How Admission Works
The Jane P. Batten Honors College is a selective, invitation-only program. Admission is based on academic achievement — GPA, SAT scores, and demonstrated potential — with no financial need requirement. Students must be enrolled as full-time residential students for all four years.
Qualified applicants are invited to attend a competition weekend on campus, where finalists are evaluated through interviews, group activities, and written exercises. Scholarship awards are made following each competition weekend.
Eligibility
President's Scholarship
Full-tuition award. Competitive selection based on GPA, SAT, academic achievement, and leadership. 20 awarded annually. Residential requirement all four years.
Dean's Scholarship
Three-quarter tuition award. Same competitive selection criteria as the President's Scholarship. 20 awarded annually. Residential requirement all four years.
Graduate Partnerships
Graduating Batten Honors scholars gain preferred admission access to two nationally recognized graduate programs — one reserved seat per program, per year, for a BHC graduate who meets admission criteria.
William & Mary — VIMS
Preferred admission to the Master of Arts in Marine Science at William & Mary's School of Marine Science at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science. Includes an annual scholarship.
UVA — Batten School
Preferred admission to the Master of Public Policy at the University of Virginia's Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy. Includes an annual fellowship.
Ready to Apply?
Applications are submitted through the Batten Honors College portal. You must first apply to and be admitted to Batten University.
Start Application →Admissions Office
Competition Weekends
Invited applicants attend an on-campus competition weekend. Apply before the deadline for your preferred date — spots are limited and fill quickly.
Scholarship awards are announced following each competition weekend. All dates are subject to change — contact the admissions office to confirm availability.
What to Expect on Competition Weekend
Meet the Community
Spend time with current Batten scholars, faculty, and the Dean. Get an honest look at what life in the Honors College is actually like — not just the brochure version.
Interview & Group Activities
Finalists participate in individual interviews and collaborative group exercises. We're looking for intellectual curiosity, leadership potential, and the ability to engage with others — not perfection.
Written Exercise
A short written component gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your thinking and voice. No preparation required — we want to see how you engage with ideas, not how well you've memorized a script.
Questions about the process?
Our admissions team is happy to walk you through the application, eligibility requirements, or what to expect on competition weekend.