Thought I'd add this from another thread since the info applies here.
If your child doesn't qualify for the Honors College as an incoming student, he can apply while a student at UA
If your child gets a 3.3 GPA the first semester at UA, he can apply to UHP (at that point, ACT/SAT scores don't count ).
If that is of interest to a student, I would suggest taking an easier course load of Core Curriculum classes that first semester (which I recommend anyway for first-time frosh), to guarantee the GPA.
Plus, I think it's nice for kids to start out college on a good note by having a good GPA their first semester. I think it just "sets the tone." A good GPA the first semester convinces a kid that "I can do this; I can handle college." (Believe me, even so-called smart students are sometimes scared that college may be too hard for them or that "everyone will be smarter than me." My son's GF, who goes to another college, told me, "I thought everyone was going to be smarter than me; but they're not." She is a straight A student who actually feared that she'd be the "dumb one" in her pre-Pharm major. Kids!!! )
If your student qualifies and decides to apply to honors after his first semester, he should continue to mix easier and hard classes each semester to maintain his GPA (which, again, is a good idea for any student).
On a related note.....many students have higher GPAs in college than they did in high school because of their interest in their major, and because there are so many classes (of varing difficulties) that can be taken to fulfill Core classes. If your major doesn't require it, and you're not strong in science, you don't have to take chemistry to fulfill the Natural Science requirement, you can take astronomy or something else that interests you that has that N designation. Heck, it you're a music major, why should you need to sweat it out with Organic Chem? LOL
If a 3.3 is a bit too hard for any kid, that student can apply to IHP which requires a 3.0 (if interested in a foreign language and doing a study abroad). The student will still get all the honors benefits.
Honors College - International Honors
Here are the IHP requirements:
Honors College - Home
Frankly, for a lot of majors, IHP is a good thing. Becoming fluent in another language is a plus for many careers.
I think that with a *carefully-chosen schedule,* almost any dedicated student could probably do this if interested. The key is the carefully chosen schedule. I'm not suggesting basket-weaving classes, but simply choosing classes that do fill the Core req'ts that aren't too hard and are also of interest to the student to help balance a harder schedule. (Again, a student needs to check his major's req'ts to make sure a harder class isn't required.)
My sons aren't "artistic," so they knew not to take any Fine Arts classes that would be too hard or boring for them. Instead, DS1 took Honors Arts and Parody because he knew that class would be fun and fascinating - and it was. FA requirement is now filled.
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From website....
Currently, the UHP serves 20% of each incoming class of students. The UHP offers them smaller, more exciting courses with fellow Honors students and an array of enriching opportunities to grow and develop as a person.
It's our philosophy to be selective but not exclusive in our admission to the UHP: all eligible students are admitted.
Current UA students with a 3.3 GPA or transfer students with a 3.3 GPA will be accepted into the UHP upon submission of their applications. Students will be notified of their acceptance via email.
Current UA students with a 3.0 GPA or transfer students with a 3.0 GPAwill be accepted into the IHP upon submission of their applications. Students will be notified of their acceptance via email.
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I know that there's a GPA requirement to graduate in honors...see below. The honors college does not kick a kid out if he gets below the 3.3 GPA (or 3.0 for IHP) for one semester. The student is given a warning, and as long as he gets a 3.3 (or 3.0 for IHP) the next semester, he's fine. (I called the Honors College office before typing this.)
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More from the website...
How do I complete the requirements of the Honors Programs and graduate from the Honors College?
All UHP students must maintain a 3.3 GPA to graduate from the UHP. IHP students and CBHP students must maintain a 3.0 GPA to graduate from those programs. The remaining requirements for each program are different, so visit the programs' webpages to learn more. Your diploma will indicate "With Honors" upon your successful completion of the Honors Programs' requirements.
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I really like the fact that their diplomas will have "With Honors" written on them.
Now here's a hint to anyone who wants their child to eventually be in honors college and in honors housing...
If your child does not start in honors, but might qualify for honors after the first semester AND you'd like your child to be in the honors dorms, THEN...
Sometimes, there are openings in honors dorms before classes start (this year there were many openings). When that happens, Housing will let some non-honors frosh grab those empty rooms. If you nab one of those openings, then your child can be in honors housing for as long as the student wishes.
See, the housing rule is, to be in honors housing, you have to start in honors housing. So, by doing the above, a child might be able to get into honors housing, then get admitted to honors college after the first semester, and then remain in honors housing in the future.
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