
Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges is a prestigious program that has recognised outstanding scholastic achievement in US colleges and universities since 1934. The program, which is not affiliated with any organisation honouring high school students, teachers, or deans, selects students based on their academic excellence, leadership skills, and contributions to their community and school. Selections are made in the fall by individual schools, with campus nominating committees composed of faculty, administration, and student body representatives. Who's Who Among Students is committed to celebrating excellence without a price tag and has become one of the most highly regarded honours programs in the nation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year founded | 1934 |
| Founder | Henry Pettus Randall, Jr. |
| Number of participating institutions | 1,900 |
| Type of institutions | Two-year and four-year universities and colleges, graduate and Ph.D. programs |
| Selection criteria | Scholastic achievement, leadership, community service, diversity of service, enhancing the positive image of American students |
| Number of enrolled college students in the US | 11.91 million (full-time undergraduates and graduates) |
| Percentage of male students | 42.7% |
| Percentage of female students | 57.3% |
| Percentage of male graduate students | 39% |
| Percentage of female graduate students | 61% |
| Percentage of White or Caucasian students | 52.3% |
| Percentage of students of color | 45.23% |
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What You'll Learn

Recognising academic excellence
The programme recognises outstanding scholastic achievement regardless of financial circumstances and has become one of the most highly regarded honours programmes in the nation. It is not limited to a specific type of institution, honouring students from both two-year and four-year universities, as well as graduate and PhD programs.
The selection process for "Who's Who Among Students" occurs in the fall, with individual schools making nominations. Campus nominating committees are composed of representatives from the faculty, administration, and student body, ensuring a diverse range of perspectives. These committees highlight students who have demonstrated individual and diverse service to their community and school, enhancing the positive image of American students through their contributions.
The recognition by the "Who's Who" programme marks a pinnacle of scholastic achievement for students, celebrating their excellence and hard work. It is a lifetime benefit, providing selected students with access to a free reference and placement service when seeking postgraduate employment or fellowships. This assistance extends beyond their time as students, helping them to launch their careers and make a positive impact in their chosen fields.
In addition to "Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges", there have been similar initiatives such as "Who's Who Among American High School Students", which recognised academic excellence at the high school level. By acknowledging the achievements of dedicated and talented students, these programmes foster a culture of excellence and encourage students to strive for their best.
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Leadership and citizenship
The Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges program has been recognising outstanding scholastic achievement in US colleges and universities since 1934, regardless of students' financial circumstances. The program has grown to become one of the most highly regarded honours programs in the country, with around 1900 institutions participating.
The program recognises that college students are the future leaders of the nation and seeks to honour those who demonstrate consistent excellence. It is open to students from both two-year and four-year universities, as well as graduate and PhD programs. Selections are made in the fall by individual schools, with campus nominating committees highlighting students who have made diverse and individual contributions to their community and school.
Nominees must be upper-classmen or graduate students with a strong record of leadership, demonstrated through personal development, organisational leadership, citizenship, and community service. For undergraduates, a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required, along with a minimum of 24 credit hours completed. For graduate students, a minimum GPA of 3.5 is necessary.
Students selected for inclusion in Who's Who are entitled to use a free reference and placement service when seeking postgraduate employment or fellowships. A certificate is presented to recipients at a spring ceremony, marking a pinnacle of scholastic achievement and providing national recognition.
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Diversity in community and school
The presence of diversity in colleges and universities brings numerous benefits to both students and the institutions themselves. Firstly, it enriches the sense of community and belonging for students. When differences are valued and respected, students feel more accepted and comfortable in their college setting. This acceptance fosters a positive influence on the learning environment. Students exposed to diverse opinions, cultures, and life philosophies develop an expanded worldview, gaining the ability to shift their perspective and become more open-minded.
Diversity in higher education also has practical implications for students' future careers. As the workforce becomes increasingly diverse and inclusive, graduates will likely encounter colleagues, clients, and customers from a wide range of backgrounds. Experiencing diversity during their college years equips students with the skills to navigate this diverse workplace effectively. Research supports this notion, indicating that diversity is crucial for businesses and their goals.
Furthermore, diversity in community and school contributes to honouring scholastic achievement and leadership. Programmes like "Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges" recognise outstanding students regardless of their financial circumstances. By celebrating excellence in the face of adversity, these programmes promote diversity and inclusivity.
