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Answers to our most frequently-asked Honors questions can be found here. Can’t find the answer to your question? E-mail us at honors@rmc.edu.

Are Honors Courses Harder or More Work Than a Regular Course? If I Join Honors, Will my Grades Be Worse Because of It?

No – honors courses are not designed to be more difficult or more work than a regular course.ÌýÌýThey are designed to simply be a different type of experience that is generally more participatory, exploratory, and creative.ÌýÌýAverage final grades in Honors courses are generally higher than non-Honors courses at the College, and Honors students generally have higher GPAs than non-Honors students. 

How Many Extra Courses Will I Have to Take if I Join the Honors Program?

The Honors Program at RMC is designed not to add extra courses to a student’s load. The three 100-200 level courses that our students take will double count – both for general education requirements at RMC and for an Honors program requirement.ÌýÌýThe only other required course is HONR 300, which students can count for Honors and all as an elective, which all RMC students are required to take.ÌýÌý  

Can I Join the Honors Program and be a Member of an Anthletic Team (Or Other Activity)?

Absolutely! The proportion of student-athletes in and outside of the Honors Program are similar to one another (approximately 25%). There are student-athletes within the Honors Program from nearly every sports team. Honors students tend to be involved in numerous activities on campus (intramurals, ESports, Show Choir, theater, leadership programs, Greek life, etc.), often engaging in more activities than non-Honors students.

Can I Join the Honors Program and Complete Nursing, Engineering, Pre-Med, {Name Your Major}?

Yes! This is an important question and one prospective students should explore when comparing Honors Programs. At 51³Ô¹ÏÍø, students can complete any major and be a member of the Honors Program. Our curriculum is designed to satisfy part of the General Education requirements required of all students, regardless of major/minor choice.

Does the Honors Program Offer Any Academic Scholarships?

No, the Honors Program does not offer additional academic scholarships for participation. The RMC Honors Program wants students who are interested in joining a community of learners, rather than students motivated by a financial incentive. All honors students receive merit-based scholarships from the College, regardless of their continued participation in the program.

How Does Housing in the Honors Dorm (Andrews Hall) Work? Am I Guaranteed a Spot in that Dorm if I Commit to Honors?

The wing of Andrews Hall bordering the north side of the football field is reserved for Honors Students.ÌýÌýThe first floor of that wing is the Honors Living-Learning Commons, and is entirely composed of Honors freshmen; in order to live on that wing, both students in a room must be in the Honors Program.ÌýÌýHonors students may also be placed in the other wings of Andrews. Students are placed into Andrews Hall by their date of deposit & the date that they indicate their intent to join our program.ÌýÌýFor more questions about this, contact the Office of Residence Life. 

Do I Have to Live with Someone in the Honors Program, or can I Choose My Roomate?

You can do either! If you choose a roommate who is not a member of the Honors Program then you will not be eligible to live in the Honors Living-Learning Community in Andrews Hall. Depending on your deposit date, you may be housed in Andrews or across the street in Freshman Village. 

If I Join the Honors Program, Am I Making A Commitment for my Entire College Career? Will I be at a Disadvantage if I leave the Program?

No. Membership in the Honors Program is voluntary, and students may leave the program at any time without penalty.ÌýÌýA student who leaves the Honors Program will need to reapply to the program in order to reenter the program.

How Do I Know if I am Qualified to Receive an Application to the Honors Program?

Incoming first year students who have a recalculated high school GPA of 3.75 or higher are invited to apply to our program.ÌýÌý51³Ô¹ÏÍø recalculates applicants’ high school GPAs based on a 5-point grading scale.ÌýÌýCurrent 51³Ô¹ÏÍø students with a 3.25 GPA (freshmen) or 3.5 GPA (sophomores or juniors) may apply to our program as internal applicants during the open admissions period in January term.

I Think I Should Have Received an Honors Prorgam Application, but I Have Not Received One. Why?

Students who are being considered for a full-tuition scholarship to 51³Ô¹ÏÍø will not receive their application to the Honors Program until after their Presidential Scholarship has been determined.  If you didn’t receive an application but do not believe you are being considered for a full-tuition scholarship, please contact your admissions officer. 

Once I Submit My Application, When Will I Hear Back?

We try to send out responses to our applications within two weeks of receiving them.ÌýÌýIf you don’t hear back from us, please e-mail us at honors@rmc.edu.ÌýÌý