FAQ

The Binghamton University Scholars Program is a selective, four-year honors program for students of exceptional merit at Binghamton University. The program includes academic expectations, extracurricular activities, and community involvement. While different from the First-year Research Immersion program and the Source Project honors programs, many Scholars participate in one of those in addition to being a Binghamton University Scholars. Invitations to all of these programs are extended through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

Entry into the Binghamton University Scholars Program is by invitation only and no supplemental application materials are required. Invitations for the next class of Scholars are typically released January through March.

The Scholars Program is very small, and typically 110-120 of the 40,000 applicants to Binghamton University are enrolled in the program each year. Our Office of Undergraduate Admissions makes all decisions regarding invitations to the Scholars Program and due to the small size of the program, even some of the highest achieving university applicants may not get invited. 

Some of the benefits are: housing in the scholars learning community during the first year, priority registration for classes, small classes that are limited to Binghamton University Scholars and often meet general education requirements, and project-centered courses with opportunities to work closely with faculty members. For more information on the benefits of being a Binghamton University Scholar, see the Other Exclusive Scholars Opportunities section of our webpage.

No. There is no financial incentive for joining the Binghamton University Scholars Program. However, many Binghamton University Scholars apply for, and receive, aid and scholarships through the office of Financial Aid and Student Records.  Scholars are eligible for the Scholars $3500 Award at the beginning of their second year (see question below).  The Scholars Program awards a small number of merit-based awards to students after their first year.

The Scholars Award is a one-time award of $3,500 to be used for an approved endeavor in experiential learning, study abroad, community-engaged learning, advanced professional development, or mentored research. Scholars may apply to access the award any time sophomore year through graduation.

The Binghamton University Scholars Program invites students from all colleges except for students accepted into the School of Management which has its own PwC Scholars Program.  (However, as a Scholar, you can choose to do a double degree within the School of Management through the guaranteed transfer).  The Binghamton University Scholars Program curriculum is designed to enhance your undergraduate experience, no matter what you are studying. 

Incoming Binghamton University Scholars are selected from among the top admitted students applying that year. They are typically highly motivated students who are interested in a wide variety of academic and extra-curricular activities, including community service. In recent years candidates had GPAs beginning in the mid 90s and SAT scores beginning in the mid 1400s.  Currently, standardized test scores are not required for admission into the University or the Scholars Program.

Yes! If you choose to accept your invitation to join the Binghamton University Scholars Program, you will be introduced to other Binghamton University Scholars in many ways. When you attend orientation, you will meet newly admitted and current scholars and learn more about the program. If you have a Facebook account, you will also receive an invitation to join a group for incoming scholars, as well as some returning student mentors, who will be available to answer any questions you may have.

In order to graduate as a Binghamton University Scholar, students must complete a first-year experience course, a civic engagement course, two Binghamton University Scholars Program topics courses, a junior-year immersive experience, and a senior-year project. Scholars must also maintain a 3.25 GPA and abide by the Binghamton University Code of Student Conduct. More information on the requirements can be found in the handbook.

Yes. In fact, Binghamton University Scholars are encouraged to broaden their horizons through the completion of minors, double majors, dual degrees and fast-track master's degree programs. These types of experiences usually satisfy the required senior year project.

Binghamton University Scholars Program courses are not intended to be more difficult than other classes, but are designed to challenge Binghamton University Scholars to think critically and independently. These courses supplement a Binghamton University Scholar's learning experience and typically satisfy general education requirements. They are not intended to be a hurdle to the success of the student.

Yes. There is a Binghamton University Scholars Program Learning Community located in Broome Hall of the Newing College Residential Area. All first-year scholars are required to live in the Binghamton University Scholars Learning Community. By permission of the Executive Director, exceptions will be made for local commuter students. Returning students are not required to live in the Scholars Learning Community, but they are encouraged to do so.

Scholars alumni have gone on to many elite graduate schools, medical schools, and law schools, and found employment in prestigious firms after their time at Binghamton. Our office has been keeping an updated list since 2014.