Honors Symposium is a two-week academic program on the Searcy campus designed to challenge, encourage and uplift high school students who are now in their junior year (students graduating in the class of 2025).
Honors Symposium is a life-changing journey where students from all across the nation come together for the purpose of growing spiritually and academically. This is accomplished by daily engagement with our finest University professors and mentoring with some of our top University student counselors. Students learn about the world in which we live and how each of us fits into the world as Christians. This goal is achieved through stimulating academic classes and fun activities designed to develop group bonding and sharing. We intend to enrich the spirit and expand the mind of each student participant in Honors Symposium.
In previous years, students from more than 40 states and six foreign countries have attended the Honors Symposium.
2024 DATES
The 2024 Honors Symposium application is closed at this time as all sessions are currently full with waiting lists.
If you would like to be contacted to apply in the event that an opening becomes available please send an email to symposium@harding.edu with the following information: Name, date of birth, phone number, email address and which session openings you would like to be made aware of.
We will begin accepting applications for the 2025 program around the second weekend of September.
- Session A: June 21 - July 5 (At full capacity as of 2/21/2024)
- Session B: June 28 - July 12 (At full capacity as of 4/10/2024)
- Session C: July 5 - July 19 (At full capacity as of 4/1/2024)
- Session D: July 12 - July 26 (At full capacity as of 4/1/2024)
University Credit
Three hours of university credit (HNRS 1000) are awarded to all who successfully complete the program. The course content is designed to appeal to students of both the humanities and the sciences. This credit may be transferable to the college or university of the participant's choice, with that institution determining how, or if, to apply the credit. At Harding, credits earned in HNRS 1000 may be applied to one of the following liberal arts courses:
- English 2010 or 2020 (World Literature I or II)
- History 1010 or 1020 (American History to 1877 or American History since 1877)
- History 2100 or 2110 (Western Civilization to 1500 or Western Civilization since 1500)
- Art 1010 (Art Appreciation)
- Music 1010 (Music Appreciation)
- Theater 1010 (Theatre Appreciation)
In previous years, students from more than 40 states and six foreign countries have attended the Honors Symposium.
Admissions Requirements
Begin the application process at any point. Your application will be built as items are received until it is complete.
- Junior standing with completion of 12 solid units
- Minimum composite score of ACT 21 or SAT 1060 (ERW+M) or PSAT 1100 (ERW+M), or CLT score of 67.
- Minimum cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 (on a 4-point scale)
- Completed application (see required items below)
Items needed for a complete application:
- Online application available below
- Recent photograph of yourself
- A current OFFICIAL High School transcript (minimum of 12 completed credits and a 3.0 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale.
- Your school guidance counselor may send the transcript to admissions@harding.edu, with a copy to symposium@harding.edu, or an official sealed transcript may be mailed to:
Harding University
Undergraduate Admissions
HU 12255
Searcy, AR 72149-5615
- Official ACT or SAT test scores submitted by testing agency directly to Harding (minimum requirement is composite ACT 21 or SAT 1060 ERW+M), the CLT (minimum score 67), or a copy of an official PSAT report (minimum score is 1100 ERW+M). The PSAT will be used for Symposium admission only and will not apply to incoming freshmen. *In early April, we will review applications of students who scored a 20 or 19 on the ACT or equivalent on SAT or CLT but have otherwise completed their application and met all other requirements.
- Immunization record showing receipt of 2 MMR vaccinations on or after first birthday (State law requirement)
- $250 deposit* (check or credit card)
All items listed are required prior to review of the application and acceptance to a session.
*Deposit is applied toward the total cost of $895 and does not secure a spot in a session. Students not accepted to the program will be refunded the deposit. Students who have a change in plans may be refunded the deposit until March 11, 2024.
You may submit by email symposium@harding.edu or mail to:
Harding University Honors Symposium
HU 10782
Searcy, AR 72149
Can't remember what items you still need to submit? Call us at 501-279-5272 or email symposium@harding.edu
Payment Details
Deposit of $250 is required. Refunds will be processed for students who are not accepted to the Honors Symposium and for accepted students who must change their summer plans. The refund deadline for accepted students is March 11, 2024. Final payments are due Friday, May 24, 2024.
Payment Method Options
- Pay by credit card.
- Or pay by check please make it payable to Harding University and mail it to the address below:
Harding University
Honors Symposium
HU 10782
Searcy, AR 72149-5615
News & Articles
Counselors play a key role in success of Honors Symposium
Typical Schedule
The first day consists of registration, a reception time for parents to visit with the faculty, a dinner for students and faculty, followed by orientation sessions.
The schedule of activities typically begin around 9 or 10 a.m. each day. Your day will include lectures, discussion groups, interactive classes on a variety of topics relating to the central theme and much more. Evenings are filled with fun activities to give you an opportunity to relax and socialize.
Saturdays are full days as well with relaxed time constraints, and Sundays include worship time together.
The Honors Symposium sessions conclude after breakfast on your closing Friday. Students must depart campus by 10 a.m.
All in all you are about to embark on a magnificent learning experience, which will allow you development in many areas.
