Honors Program

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions!

If you need more information, feel free to contact us at honors@fullcoll.edu !

Where can I apply for the Honors Program?

You can apply for the program at any time during the year. Applications are available online, and the link is on both the Home page of the website and on the “Apply” page under the “About Honors” tab. Your application materials will be reviewed and a decision will be made.  Please note that applications that are submitted during the summer usually take longer to process.

How do I maintain Honor Status?

Maintaining Honors Status

Student’s Responsibilities

To remain in the Honors Program and become Honors Certified with all the contract benefits attached, you must:

 

  • To maintain Honors status, you must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 in both Honors and non-Honors courses.
  • To become Honors Certified, you must have a minimum cumulative GPA of  3.4
  • *Receive no grade lower than a C in any Honors course
  • Attend any required enrichment opportunities each semester
  • Follow Fullerton College catalogue “College Policies and Rules,” which include regularly and punctually attending classes, completing assignments on time, being prepared, remaining in communication with the Honors instructors, and contributing to classes. The Program especially follows catalogue policies on student conduct, including plagiarism and cheating.
  • Any grade lower than a C may result in being dropped from the Honors Program.
Do I have to take Honors classes every semester to maintain my honors status?

No, we understand that you have a busy schedule, and an educational plan that might not always align with the honors courses we offer. Instead work on completing the Honors certification steps.

What are the requirements for being in the program?

In order to be eligible to join the Honors Program, you must be a registered Fullerton College student. High school students should apply once they have gotten their registration date for their first semester.  All students in the Honors Program are expected to maintain a 3.25 GPA to continue in the program and need to have a 3.4 GPA and 15 units of honors coursework to be Honors Certified.

What honors classes should I take?

For help with scheduling and selecting your courses and meeting your academic goals as an honors student, it is strongly recommended that you consult with one of the Honors Counselor each semester to stay on track to meet your academic goals.

Please note: If you are a new (entering freshmen) student to Fullerton College and the Honors Program, please make sure you complete the matriculations steps before meeting with an Honors counselor.

Ms. Ana Tovar (in Transfer Center)

Appointments with Ms. Tovar can be made by calling the Transfer Center at (714) 992-7086 or by submitting a counseling intake form:  Counseling in the Transfer Center | Transfer Center 

Mrs. Citlally Santana (in Counseling Center)

Appointments with Mrs. Santana can be made by calling the Counseling Center at (714) 992-7084.

How do I know what classes to take if I can't see a counselor first?

You can checkout our General Education Guidesheets at https://articulation.fullcoll.edu/ge-guidesheets/ , as well as assist.org to checkout which required classes you must take for your major if you are planning to transfer.

If I am part of the Honors Program, can I be involved in other programs on campus such as Puente, STEM learning center, Honor Societies etc?

Yes, we encourage our students to be involved. Just make sure to look at the requirements of each program and see if it works for you.

Where do I find the list of Honors classes?

You can find the list of the available Honors classes through the searchable class list on MyGateway. You can also find Honors courses through the current class catalog:

Image with link to Searchable class schedule

What is the faculty to student ratio?

1:20-25

Are honors courses only for honors students?

Yes, you must be accepted into the program on active or probationary status to take Honors courses.

Can I join Honors as a Special Admit?

If you’re taking classes as a Special Admit student, please apply to join us now.  Our application requires a Student ID # that you’ll get once to you apply to take classes at Fullerton College.

What are the benefits of the Honors Program?
  • Close academic and social interaction with other highly motivated honors students and faculty.
  • Honors transfer agreements signed with various colleges and universities.
  • Honors designation on all college transcripts and the Associates Degree.
  • Letters of recommendation for scholarships, transfer applications and employment.
  • Honors receptions, special lectures, cultural events, and awards ceremonies.
  • Exchange opportunities through the National Collegiate Honors Council which offers semester-long programs at major colleges and universities all over the United States
How do I become Honors Certified?

Transferring as Honors Certified

  1. Complete at least 15 honors units with no grade lower than a C.
  2. Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 if accepted to the Honors program before 2011 and a GPA of 3.4 if accepted after 2011 in all honors and non-honors sections
  3. Complete at least two semesters in the Honors Program
  4. Complete all transfer institution requirements
  5. Be certified by the end of summer by filling out a Certification Form (located in Room 225 in the Office of Special Programs)

Note: UCLA requires certification classes to be completed in spring and the UCLA Transfer Agreement Program (TAP) Application must be filled out at the beginning of the spring semester.

Benefits of becoming Honors CERTIFIED to your Transfer Institution

If you complete 15 Honors units with a cumulative GPA of 3.25 you will be Honors Certified for transfer. Transfer institution contract benefits vary among schools but may well include:

  1. Guaranteed or priority transfer to the institution
  2. Guaranteed or priority entry into the student’s major
  3. Priority registration into other courses
  4. Scholarships
  5. Financial aid
  6. Housing
  7. Acceptance into the institutional Honors Program
 
How are Honors classes different from other classes? Are they more difficult?

One of the first things you will discover about honors classes is that they are smaller than the average class at Fullerton College so you can take a more active role in your own learning and get to know your fellow students and instructors. You will also find that Honors instructors teach their courses in a seminar style. Rather than lecturing, they encourage student participation and expand regular assignments by incorporating student projects and presentations. While the work is more challenging, the same grading standards are applied in Honors Program classes as in any other class. Most students find that honors courses stimulate them to be more responsive and creative and to do their very best.

Is it required to get certified?

No! If you take an Honors course and decide to not continue the program, you can do so. All power to you!

Do honors students have priority registration?

Unfortunately no, Honors students do not have priority registration with regular classes.

What GPA do you consider when you evaluate my application?

To initially join the Honors Program there is no minimum GPA requirement.

If I am a STEM major, do I have to take the STEM track Honors Certification route or can I complete the General Honors Certification?

It is up to you to choose which track you would like to take. It can seem like there is more work to do for the STEM track certification route, yet, if you complete them. It will provide an enriching academic experience and it will add a boost to your resume/college application.

How many units do I have to complete to be Honors Certified?

For general Honors certification, you will need to complete 15 units of Honors courses.

For STEM-tracked honors certification, you need to complete 9 units of Honors courses.

If you would like to learn more about the eligibility criteria, and steps towards Honors certification, please click here.

 

 

What's in it for me?

Honors students have access to a designated honors counselor with expertise in honors-related curricula.  You will have opportunities to hear about new honors courses, activities, speakers, and other items important to honors students.   You can also be a Fullerton College student knowing that you are getting the most you can academically from Fullerton College.

Is there a deadline to apply for the Honors Program?

No, we accept applications all year round. However, we do recommend that you submit your application at least week or two before your registration appointment. So it is  processed and you can register for any honors class you like at the time of your appointment.

Can I bring an ambassador to my High School Event?

If there’s a College Fair/Night scheduled on your high school campus, please let us know – we’d love to have a Student Ambassador attend and tell you more about the Honors Program. 

Email: honors@fullcoll.edu