The Ohio State University

Sometimes the designation of sophomore, junior, and senior honoraries can be confusing. Here is a brief overview of the honorary system structure and some guidelines for choosing an honorary to which to apply.

The Association of Ohio State Class Honoraries unites the class honoraries at Ohio State and oversees and coordinates various activities, such as the application process. AOSCH has 7 member organizations.

ALD/PES – Freshmen receive invitations to ALD/PES based on GPA. Selection is solely by invitation.

Mirrors and Romophos – These are the two sophomore class honoraries. To gain membership, you must apply in the winter of your freshman year. If selected, you will be inducted in the spring of your first year and continue your membership during your entire sophomore year.

Bucket & Dipper and Chimes – These are the two junior class honoraries. To gain membership, you must apply in the winter of your second year. If selected, you will be inducted in the spring of your second year and continue your membership during your entire junior year.

Mortar Board and Sphinx – These are the two senior class honoraries. To gain membership, you must apply in the winter of your junior year. If selected, you will be inducted in the spring of your third-year and continue your membership during your entire senior year.

Some special considerations:

• Transfer students are welcome to apply to an honorary provided that they meet the credit hour and year requirements.
• Students with advanced class rank:
  Many students enter college with AP and post-secondary credit and thus have “sophomore standing” at the end of their first year. The honorary system generally follows the year in school, not the class rank, of the applicant. Applicants with a sufficient number of credit hours are permitted to apply to an honorary based on class rank; however, it is strongly recommended that (especially if not planning to graduate in 3 years) applicants apply to an honorary according to their year in school. Please note, however, that you may only apply to one honorary. You may not apply to one sophomore and one junior honorary.
• Students taking a fifth year are permitted to apply to a senior honorary in the winter of their fourth year. Please contact Mortar Board and Sphinx representatives with specific questions.
• If you are unsure to which group you should apply, please contact representatives from the specific honorary or Jillian Zientek , AOSCH Vice-President at zientek.3@osu.edu