CMU is seeking 150 top high school seniors to comprise the incoming freshman class of Centralis Honors Scholars. Registration is required to compete for a spot in the prestigious Honors Scholar Program and earn one of 150 Centralis Scholarships that range from full-tuition to full-ride. Competition spots are limited.

The Honors Scholar Program is a comprehensive fully-enriched academic experience for high academic ability students who seek to aim higher and achieve more meaningfully through unique educational opportunities and experiences.


Students are selected through participation in the one-day Centralis Scholarship Competition conducted each fall on the campus of CMU.  


High school seniors with a minimum 3.7 GPA and 1250 SAT score (ACT 27) are eligible to compete. A qualifying GPA and SAT/ACT score will be verified on your application for admission. Limited exceptions to these criteria may be permitted for students who meet one but not both of the competition criteria
Centralis awards are CMU’s premier merit scholarships and are awarded only to students who participate in the Centralis Honors Scholarship Competition. Honorees receive a spot in the prestigious Honors Scholar Program and a four-year financial award. Recipients are notified in mid-December.

Centralis Scholar Award – Covers 100 percent of tuition (up to 36 credits per academic year), room and board, and some general expenses; renewable up to four years; awarded to 20 competition winners; current four-year value is approximately $93,000.

Centralis Gold Award – Covers 100 percent of tuition (up to 36 credits per academic year); renewable up to four years; awarded to 130 competition winners; current four-year value is approximately $56,000.

  • High school GPA and SAT/ACT score
  • Information provided on the competition application
  • Essay competition performance
  1. Apply for admission to CMU - A completed admissions application includes official high school transcripts, SAT/ACT score, and the $35 application fee.

  2. Register for the competition - Choose one of the two dates listed above. Space is limited and registrations will close once the event reaches capacity

  3. Complete the competition application - A link to this application will be emailed to all qualified registered participants five weeks prior to the competition date. Submit your completed competition at the event.
  • Check in and attend a welcome reception.

  • Visit with current Honors Scholar recipients.
  • Learn about CMU's prestigious Honors Scholar Program.
  • Receive information about CMU's academic programs and get a feel for life on campus.

  • Complete a timed one-hour essay in response to a prompt given onsite.
  • Learn about student and parent support services such as academic advising, career services, residence life, scholarships and financial aid.
  • Choose to participate in an optional campus tour.
Questions?

For questions about the competition, please visit the Centralis Competition FAQ page.

For additional information about registration or admission, contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office at 989-774-3076 or cmuadmit@cmich.edu.

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