Admissions

Fall 2026 Honors College applications are open!

Fall 2026 applicants are encouraged to apply by the priority deadlines. 

• 1st priority deadline: February 1, 2026
• 2nd priority deadline: April 1, 2026

Spring 2026 applications are processed on a rolling basis, and early applications are encouraged.

Admissions Information

The University of New Mexico Honors College seeks to admit students who will contribute to the college community in meaningful ways. Honors College students have intellectual and social interests covering the entire spectrum of UNM degree programs. The Honors College provides opportunities for high achieving students to:

• discover connections among disciplines, analyze, and evaluate primary and complex texts across diverse genres and styles from different historical periods;
• complete courses from a broad range of disciplines that will prepare them for careers or advanced study beyond their undergraduate degree;
• engage in research and to produce original work that integrates ideas and methods from different disciplines;
• have intercultural knowledge and competence; and
• develop personal and social responsibility, including civic knowledge and engagement both locally and globally.

UNM’s Honors College is committed to an admissions processed focused on inclusive excellence. Our goal is to create a diverse class that represents the full spectrum of students at UNM, including first-generation college students, rural and urban students, international students, students from different regions of the country, and all colleges and majors.

The College admits students by using a holistic approach. A combination of factors will be considered when making the final admission decision. While there are no GPA requirements for admission, successful applicants tend to have at least a 3.50 GPA from high school, or 3.20 GPA from their previous transfer institution.  

Applicants may review this preview of the admission questions prior to submitting an Honors College Admissions Application. 

Factors Considered

• Cumulative GPA
• Extracurricular Activities
• Leadership
• Awards
• Written Responses

Supplemental Admissions Information

Standardized scores (ACT or SAT) are not required for Honors College admission, but they are helpful with academic course placement during New Student Orientation. If you choose to provide scores, they should be sent from the testing service directly to the University of New Mexico.

If you do not have ACT or SAT scores, you are highly recommended to take UNM's free Course Placement tests for accurate placement in coursework.

Application Deadlines

Fall 2026 applicants are encouraged to apply by the priority deadlines. 

• 1st priority deadline: February 1, 2026
• 2nd priority deadline: April 1, 2026

Spring 2026 applications are processed on a rolling basis, and early applications are encouraged.

Notification Timeline

Students who apply by the priority application deadline will recieve an admissions decision within 2 weeks after submission. All other applicants will receive an admission decision to their UNM emails within 4-5 weeks after submission. 

Please reach out to honorsadvisors@unm.edu with any questions related to Honors College admissions.  

Applicants denied Honors College admission may appeal. Please speak with an Honors College advisor for details. Advisement appointments can be scheduled in Student Hub. 

Additional Information for incoming Honors College Students

Active Status

Incoming students are encourged to read the Academic Advising page for information about Active Status requirements in the Honors College.

Priority Registration

All incoming UNM students, regardless of Honors College admission, register for their first semester courses during their New Student Orientation (NSO). We recommend that incoming students sign up for the earliest NSO available for the greatest course selection.

Honors College students who maintain active status and are in good academic standing will receive Priority Registration benefits for the subsequent semester. For example, incoming students who register for an Honors College course during their NSO for Fall 2026 will start receiving priority registration benefits during registration week in November 2026 for Spring 2027 courses. 

AP Credits

Students who receive HNRS credit from AP Research or AP Seminar can apply these credits towards their Honors College credential in the "additional credit hours in HNRS or UHON of any level or in approved honors courses in other units" category. Students who receive AP Research credit, AP Seminar credit, or AP credit that satisfy the humanities general education requirement still need to register for HNRS 1120 Legacy Seminar to start their Honors College experience. 

Want to learn more about the UNM Honors College? 

We invite you to Visit the Honors College and/or schedule an Academic Advising appointment with an Honors College advisor.