Frequently Asked Questions

Incoming | Current Students | Honors Courses | Completion | List-Servs

What are the benefits of being in the Honors Program?

I meet the requirements for the Honors Program. How do I apply?
A: If you are admitted to UF, you will receive a letter in your admissions packet inviting you to apply for the Honors Program. The invitation contains a link to the online Honors Application, which must be completed and returned by the deadline given in the invitation. After we've evaluated your application, you will receive an email letting you know your admission status for the Honors Program.

I don't meet the criteria for admission into the Program, or I did not turn in the application on time? How do I re-apply? (Lateral Admissions)
A: We do have a very competitive process known as Lateral Admissions. If you did not get into the Honors Program initially, then at the end of your first Fall semester you can apply for admission to the program. We admit a very small number of students based upon their involvement, GPA (3.5 minimum), course load and other criteria. Interested students must carefully prepare their application materials and submit them by the specified deadline. Note: If you are accepted you are required to take an Honors class in the spring.

Does the Honors Program provide scholarships to incoming students?
A: Students coming into the Honors Program who are Florida residents are most likely eligible for Florida Bright Futures scholarships provided by the state of Florida. In addition, those students who qualify for the nationally awarded National Merit or National Achievement scholarships are also automatically made eligible for the Honors Program. Ultimately, though, no specific Honors-only scholarships are offered to incoming freshmen by our office.

Do earlier preview sessions mean better class selection?
A: No. Each Preview session has a limited allotment of seats in every class that are opened for registration. The same number of seats are opened by the UF computers for the first Preview session as for the final one.

What is Honors housing?
A: Once you are officially a member of the Honors program you will be eligible for Honors housing. You will be sent information on housing so that you may select the Honors Residential College at Hume Hall. This form will verify to Housing that you are Honors-eligible and override prior housing selections. Space in Honors housing is limited. You are not required to live in Honors housing but many Honors students regard it as a rewarding experience.

What are the requirements for remaining in the Honors Program?
A: Honors students are required to maintain a 3.0 cumulative UF GPA in order to remain in the program. In order to receive the Certificate of Completion, students must complete four honors courses in addition to an Enhancing the Undergraduate Experience opportunity.

Do Honors students take an all-honors course load?
A: No. Incoming Honors students are only allowed to take ONE Honors course in their first semester. The Honors courses are taken in addition to, or in place of, the non-honors classes required for a student's major, minor, or general education requirements. After their first semester, Honors students may register for ONE or TWO honors courses each semester in their remaining 3 semesters in our program.

Do Honors students register early for all classes?
A: No. Students in the Honors Program receive priority registration for HONORS CLASSES ONLY. Each semester, about 2 weeks prior to regular registration, current Honors students register for one or two Honors classes . At their regular registration appointment time about 2 weeks later, they register for the remainder of their non-honors schedule. Incoming Freshmen invited into the Honors Program choose their Honors course preferences by mail before Preview. The registration for their non-Honors courses happens at the Honors Office on the second day of Preview at the same time all non-Honors students are register.

Will I graduate with Honors?
A: The individual college for your major controls graduation with honors. You may still graduate with honors even if you are not in the Honors Program as a first- or second-year student. The UF Honors Program is only a 4-semester, introductory-level program to acclimate incoming students to UF with small, challenging courses, top faculty, and more personalized advising. Graduation with Honors is based on your major and individual college requirements handled by its upper division honors program. It is not affiliated with our Honors Program. You can contact the advisor for your major for more specific information.

What kind of recognition is there for completing the Honors Program?
A: The Honors classes you take will be noted as Honors classes on your transcript. If you have completed the program by the time you receive your Associate of Arts degree, the degree will be awarded to you with honors. The Honors office will award you a Certificate of Completion.

How do I submit an article to the Honors Daily Opportunities or Gator Times List-Servs?
A: For the Honors Daily Update, go to www.honors.ufl.edu/honorsdaily.html . For the University of Florida Gator Times go to www.honors.ufl.edu/wedupdate.html.