University of Montana students exiting the main entrance of the Davidson Honors College building on the University of Montana campus in Missoula, MT on a sunny day.

Davidson Honors College

Transfer Student Applicants

We invite applications from transfer students, ideally those with at least two years before graduation, so you have enough time to complete the requirements. We waive our Introduction to Honors course for transfer students, leaving a minimum of seven honors experiences to complete. Interested students may use this application to apply to the Davidson Honors College. If you would like to schedule a meeting with one of our honors advisors, please email dhc@umontana.edu.

Application

  • To complete this application, you'll be asked to provide the following: 

    • Information about your academic background and achievements
    • Short answer responses about you, your experiences, and your academic interests
    • A response to one essay prompt
    • Test scores or a short answer response
    • Unofficial transcript
    • Optional letter of recommendation/reference form
    • Optional creative supplemental materials (e.g., video, photo, musical piece, art, link to website, etc.)

    Short Answer Questions: 

    We consider the full picture presented to us through your application. Please respond thoughtfully to each of the short answer questions below.

    • Introduce yourself to UM’s DHC with a brief biographical statement (in the third person). (50-word max)
    • List five of your most significant leadership experiences (e.g., academic, cocurricular, or community-based). (15-word max)
    • Describe one of the experiences above in greater detail and how it shapes what you would bring to the Davidson Honors College community of scholars. (200-word max)
    • Improbable (definition: unexpected) Fact (definition: things that are known or proven to be true). List and briefly discuss three improbable facts about you. (50-word max)
    • Optional question in place of test scores:
      • What is your most powerful learning experience to date? This could be a course, an accomplishment, a relationship, or an event that sparked significant personal growth. What did you learn? How did this prepare you for success as an honors student at the University of Montana and beyond? (100 word max)

    Essay Prompts (respond to one in up to 500 words):

    1. The Davidson Honors College's mission includes the statement “[we are] dedicated to strengthening our positive impacts on the world.” Discuss an issue that you are passionate about. Why is this important to you? How do you hope the Davidson Honors College will prepare you to make this impact? How would you seek to make a difference on this issue?
    2. The University of Montana’s mascot is the grizzly bear. Words used to describe Grizzlies (UM students) include respectful, responsible, playful, formidable, curious, wise, creative, strategic, active, and easygoing (all right, also hungry). Which of these traits best describe you and why? What experiences have fostered those traits in you? How do you imagine this or these characteristics might shape your life in the Davidson Honors College? How can you leverage your Grizzly characteristics as a citizen of the world?
    3. Our foundational academic course, Ways of Knowing, is grounded in the ancient Greek belief that knowledge begins with wonder. Describe how a sense of wonder or awe has shaped your life journey so far. How do you hope to find wonder during your time in the DHC and beyond?
Nicole Emlen Testimonial

Nicole Emlen, '25

Biology Major, Wildlife Biology Minor
"When you enroll in the DHC, you are signing up for a second home. The community is unconditionally welcoming, supportive, and empowering. The DHC is also unique in its ability to connect students of different majors and passions, allowing unlikely friendships to blossom."