In conclusion, diversity in community and school is of utmost importance in higher education. It fosters a sense of belonging, enhances the learning environment, and prepares students for their future careers in an increasingly diverse society. By embracing diversity, colleges and universities create an inclusive environment that nurtures the leaders of tomorrow.
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Graduate and undergraduate enrolment
Enrolment in graduate and undergraduate courses is a crucial aspect of academic life, and the process can vary depending on the institution and program. Here is an overview of the enrolment process for graduate and undergraduate students, along with some specific examples from different universities.
Graduate Enrolment
Graduate enrolment typically refers to students pursuing master's or doctoral degrees. The enrolment process for graduate students can vary depending on the university and the specific program they are applying to. Some universities, such as York University, have individual graduate programs that oversee the administration of graduate courses each term. It is essential for graduate students to contact their respective programs to obtain detailed information regarding course availability, offerings, and enrolment procedures.
At the University of Ottawa, graduate students can enrol in their courses or activities online through the uoZone platform. However, there are certain exceptions where enrolment cannot be completed online. For instance, if a student wishes to enrol in a qualifying program or take additional courses outside their primary program, they may need to submit a signed Graduate enrolment form to the relevant academic secretariat. International students enrolling at the University of Ottawa must also pay an admission deposit, which can take up to 14 days to be reflected in the university's accounts.
Undergraduate Enrolment
Undergraduate enrolment typically involves students pursuing their first degree, such as a bachelor's degree. Similar to graduate enrolment, the process can vary across institutions. At York University, undergraduate students interested in enrolling in graduate-level courses must submit a "Request for an Undergraduate Student to Enrol in a Graduate Course Form." This indicates that there may be specific requirements or procedures for undergraduates wishing to take more advanced courses.
The University of Alberta produces an annual Undergraduate and Graduate Enrolment Report, which provides key enrolment statistics for each academic year. This report offers valuable insights into enrolment trends and is a useful resource for understanding the undergraduate and graduate enrolment landscape at the institution.
In conclusion, graduate and undergraduate enrolment processes can vary depending on the university and the specific programs offered. It is essential for students to refer to their institution's guidelines and seek support from the relevant departments to ensure a smooth enrolment experience. Understanding the unique requirements and procedures of their chosen university will help students successfully navigate the enrolment process and begin their academic journey.
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Female students' achievements
Female students have been outperforming their male counterparts across all fields of education, earning better grades and displaying superior competencies and skills. They have higher college enrolment and completion rates than men, but they also face more student debt and lower pay. A study of 483 female first-year college students found that they consumed nearly 12 hours of media per day, with music, the internet, social networking, and texting being the most popular forms. Interestingly, newspaper reading and music showed positive associations with academic outcomes.
Despite their academic achievements, women still face challenges in the job market. A study found that high-achieving women were penalised for being "too smart", resulting in lower callback rates for job interviews compared to high-achieving men. This gender gap was particularly prominent in STEM fields. Furthermore, women with moderate GPAs were found to be the most hirable, as they received more callbacks than both low and high-achieving women.
Female students also experience a higher prevalence of mental health issues. According to the American College Health Association's survey, cisgender women were more than twice as likely as cisgender men to be diagnosed with anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. They were also three times more likely to be diagnosed with PTSD and more than six times more likely to have an eating disorder. These disparities highlight the unique challenges faced by female students, even as they excel academically.
Initiatives like "Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges" aim to recognise outstanding scholastic achievement regardless of financial circumstances. Founded in 1934, this program celebrates excellence in the face of adversity and has become one of the most highly regarded honours programs in the nation. By honouring exceptional female students, such initiatives help to address the gender disparities and challenges faced by women in academia and the job market.
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Frequently asked questions
It is a program that has been recognising outstanding scholastic achievement in American universities and colleges since 1934, regardless of financial circumstances.
The program aims to further the aims of higher education by recognising and rewarding academic excellence on a national level.
Selections are made in the fall by individual schools. Campus nominating committees, composed of faculty, administration, and student body representatives, nominate upper-classmen and graduate students eligible for the program.


































