Carey Scholar Program

• WCU application for admission and general admission requirements
• Official 30 or higher ACT composite or 1360 or higher on the SAT or 99+ CLT composite
• 2 Letters of Recommendation: One Academic and One Personal
  • Letters of recommendation should be written by individuals outside of the student’s family.
• Essay of 500-700 words written in MLA format
• Video submission  - 3-5 minutes

Essay Topic: Please choose one of the prompts below and submit a reflective, well-organized essay based on your personal experiences:

(1.) Carey Scholars should be committed to lifelong learning—both inside and outside the classroom. Describe a time when your curiosity led you to explore a subject more deeply through school, reading, conversation, or personal experience. What did you learn—not only about the subject, but about yourself? How will this mindset of curiosity serve you during your time at William Carey University?

(2.) The Carey Scholars program values students who serve others with humility and intention. Reflect on a meaningful service experience—formal or informal. What did you learn from those you served? How has that experience shaped your desire to make a difference, and how might it influence your contribution to the William Carey community?

(3.) Describe a time when you took initiative in a group setting—at school, church, work, or in your community. What challenge did you face, how did you respond, and what did you learn about yourself as a leader? How will this ability to lead be meaningful during your time at William Carey University?

Video Submission: Students will be required to create a 3-5-minute video that addresses the following topics: What are the top 3 reasons why you want to attend William Carey University? How do you plan on making an impact at William Carey University in the next 4 years? (Videos should be recorded and loaded to YouTube, Vimeo, or Loom. The link to the video must be included as part of the submission documents. Be sure to set your video to “private” with “no comments” so that only individuals with the link can view your video.)

Be sure that your name is on all documents. Be sure that the video link is active and can be viewed.

Upload Documents to the Carey Scholar Program Submission Form.

All documentation must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on January 16, 2026.

Students selected for the program will be notified by February 13, 2026.

The Honors Committee will evaluate candidates based on documents submitted by 11:59 p.m. on January 16, 2026. Fifteen students will be selected each academic year with waitlist placements available.

Upon selection, students must submit $300 nonrefundable seat deposit and register for classes at the March registration event (Carey Bound). Virtual and in-person options available for registration.

Students must also submit their FAFSA and include the school code for William Carey University, 002447, to ensure we receive your form. FAFSA deadlines can vary from year to year, so be sure to check the current deadline and submit your application on time. (The FAFSA date is subject to change by the U.S. Department of Education.)

The Carey Scholar program provides the following:

• An accelerated honors curriculum of 18 hours
• Participation in Honors Colloquium course including attendance at Honors Colloquia meetings
• Commitment to the university through weekly service and community service each term
• Cultural enrichment through attendance at visual, musical, and dramatic art events

Carey Scholars participate in an Honors Colloquium course during their first three years at the university. In this course, students gain access to distinguished guest speakers who help provide both individual enrichment and cultural enhancement. Carey Scholars are required to enroll in and pass this colloquium course for their first three years. Once completed, the Honors Colloquium offers three hours of credit which may substitute for a general elective.