The Honors Program

An Overview

The Honors Program at WAU strives to provide academically talented students the opportunity to engage with and explore subject material in great depth and breadth, inspiring them to excel as independent learners and investigators within a collaborative learning community.

This does not necessarily mean more work for honors students than for others…it means a different kind of work, with more individual attention from the professor than in a typical class. The honors classes are also different in design as each class explores the topic from an interdisciplinary perspective. Be ready to engage in courses such as Sociology of Religion, History of Western Thought, and Scripture as Literature.

The Details

Being an Honors student means:

1. Attending honors designated interdisciplinary courses that fulfill your general education requirements, and are designed to be provocative, interesting, and stimulating
2. Access and exposure to Washington Adventist University's finest professors
3. Participating in smaller classes - honors courses will consist of 20 or fewer people, allowing the opportunity to have thoughtful discussions and to make social connections with fellow honor students
4. Learning through activities such as study tours, concerts, plays, and exhibits while fulfilling your general education requirements
5. Conducting research and attending presentations at national institutions within the Washington, D.C., area
6. Engaging in a learning environment surrounded by the most motivated and thoughtful students who want to be challenged to expand their minds
7. Developing a honors project or thesis, thus enhancing professional opportunities or admission to graduate or professional schools
8. Challenging yourself to grow as a person through leadership and service

Selection Criteria

Admission to the Honors Program is competitive and based on a limited number of openings each year. The criteria for eligibility is established and reviewed by the Honors Council.

For First Year Students

Most successful applicants will have:

• A minimum composite ACT score of 24 or an SAT composite score of 1680.
• 3.5 or higher cumulative high school GPA
• Superior writing skills as demonstrated on the Letter of Intent portion of the application process
• An academic writing sample, as requested on an individual basis

NOTE:  Students who do not meet the minimum selection criteria may still be considered on an individual basis. 

For Transfer and Continuing Students

Most successful applicants will have:

• 3.4 or higher cumulative college GPA
• Superior writing skills as demonstrated on theLetter of Intent portion of the application process
• One letter of recommendation from a college or university faculty member
• An academic writing sample, as requested on an individual basis

How to Apply

Students who meet the eligibility criteria and have been accepted for regular admission to Washington Adventist University are encouraged to submit an application to enter into the Honors Program.

An application will only be processed once a completed application packet, including the letters of recommendation, is received by the Honors director.

The Honors director will then supply the application to the Honors Admissions Committee to determine if membership is granted. Early application is highly recommended since membership in the Honors Program is competitive and limited.

For an application, please email your request to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Any Questions?

Admissions Staff

Director, Admissions & Recruitment
International Advisor
Phone: 301-891-4080
Fax: 301-891-4230
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 Krista Byrd

 Brian Gauthier

 Admissions Counselor
 Academies Recruiter
 Phone: 301-891-4126
 Fax: 301-891-4230
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 Alana Pabon

 Admissions Specialist
 Transfer Recruiter
 Phone: 301-891-4079
 Fax: 301-891-4230
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The Bridge Program

Overview

Summer Bridge Program is a six-week college preparatory experience for students who wish to strengthen academic skills, build confidence, form new friendships and enhance their potential for college success. The curriculum covers a variety of subjects including computing, mathematics, reading, study skills and writing. The program is designed to allow students to focus on academics, while getting a head-start on life at Washington Adventist University.

If you want to improve your chances for success at WAU, or you think you might not qualify for admittance, then this program is for you! By successfully completing this six-week course, you are guaranteed a place at WAU for the Fall semester!

Program Benefits

As a Bridge Student, you will

• earn credits toward graduation, by enrolling in English, math and study skills classes tailored just for you;
• learn and develop invaluable study skills that are guaranteed to help you throughout your college experience;
• improve your writing skills;
• attend workshops, information sessions and panels offering advice designed to enhance your college experience;
• be matched with a faculty mentor for your first year of college;
• get to know Bridge Program professors and staff;
• participate in structured ''chats' where staff members will talk informally with you about subjects such as social life at WAU, cultural diversity, self-awareness and student government;
• develop a support network with your classmates and program staff;
• attend fun activities and events which will include taking trips to Washington DC, our nation's capitol (only 20 minutes away from WAU!) to dig deep into the unique history and culture of our nation;
• make life-long friends.

In addition, Bridge Program students will have access to a number of services designed to improve the transition from high school to college. These services include admissions counseling, financial aid education, student mentoring, social and recreational activities, campus and Washington, DC Metro tours, and ongoing academic advising following completion.

Program Cost

The Summer Bridge Program is worth $2500. However, by completing the following steps, YOU are eligible for a 60% discount. Here's how:

STEP ONE: pay $700

STEP TWO: successfully complete the entire six-week program

STEP THREE: choose WAU as your university of choice for the Fall semester.

That's it! Once you follow the above steps and commit to the Summer Bridge Program, WAU will cover

• your Program Tuition
• your Housing
• your Books
• your Meals
• your Activities

NOTE: if you choose to enroll at another academic institution for the fall semester, you will be responsible for the entire cost of the program - $2500.

How to Apply

And you're all finished!

Enrollment is limited, so apply early. For more information, contact the Office of Admissions at 301-891-4502.

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