The window for GHP nominations has opened! For students with a strong passion for a specific field, the Governor’s Honor Program (GHP) offers an excellent, free opportunity to immerse themselves in a community of like-minded individuals. GHP is a rigorous, yet fun, month-long summer residential program that allows students to pursue a field of their passion under successful college professors without the financial burden of most other programs. The program is highly selective – only 14.30% students who passed the regional round became finalists, and of the total sophomore and junior population in Georgia, these finalists rank in the top 0.05%. Nonetheless, students who enter the program will have an unforgettable opportunity to strengthen their passions without limits and create a friend group with students all over the state. This article is the first of a two-part series about GHP. While this one discusses the process of applying to GHP, the second one will describe the experience of a GHP finalist.
Process
Step 1: Submit the School-Level Application
This application can be obtained from Dr. Hunt. It is an online form that requests a student’s demographic information and their response to specific prompts. These prompts may range from questions about one’s accomplishments or their extracurricular involvements in their field of passion. In it, students must also identify their major from a select list.
Step 2: Pass the school interview to get nominated by a teacher
Once the school-level application is accepted, students will receive an email to schedule an interview with teachers. At the interview, they will be placed in front of a panel of 2-3 teachers and asked questions about elements of their application or their involvement in their selected major outside of school. From these interviews, approximately 2 students in each field will be chosen to proceed to the county level.
Step 3: Submit County-Level Application
The county-level application mirrors the school-level application but may have more specific questions for a major. Use this chance to edit the original essay.
Step 4: Attend Regional Interview
If a student’s county-level application is accepted, they will receive an email pertaining to information regarding the location and time of the interview. This interview mirrors the school-level interview, but it has a more formal setting. Thus, it is recommended to dress business formal: loungewear is highly unrecommended, but a suit may be excessive. A dress shirt or skirt is suitable.
Step 5: Submit State-Level Application
Students who pass the county-level interview will be emailed a link to the state-level GHP application website by November 15. The prompts for each major may vary, but all applications and recommendation letters are due January 10, 2026.
Step 6: Attend the Semi-Finalist Interview Event
On February 7, students will be notified if they have passed the state-level application. Through their parents’ email, they can schedule their in-person interview at Georgia Southern University. Unlike the previous interviews, which focused on a student’s accomplishments and future plans in their major, the semi-finalist event emphasizes a student’s passion for their major. For example, math interviewers may ask applicants about their approach to problems in obscure math fields, while social studies interviewers might ask a group of applicants to discuss a concept in a seminar. Dress formally and arrive early.
Step 7: Wait for Results on the Portal
On March 21, students will be notified if they are finalists. Finalists will receive additional forms, such as for consent and medical information. Start packing early to be ready for the program by June 15. If a student is chosen as an alternate, they still have a chance to be picked for the program. If a finalist decides not to attend, the alternate may be selected instead.
For an in-depth timeline, visit this link from the GHP coordinators. To ask questions about the process, visit Dr. Hunt in the 500s hall.
