter or email, you need to include:
- An unofficial transcript
- A statement asking to be admitted
- A research proposal with a brief description
What Do Clark Honors Look for in Students?
Getting into one of Oregon Clark’s honors college majors is no easy feat because the admissions team seeks academically motivated, thoughtful, and bright students that bring diversity to the community. If you have a thirst for the world’s wonders and want to apply what you learn to practical life, the university might be the perfect fit for you.
How Do You Get into Clark Honors College: 5 Tips
Compile a Strong Academic Portfolio
Securing admission into Clark honors college requires students to have at least a 3.9 GPA and score in the 90th percentile of the ACT or SAT. These academic achievements will showcase that you are well-qualified for the university. Since admissions for the program are increasingly becoming selective and competitive, ensuring your test scores and GPA stand out is in your best interest.
Take College-Level Classes in High School
It’s no surprise that elite schools expect you to take college prep courses as early as possible. As most schools have made submitting test scores optional over the years, the focus has significantly shifted to a student’s course grades. Students in AP, honors, or other challenging courses are preferred by admissions teams over those holding average academic accomplishments.
Write Compelling Essays
Supplemental essays are an important part of the admissions process, especially for honors colleges. Clark allows students to apply through a single application for both the University of Oregon and the honors college, giving you more time to focus on writing one or two impressive essays.
These essays are a great way to breathe life into your application and tell your story- who you are, why you’re applying, and how your mind works. Clark’s honors college admissions team expects applicants to submit creative pieces that include thoughtful analysis, demonstrate effective storytelling, and synthesize themes in a meaningful way. Spend time honing your portfolio and fine-tuning your supplemental essays to increase your chances of acceptance.
Start Early
The biggest mistake students make is submitting their documents mere hours before the application deadline. The institution has a rolling admissions policy, and the earlier you apply, the earlier you might be called in for an interview. If you’re applying through early action for Clark Honors College, the application deadline is 5th November while the regular one is 15th January. It would help if you downloaded a college admissions tracker app to stay ahead of deadlines.
Participate in Extracurriculars
Colleges look at more than just your academic achievements, and you need to get involved in high school clubs and groups to portray you’re a well-rounded student. Participating in extracurricular activities develops interpersonal and collaborative skills, which are a huge factor considered in admissions decisions.
Benefits of Going to Clarks Honors Program
Close-Knit Community
One advantage of enrolling in Clark honors college is the sense of community you get to experience within a large university. The honors community comprises motivated and thoughtful individuals who are problem solvers and creative thinkers. Classes, shared housing, and other academic requirements enable honors students to support and connect during their undergraduate experience.
Let’s be honest; settling into college culture can be difficult and overwhelming, so being a part of the small honors college community can bring much comfort and companionship that you might’ve missed otherwise. You’ll encounter learning and living as well as goofiness and seriousness within the program’s grounds.
Heart of the Campus
Clark honors students take their classes in Chapman Hall which is in the heart of the university’s campus. You can take a nap in the library, get some study time in the student lounge, bake some brownies in the student kitchen, and print off your assignments in the computer lab at a discounted price.
Honors-Specific Courses
The university reserves specialized courses that are only offered to honors students. While rigorous, these courses help you stand out from the rest when potential employers go through your college transcripts. For example, the Mentored Research program provides undergraduate research opportunities, meaningful mentoring experiences, and faculty-student collaborations. You also have the option to study abroad for a full-year exchange, a term during the academic year, or the summer session.
Wrapping Things Up: How Hard Is It to Get Into Clark Honors College?
So now the question remains: is Oregon Clark honors college worth it? If you are passionate about learning and delving deep into the wonders of a specific research area, then the institution might be the right fit for you. At Clark Honors College, the opportunities are endless, and the community is helpful, friendly, and cooperative.
Due to its excellence, securing admission into the program requires you to exhibit outstanding academic abilities, community involvement, and an innovative way of discovering and solving problems.
Explore our other guides on honors admissions and learn how to increase your chances of getting accepted! Check them out below.
> How Hard is It to Get Into Macaulay Honors College?
> How Hard Is It to Get Into MSU Honors College?
> How Hard Is It to Get Into UC Berkeley Honors Program?
> How Difficult Is It to Get Into Pitt Honors?
> How Hard Is It to Get into ASU Barrett, The Honors College?
