Honors Program Admission

Admission to the Honors Program is competitive. The best candidates have outstanding academic records, enthusiasm for independent research in the field of politics, and a capacity for critical thought and articulate presentation of ideas. While a commitment to study politics is essential, the program encourages creative analytical approaches and a diverse range of opinion.

Interested students need NOT be declared Government or Foreign Affairs majors. Students apply to the program during the second semester of their second year. The norm for successful applicants is that they have at least a 3.7 GPA before they enter the program at the beginning of their third year. Candidates usually take at least two courses in the Department of Politics before they apply, but the program will consider candidates with less coursework in the department if they can otherwise demonstrate their commitment the study of politics.

Application

All applications must be submitted to: Debbie Best, Department of Politics, P.O. Box 400787, Gibson Hall, University of Virginia, Charlottesville VA 22904. The application deadline is FRIDAY, February 26, 2010 at 12:00 noon. A complete Honors application packet must contain FIVE copies each of the following.

1. A personal statement discussing at least two ideas or issues in the study of politics that you would like to investigate during your time in the honors program. Please make certain to explain why these issues are important to you and why they are significant to the broader study of politics or to the general public. YOUR PERSONAL STATEMENT SHOULD BE NO LONGER THAN TWO, SINGLE-SPACED TYPED PAGES.

2. A resumé listing all of the student's academic, extra-curricular, and employment credentials.

3. An official transcript. You can submit one official transcript.

4. TWO graded term papers from any course in any department, not to exceed 8-10 pages each.

5. Letter of recommendation from any TWO University faculty members. These letter should be sent to: The Honors Program c/o Debbie Best, Department of Politics, P.O. Box 400787, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904.

6. Complete the application form and include this check list with your application.

Admission Procedure

After reviewing all applications, the faculty Honors Committee will select a limited number of students for oral interviews. This year interviews will be held on March 16. All students will be informed whether they are accepted into the program within a week after the oral interviews. An open meeting for interested students will be held February 6 at Rotunda. At the meeting, the Director of the program and members of the third and fourth year class discuss the program and answer any questions that prospective applicants might have.

Questions about the admission process can be directed to Prof John Owen.

Upcoming Events Schedule 2009-2010

• September 29, 2009 -- 6:30pm Fall 2008 BBQ with faculty
• November 30, 2009-- High Noon, First Written Work on Honors Theses due in Cabell 240
• December 7, 2009 -- 12-2:30pm Meeting to discuss first work on Honors - Location Cabell 226
• February 10, 2010 -- 7- 8 PM Open Meeting and Recuitment-- Location: Rotunda
• February 19, 2010 -- 12-2:30pm Meeting to discuss Honors Thesis Location: Gibson Hall (TBA)
• February 27, 2010 Deadline for application -- 12:00 noon--Bring to 185 Gibson Hall
• March 19, 2010 New Honors Interviews -- In the Honors Study Gibson Hall
• March 31 , 2010 Honors Theses -- High Noon -- Bring to 185 Gibson Hall
• April 20, 2010 -- Honors BBQ pm with faculty
• April 21, 2010 --7-9:30pm Honors Thesis Colloquium Session I -- Location Gibson Hall -- 3rd and 4th year students
• April 22, 2010 -- 7-9:30pm Honors Thesis Colloquium Session II-- Location Gibson Hall
• April 29 pt, April 30ir, May 3cp, May 4ap, 2010 Exam Schedule -- Come to the 185 Gibson Hall office for exams
• May 7, 2010 -- 9:00-2:00 Oral Exams for 4th year honors students -- Location 185 Gibson Hall
• May 22, 2010 Reception for Honors Graduates: Location and Time TBA
• May 23, 2010 Graduation

Commmittee:

BBQ: Ben S., Kadeem, Lauren Speakers:Meg, Kate, Sarah U. Lounge: Sarah P, Stuart Publicity: James, Sarah P., Sarah U.