<p>1214mom. Did your son apply for honors? Unless they changed it this year, it requires a separate application with a few extra essays. Some applicants don’t realize it is a separate application and others don’t want to do the supplemental essays. The merit aid is based on GPA and ACT/SAT scores and is unrelated to the Honors program. The Honors program has benefits that come into play with traveling abroad and summer study. The smaller classes and interesting discussions are also a plus. It was beneficial for all my Miami kids. </p>