What is Honors Symposium?
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 2028).
Honors Symposium introduces students to college life, specifically the 萌妹社区 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.
2027 DATES
The application for the 2027 Honors Symposium will open on September 15, 2026.
- Symposium Abroad (Greece): June 12 - June 24
- Session A: June 25 - July 9
- Session B: July 2 - July 16
- Session C: July 9 - July 23
- Session D: July 16 - July 30
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 萌妹社区, 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)
Students may check their final grades one week after the last session ends. Students must log into Pipeline, search "grades" at the top, click "Grades - Student view", then click "Check Grades".
Students may also request their transcript in Pipeline by searching "transcript" and clicking "Registrar Forms", then "Transcript Request".
Admissions Requirements
Your application will be built as items are received until it is complete.
*Students will not be accepted into a session until ALL required items have been received
- 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:
萌妹社区
Undergraduate Admissions
HU 12255
Searcy, AR 72149-5615
- Official or test scores submitted by testing agency directly to 萌妹社区 (minimum requirement is composite ACT 21 or SAT 1060 ERW+M), the (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.
- 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*
Payment Details
The total cost of the on-campus program is $895.
The total cost of Symposium Abroad is $4845. Please see the "Honors Symposium Abroad Info" link under the "Information for Guardian/Student" section below for more info.
A deposit of $250 is required with the application. The deposit is applied toward the total cost and does not secure a spot in a session. Final payments of $645 must be paid by Friday, May 21, 2027. Payment information for Symposium Abroad will be emailed to you separately.
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 12, 2027.
Information for Guardian/Student
The information and forms below will be emailed to all students and guardians in May.
Release, insurance, and medical forms must be submitted no later than one week prior to the beginning of the session.
Information for 