Applying to the John Wesley Honors College

Students who are interested in joining the JWHC's creative, interdisciplinary community of learners must complete an application process that is separate from applying to Indiana Wesleyan University. The JWHC invites applications from:

Prospective John Wesley Scholars, Luther Lee Scholars, and transfer students interested in the Mary C. Dodd Honors Program must also apply to Indiana Wesleyan University and will not be accepted by the JWHC until they have been accepted by IWU.

Application and Interview Information

The application and interview process for the John Wesley Scholars, Luther Lee Scholars,and Mary C.Dodd Honors programs is described below. Additional information about the tenets and petition process for the Luther Lee Scholars program can be found here.

Eligibility Criteria

John Wesley Scholars Program &  Luther Lee Scholars Program

High school senior with at least one of the following:

  • SAT combined score of 1380 (New SAT) or higher
  • Composite ACT score of 30 or higher
  • Rank in the top 10 percent of graduating class
  • GPA of 3.7 or higher (on a 4.0 scale)

To be considered for the Luther Lee Scholars program, an applicant must also meet the following biographical criteria:

  • Student is an Indiana resident from an historically underrepresented demographic group: racial/ethnic minority or first-generation college attender or low-income student.
  • Student shows evidence of community leadership in the areas of diversity, equity, reconciliation, and justice and the desire to participate in an immersive experience of intercultural learning and engagement.  

Mary C. Dodd Honors Program

College freshman or sophomore with:

  • At least 15 hours of coursework at an accredited college or university
  • GPA of 3.6 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) in college-level work

Application Process

Applying to the John Wesley Scholars, Luther Lee Scholars, and Mary C. Dodd Honors Programs is a three-step process.

  1. Application

    Complete the application.

    JWS or MCD Application

    Online Application Paper Application

    LLS Application

    Paper Application

    It is suggested that students first draft their short answers and essay response in a separate document and then cut and paste their responses into the online application form. Students are encouraged to pay special attention to their writing and resumes, which will be carefully considered by the admissions committee.

  2. Recommendations

    Two recommendations are required for applicants to the John Wesley Scholars and Mary C. Dodd Honors Program. One recommendation must be from someone who knows your academic abilities well. Recommenders may use either the online form or print form. Applicants to the Luther Lee Scholars Program are invited to submit up to 2 recommendations from those who know them well but recommendations will not be a key factor in the decision process. 

    Applicants to the John Wesley Scholars should select a high school teacher, and those to the Mary C. Dodd Honors Program should choose a collegiate instructor.

    Note: Completed print forms may be mailed to John Wesley Honors College, Indiana Wesleyan University, 4201 S. Washington St., Marion, IN 46953-4974, sent by fax to 765-677-1768, or by e-mail to jwhc.admissions@indwes.edu.

  3. Interview

    A select number of applicants will be invited to interview for admission to the John Wesley Honors College. Admission interviews for students seeking to enter the Honors College in the fall of 2021 will be held on the dates given below.

Interview Dates and Corresponding Application Deadlines

To learn more about the Luther Lee Scholars program application process and experience, including the commitment, community, and petition process please head here.

On-Campus Interview Times

Friday, January 29, 2021 Joint interview day for John Wesley Scholar and Luther Lee Scholar candidates and consideration for top-tier scholarships JWS and LLS Applications are due January 15.

Friday, February 19, 2021 Joint interview day for John Wesley Scholar and Luther Lee Scholar candidates and consideration for top-tier scholarships JWS and LLS Applications are due February 5.

On-Campus or Zoom (virtual) Interview:

Saturday, March 27, 2021
Applications are due March 18.

Students applying after March 18 will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Mary C. Dodd Honors Program

2021 Admission Interviews

Saturday, March 27, 2021

Applications are due March 18. 

Students may apply until August 15, 2021, and will be offered interviews on a case-by-case basis.

Petitioning to Apply

Prospective students who do not meet the admission criteria may petition to apply to the John Wesley Scholars, Luther Lee Scholars, or Mary C. Dodd Honors Programs. Such students should submit a letter (via e-mail to jwhc.admissions@indwes.edu or postal mail to John Wesley Honors College, Indiana Wesleyan University, 4201 S. Washington St., Marion, IN 46953-4974) communicating why their academic preparation, intellectual character, and vocational objectives make them strong candidates for admission into an honors learning community. If a student's petition is approved by the Honors College Admissions Committee, then he or she will be invited to apply to the John Wesley Scholars or Mary C. Dodd Honors Program.

Questions?

Questions about the application or interview process may be directed to jwhc.admissions@indwes.edu or 765-677-1441.

Indiana Wesleyan University
4201 S. Washington St.
Marion, IN 46953

866-468-6498