Honors Scholar Cohorts

Freshmen Honors Scholar Program

Overview

The Freshmen Honors Scholar Program is made up of six different cohorts based on your area of interest. The cohorts offer first-year students a variety of advantages and support which create an intimate and community based learning experience at Hunter College. Scholars often work towards honors in their major, pursue interdisciplinary studies, postgraduate education, and high-impact educational experiences (e.g. study abroad, research, internships).

Our Cohorts:

>> Athena: Humanities and Philosophy
>> Daedalus: Computer Science
>> Muse: Visual and Performing Arts, Media, and Creative Writing
>> Nursing: Leadership in the field of Nursing
>> Roosevelt: Policy, Law, Civic Life, Social Science
>> Yalow: Scientific Research and Pre-Med

Don't forget to check out: Scholar Benefits | How to Apply | Essay | Deadline & Timeline | Scholar Info Session | FAQs

Scholar Benefits

All students in the FHSP receive: 

• Significant merit scholarship for four years of study (8 semesters) 
• Tailored academic experience which includes small seminar classes in your area of interest
• Dedicated academic and faculty advisors
• Priority registration each semester
• Priority placement into Hunter residence halls 

How to Apply

The Fall 2023 application is now closed. Scholar programs are full and will not be considering additional applicants. 

Before you start your scholar application, you must first complete and submit your CUNY Freshmen Application to Hunter College (general admission or Macaulay). You will be able to access the scholar application 48-72 hours after you submit your admissions application and will need your CUNYfirst ID (EMPLID) to create your account (provided to you when you file your admissions application)

>> Step 1 - Apply for admission to Hunter
>> Step 2 - Visit scholarship manager and click on "prospective student"
>> Step 3 - Click on "CREATE ACCOUNT" and check your email for activation code for the scholarships manager system. 

Go to Scholarship Manager

Essay Prompts

Each scholar cohort (excluding nursing which is limited to 600 words) will ask applicants to submit two essays limited to 300 words each:

• Easy Prompt 1:  What have you learned about the specific scholar cohort of your choice that makes you interested in applying?
• Essay Prompt 2 - Specific to the scholar cohort of your choice: 
• Roosevelt: Describe an issue of public concern that you feel strongly about. What have you learned about it so far, and what are some things you still want to know? (For example: immigration, criminal justice, social mobility, housing, sustainable cities, affordable education, international human rights, public health, job security, access to voting). 
• Athena: The Athena Honors cohort is designed for students interested in majoring in one of the Humanities (Philosophy, Literature, History, Classics, Languages, English etc.) or one of the Social Sciences (Psychology, Political Science, Sociology, Anthropology etc.). Describe a book you have read, a class you have taken, or a project that you worked on, that drives you to think you might like to major in one of these areas.
• Daedalus: How were you first introduced to Computer Science? How have you continued to develop your computer science skills? How have you sought out additional exposure to computer science? Describe an experience which helped you develop your interest in computer science. A wide range of perspectives ideas, and cultures make for a productive learning environment, tell us about your background and experiences and how they make you unique and influence you.
• Muse: Tell us about a time you encountered a work of art in any artistic discipline (fine art, music, dance, theater) that resonated with you and how that informed your creative/artistic practice or intellectual pursuits related to the arts?
• Nursing: Nurses make up the largest profession within healthcare providing round-the-clock care to all patients in many different settings. What are the elements of caring needed by a nurse today? How have you shown this in your life thus far? One of nursing's most important responsibilities is to advocate for the individual, as well as, the global community. How do you think a nurse would achieve this? Have you ever advocated for an individual or group? The Nursing Scholar Program at Hunter College is a rigorous, fast paced curriculum which requires students to take and excel in advanced courses such as Chemistry, Anatomy & Physiology, and Microbiology. In 1-2 paragraphs, please explain why you think you are prepared to take on such a rigorous curriculum and why you think you will excel in such an environment?
• Yalow: Are you considering a career in any or all of the following: Scientific Research (ex. chemistry, biology, physics, math, psychology, bioMedical), Medical School (ex. physician, dentist, veterinarian) or Allied Health fields (ex. physical therapy, optometry, genetic counseling, pharmacy etc. – excluding nursing)? Briefly describe and share any related experiences that speak to or affirm the interest(s).

Selection and Timeframe

Scholars are chosen on academic merit based upon high school performance, outstanding achievements, and written responses to the Honors Scholars application. Diversity, inclusiveness, and community engagement are considered factors in Honors Scholars selection, as characterized by application responses.

Notification of awards will begin at the end of March. 

Priority Deadline:

February 1, 2023

Honors Scholar Cohorts Information Session 

The information session provides an overview of all six Honors Scholar Cohorts, details of the exceptional learning communities, introduction to dedicated academic advisors, and the support that can help create an extraordinary learning experience at Hunter College.

Scholar Information Sessions

FAQs