As for Honors, It’s very competitive and not just stats alone. In addition to essays, it also could have to do with gender and major and letters of recommendation and other things too. However, they can apply in October of their Freshman year and if they have done well first semester (3.5 i think?) it’s highly likely they will get into Honors. We know many students who have done this. They are then in honors after only one semester and the application is way easier than the one for incoming freshman.