Carey Scholar Program

• WCU application for admission and general admission requirements
• Official 30 or higher ACT composite or 1360 or higher on the SAT (Combination of Evidence Based Reading and Writing + Math scores only)
• Scholarship Application
• 2 Letters of Recommendation: One Academic and One Personal*
  • Letters of recommendation should be written by individuals outside of the student’s family.
• Essay of 500-700 words written in MLA format*
• Video submission  - 3-5 minutes*

Essay Topic: Identify a specific trait (such as honesty, kindness, perseverance, etc.) that has been prevalent (or has developed) throughout both your personal life and academic life. How has this trait made you the person that you are today, and how will this trait be an important part of your academic life at William Carey University and in your life after you have earned your degree?

Video Submission: Students will be required to create a 3-5-minute video that addresses the following topics: What are the top 3 reasons why you want to attend William Carey University? How do you plan on making an impact at William Carey University in the next 4 years? (Videos should be recorded and loaded to YouTube, Vimeo, or Loom. The link to the video must be included as part of the submission documents. Be sure to set your video to “private” with “no comments” so that only individuals with the link can view your video.)

Save your video link, recommendation letters, and essay as one PDF file in the following order on separate pages: 1. Video Link; 2. Two Letters of Recommendation; and 3. Essay.

Save the PDF file as your name (the name used in your application), and be sure that your name is on all documents within the file. Be sure that the video link is active and can be viewed.

* Submit to admissions@wmcarey.edu

All documentation must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on January 15, 2025.

Students selected for the program will be notified by February 14, 2025.

The Honors Committee will evaluate candidates based on documents submitted by 11:59 p.m. on January 15, 2025. Fifteen students will be selected each academic year, with waitlist placements available.

Upon selection, students must submit $300 nonrefundable seat deposit and register for classes at the March registration event (Carey Bound). Virtual and in-person options available for registration.

Students must also submit their FAFSA and include the school code for William Carey University, 002447, to insure we receive your form. FAFSA applications for Fall 2025 are “tentatively” able to be submitted at the beginning of October 2024. (The FAFSA date is subject to change by the U.S. Department of Education.)

The Carey Scholar program provides the following:

• An accelerated honors curriculum of 18 hours
• Participation in Honors Colloquium course including attendance at Honors Colloquia meetings
• Commitment to the university through weekly service and community service each term
• Cultural enrichment through attendance at visual, musical, and dramatic art events

Carey Scholars participate in an Honors Colloquium course during their first three years at the university. In this course, students gain access to distinguished guest speakers who help provide both individual enrichment and cultural enhancement. Carey Scholars are required to enroll in and pass this colloquium course for their first three years. Once completed, the Honors Colloquium offers three hours of credit which may substitute for a general elective.