EXP offers James Scholar Honors for high-achieving students so they can develop valuable skills in leadership, research, creativity, and service-learning.
Benefits of being an EXP James Scholar
There are many benefits to participating in the James Scholar program, including:
- Gaining Honors recognition on official transcripts and at graduation.
- Registering early for courses (starting with second semester registration).
- Access to smaller courses (20 or fewer students) reserved only for James Scholars.
- Fostering close relationships with faculty that enrich your education and lead to future opportunities.
- Conducting research projects and work one-on-one with faculty members.
- Remaining a James Scholar in your new college once you declare your major.
Requirements to Maintain EXP James Scholar Status
At the end of each semester, your progress will be reviewed. To remain an active EXP James Scholar, you must:
- Maintain an Illinois cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 (coursework from other institutions will not apply)
- Complete at least 12 graded credit hours during the Fall and Spring semesters.
- Complete two honors courses or documented honors projects (see HCLA) each academic year (1 each semester).
- Not be found guilty of an Academic Integrity Infraction as outlined in the Student Code.
Honors Course Information for Current EXP James Scholars
Honors Credit Learning Agreement (HCLA)
Description
An Honors Credit Learning Agreement (HCLA) transforms a standard course into an honors course through an agreement between you and your instructor. Previous projects through HCLA have included research papers, literature reviews, classroom presentations, research experiences with faculty members, and participation in the Chemistry REACT Program.
How to Proceed
- Register for classes normally during your registration time.
- At the start of the semester, approach your instructors about completing an honors project to fulfill honors credit.
- Finalize project details with one of your instructors.
- Submit an online HCLA by the deadline.
- Once you submit the HCLA, the instructor will either approve the agreement or ask for revisions.
- You will receive an email notification once the agreement is accepted or denied.
Click here to access the HCLA online form (HCLA will be available August 25)
Deadline to submit an HCLA for the Fall 2025 semester: Friday, September 26th
New to completing an EXP HCLA? Click here for a step-by-step guide
Becoming a James Scholar
Admitted Incoming First-Year Students
How can I be considered for EXP James Scholars?
- Once admitted to EXP, all First-Year Students are considered. Selection is based on the credentials submitted in the Illinois application.
- The selection process is holistic, considering multiple factors: unweighted HS GPA, standardized test scores, evidence of rigor in high school curriculum (AP, Honors, IB, Dual Credit), and engagement in academic extra curriculars and/or leadership development.
- Students selected for EXP James Scholars will typically be notified via email 2-3 weeks after their admissions decision notification
How do I accept my membership to EXP James Scholars?
- Just accept your admission to EXP!
If I am not selected, how can I be re-considered?
- Students can qualify to join after their first semester at Illinois (see Current EXP Students below).
2025 First-Year Student cohort of EXP James Scholars:
- 90 students
- Average unweighted GPA: 3.92
- Average SAT score: 1388
- Average ACT score: 31.6
- % of cohort receiving an Illinois Merit-Based Scholarship: 18%
Current EXP Students
How can I be considered for EXP James Scholars once I am an EXP Student?
- EXP James Scholars invites current students to self-nominate twice a year – early January & August.
- All qualified students will receive an email invitation from the EXP Honors Director.
- Deadlines to self-nominate will coincide with the first week of the active term.
- For the 2024-2025 academic year, the Illinois GPA needed to qualify is a 3.85.
What if I was a James Scholar in another college on campus and I switch to EXP?
- James Scholar students who inter-collegiate-transfer into EXP from other colleges on campus maintain their honors designation, assuming all requirements were met through their previous college.
What if I declare my major before I am invited to join EXP James Scholars?
Connect with your new major advisor or new college Honors Director for information about how to join their James Scholar program.
Admitted Transfer Students
- Any Incoming Transfer student that provides documentation showing membership to their previous institution’s academic honors program will also be welcomed into the EXP James Scholar Program.
- Transfer Students can qualify to join after their first semester in EXP (please see Current EXP Students above).
Transferring your James Scholar Status
Once you declare your campus major, you will want to familiarize yourself with your new college or school’s requirements.
Each college offers a James Scholar program, but requirements may vary.