Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can I join the University Honors Program?

A: There are three components of the University Honors Program.  Each has a different application procedure:

1. Lower Division Honors
Students apply on-line to the Lower Division program through this website.  The application period is January-April. Only incoming first year students can apply to the Lower Division program.  The application deadline is April 15th of a student's senior year in high school.

2. Sophomore Honors
Students who did not apply as incoming freshmen, or applied and were not accepted, can apply to the Sophomore Honors Component of the University Honors Program.  Applications to Sophomore Honors are accepted during the spring quarter of a student's freshman year at UCR.

3. Upper Division Honors
Juniors and seniors can inquire about the Upper Division Program at the UHP Office.

Q: If I am invited to apply to the UHP does that mean that I have been admitted to UCR?  Does the letter from the UHP mean that I have actually been accepted?

A: If you received information in the mail from the UCR Honors Program, officially, you have not been admitted to UCR, but you are on track for admission. Be patient and let the paperwork process unfold. Official notification for the UC system begins February 1 for all freshman applicants. If you have additional UCR admission questions, please contact the Admissions Office at (951) 827-3411 or visit "My UCR."

Q: What are the eligibility requirements for the Lower Division University Honors Program?

A: A 3.5 high school GPA as reported on the UC system application is a mandatory criteria for eligibility.  Students who have a GPA below 3.5 are NOT eligible to apply. 

Q: What GPA do I report on the application?

A: You will not need to report your GPA on the application itself.  That information will be verified with the GPA from your system-wide University of California application.

Q: What if I took the ACT?

A: Your ACT score will be evaluated in place of the SAT.

Q: If I apply to the Honors Program and end up not going to UC Riverside, will I still have to enroll in the summer program? 

A: If there is any chance that UCR will become your first choice, you should apply to the University Honors Program. Your application to Honors does not bind you to UCR, but hopefully becomes a significant reason for submitting your intent to register to our campus.  Should you decide to attend another university, you are not required to attend SUHP.  Make sure to send in your Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) by the appropriate deadline!

Q: Do I have to attend SUHP?

A: YES Participation in the Summer University Honors Program (SUHP) is mandatory for all new admits.  Click here for more details on SUHP.  Applicants will receive more details with their acceptance information.

Q: Should I apply if I cannot attend the Summer Honors Program?

A: All UHP admits are strongly encouraged to attend the mandatory Summer Honors Program. If you have a compelling reason why you can not attend, you must submit this reason in writing to the UHP office. Once you are officially admitted to UCR and have paid the Intent to Register, you will receive additional information concerning the University Honors Program and the other requirements you will be asked to fulfill.

Q: What is the difference between Lower and Upper Division Honors?

A: Lower Division Honors is for incoming first year students ONLY.  The program is two years long.  Check out the Lower Division page for more info.  Upper Division Honors is for juniors and seniors.  Participation in Lower Division is not necessary for Upper Division Honors.  For more information check out the Upper Division page.

Q: Will being in the Honors Program make scheduling classes more difficult?

A: NO Honors students get priority registration, as a first year student you will register at the beginning of the enrollment period along with the seniors. AND, Honors students find that the UHP courses fulfill major and college requirements, which they must take as lower division students. 

Q: Do I have to live on campus to be in the University Honors Program?

A: NO Students are only required to live on campus for the summer program prior to their first year. Many commuting students are part of the University Honors Program. 

Q: Do I get priority registration as an Honors student?

A: YES Even as a first year student, you will be able to choose your classes within the first few days of the enrollment period.  This makes a great difference in getting the classes and schedule you desire.  UHP students see this as one of their favorite benefits of the University Honors Program.  Because current UCR students select Fall quarter classes during the Spring, this benefit won't be applicable to new students until you are enrolling in Winter quarter classes.

Q: What classes do I have to take?

A: As a Lower Division Honors student you must successfully complete four Honors classes within your first two years at UCR.  At least two of these classes must be seminars.  During your first year you must be enrolled in HNPG 09 (Ethics and College Student Life) and the subsequent quarterly Colloquia (HNPG 10). 

Q: Am I required to enroll in HNPG 09?

A: YES This course is mandatory for all first year Honors students, and no exceptions will be made. For questions contact the Lower Division Program Coordinator.

Q: What is the difference between an Honors seminar and an Honors section?

A: The Lower Division University Honors Program offers two types of classes to its students; seminars and sections.  Honors seminars are similar to upper division classes.  They do not have discussion sections and tend focus on a narrower topic.  These classes are 4 units, limited to about 20 students, and fulfill general breadth requirements and/or electives.  Honors seminars are listed in the schedule of classes under "HNPG."

Honors sections are discussion sections exclusively for Honors students, limited to 20 students,  and led by the professor rather than a teaching assistant.  Honors sections are listed in the schedule of classes under their subject heading and designated by an "H".  For example, an Honors section of "Introduction to Philosophy" will be listed as "PHIL 01H."

Q: What is the "Community Service & Personal Growth" Requirement?

A: Honors students must contribute to the prosperity and health of the community of which they are a member.  The University Honors Program asks its Lower Division students to participate in community service to meet this end.  A student must contribute at least 10 hours of community service per quarter.  Students must also verify their service by completing a community service verification form.  The Honors Program will introduce students to a variety of community service options.  Students are also welcome to find their own avenues for community service and draft a brief proposal to inform the Honors Program about that project. 

The personal growth aspect can be an activity that enriches the student's life in a variety of ways.  Students participate in activities like biofeedback, martial arts, speed reading classes, music, sports, etc.  If you are uncertain about your personal growth activity, just ask the Honors staff.  For more information on these topics check out the Community Service & Personal Growth pages.

If you want clarification or have any other questions please don't hesitate to contact the UHP Staff.  E-mail honors@ucr.edu