Honors Symposium

What is this for?

Honors Symposium is a two-week summer academic program on the Searcy campus designed to challenge, encourage and equip high school students who are entering their senior year (students graduating in the class of 2026).

Honors Symposium introduces students to college life, specifically the Harding experience, and also gives them exposure to the Honors College, which they may aspire to join in the future.

Some of our finest honors professors teach the Symposium courses, and some of our strongest honors student counselors serve as leaders and mentors throughout the two-week experience. Students take classes in theology and ethics, history, literature, critical thinking, art and design, just to name a few. They also participate in a number of extracurricular activities on and off campus that help create lifelong memories and relationships. 

At Honors Symposium, our goal is to expand the mind and enrich the spirit.

2025 DATES

We will begin accepting applications for the 2025 program around the second weekend of September.

• Session A: June 27 - July 11
• Session B: July 4 - July 18
• Session C: July 11 - July 25
• Session D: July 18 - August 1

University Credit

Three hours of university credit (HNRS 1000) are awarded to those 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)

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 uploaded when you apply.
• 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 should send the transcript to admissions@harding.edu or by mail to:
    Harding University
    Undergraduate Admissions
    HU 12255
    Searcy, AR 72149-5615

• Official ACT or SAT test scores submitted by testing agency directly to Harding University (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 may be used for Honors 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) should be emailed to admissions@harding.edu.

• $250 deposit paid via the online application*

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 10, 2025. 

Can't remember what items you still need to submit? Email us at symposium@harding.edu

Payment Details

Deposit of $250 is required with the application. Final payments must be paid here by Friday, May 23, 2025. 

Refunds will be processed for students who are not accepted to Honors Symposium and for accepted students who must change their summer plans. The refund deadline for accepted students is March 10, 2025.

What is this for?

News and 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, and 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, 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. Symposium includes two overnight camping experiences.

The Honors Symposium sessions conclude after breakfast on the closing Friday. Students must depart campus by 10 a.m.