We're all striving for an extra edge when applying for grad school or that first job. Yes, there is a difference. Distinction and Highest Distinction are modern terms for the familiar Summa Cum Laude and Magna Cum Laude, respectively. No senior thesis necessary. Juniors with a 3.2 GPA may apply for the senior honors programs in nearly fifty departments, curricula, and professional schools.
Some departments require a higher grade point average.
Students submit all senior honors thesis applications to the honors adviser of the specific department or curricula their junior year. Each department has specific deadlines. Honors projects vary by department, but are usually a thesis, a research project, or an independent research program. A written or oral exam is given based on the research. The honors program assigns a faculty adviser for guidance and to grade the project.