Honors Program Benefits & Advantages
As an Honors student, dedication to academic excellence comes with a host of privileges that go beyond the prestigious recognition at graduation. Read the boxes below to learn about the perks of being part of this esteemed community.
Dive into exclusive Honors Experiences.
Honors Experiences transcend the traditional classroom setting. Immerse yourself in interactive seminars, workshops, and collaborative projects that foster critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and effective communication skills. These experiences are designed to prepare you for the challenges of the modern world and equip you with the tools you need to thrive.
Gain access to a dedicated team of Honors Advisors.
Honors students have exclusive access to Honors Advisors to guide you through the program and ensure success. Whether you have questions about the Honors program or need help planning your quarterly course schedule, our advisors are here for you! They have flexible appointment options to fit your schedule, including convenient walk-in hours and Zoom Room access.
Take advantage of graduate Library privileges.
Enjoy extended borrowing privileges at the UCSB Library. Keep your books until the end of the quarter. To implement your library privileges, take a photo ID to the Circulation Desk at the UCSB Library, where they have a list of all current Honors students.
Honors students can apply for Library Book Locker privileges. To obtain, renew, or return a book locker, please fill out the UCSB Library's online form. You will then receive information regarding your assigned locker.
Join a community of driven scholars.
As a member of the Honors Program, you'll be part of a vibrant community of passionate and focused scholars who share your thirst for knowledge. Forge meaningful connections with fellow students who are as motivated and dedicated as you are. Collaborate, exchange ideas, and embark on group projects that will broaden your perspective and enrich your college experience. Be a part of the Honors Mentorship Program, matching Honors freshmen with continuing Honors students for a year, to foster connections.
Experience personal interaction with faculty and staff.
In the Honors Program, you're an integral part of an engaged and tight-knit community. Build personal relationships with distinguished faculty and staff who are eager to guide you on your academic journey. Their mentorship and support will not only enhance your learning but also provide invaluable insights into your chosen field of study.
Create a springboard for future success.
The Honors Program at UCSB isn't just about the present; it's about setting the stage for a brilliant future. The skills, connections, and insights you gain as an Honors Student will prove invaluable as you pursue advanced degrees, embark on rewarding careers, and make your mark on the world. Employers and graduate schools recognize the dedication and rigor that come with Honors, giving you a competitive edge in your chosen path.
How to Apply
Incoming First Year Students
Watch for an email from the Honors Program in late May!
If you’ve submitted your Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) to UCSB’s College of Letters and Science, you’ll get an invitation to apply to the Honors Program.
Continuing UCSB Second Years
Apply to the Honors Program starting August 1!
If you're a non-transfer student entering your second year at UCSB, you will have three weeks to submit your application.
To be eligible, you need:
- A 3.2 GPA
- At least 36 UC letter-graded units (you can count units from Summer Sessions A, D, and E if needed)
Note: Check back here on August 1, 2025 for the 2025-26 application.
Transfer Students
Keep an eye on your inbox this summer for an invite to apply!
If you’re a transfer student entering UCSB’s College of Letters and Science and have submitted your Statement of Intent to Register (SIR), you’ll receive an email inviting you to apply to the Honors Program.
To be eligible, you need:
- A 3.5 GPA from your previous school, or
- A 3.2 GPA if you’re transferring from another UC campus
Application Review Process & Selection
Student's will have a few weeks to submit a short application that includes two short essay questions:
- What are you most excited to learn about, and how will being in Honors help you pursue that knowledge?
- How do you want to use your experience in Honors to contribute to the UCSB and/or broader community?
The Honors Program has limited space and receives more applications than it can accommodate—especially from incoming first-year students. To ensure all eligible applicants have a fair chance, we use a lottery system. Applications selected through the lottery are then reviewed for thoughtful responses to the following essay questions.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Application Process
Yes, the Honors Program is only open to current UCSB Letters & Science students.
No, you can apply only during specific times in your academic career. Please see the Application Process section above for more information.
Unfortunately, no. However, students can include courses from Summer Sessions A, D, and E to meet these GPA and unit thresholds.
Honors Program membership is listed in GOLD under Registration information. When setting up an Honors contract with a professor, that professor can email us at honorsmail@ltsc.ucsb.edu to verify student membership in the Program. For library privileges, bring a photo ID to the library, and library staff will check the list of current Honors students to verify membership.
Have questions that were not addressed above? Email: honorsmail@ltsc.ucsb.edu