Frequently Asked Questions

What is the University of Wyoming Honors Program?

The Honors Program is a set of opportunities. Innovative classes promote exploration and discussion of important issues and ideas: what is chaos theory? Postmodernism? Sociobiology? What are the social and scientific challenges of the HIV/AIDS epidemic? How does dance embody cultural values? What is a university and why do we have them? Small classes (20 or fewer students) offer the chance to get to know other students well and to work closely with faculty. These sorts of classes (five in all) and the senior research project are the academic heart of the Honors Program. In addition, the Honors Program and the Honors student organization offer scholarships and promote off-campus study, sponsor service activities and organize social and cultural events, provide housing and support research.

Who participates in the Program?

Honors students come from every undergraduate college and almost every major. Among the 600+ members of the Honors Program are varsity athletes, hardcore fans of The Simpsons, members of sororities and fraternities, grandparents, leaders in student government, students active in theater, art, and music, rodeo competitors, and students interested in everything from paleontology and opera to partisan politics and volunteer service.

Do I qualify for the University Honors Program?

If you are an entering freshman and have a high school GPA of 3.7 or a composite ACT scores of at least 28 or a total of 1240 on the SAT, you meet the requirements. If you do not meet at least one of these criteria and are interested in Honors, write a letter to the director and explain why you want to participate. Members of the Honors Advisory Committee will review your letter and let you know of their decision.

If you are a transfer student or a currently-enrolled UW student, you need to meet two requirements: you must have at least four semesters remaining before graduation and you need at least a 3.25 college GPA. Some of the courses which you have already taken may fulfill freshman and sophomore Honors course requirements.

If I am interested in joining the Program, can I visit classes and talk with students?

Yes. If you are coming for a campus visit, contact Lillian Wise (307-766-4110 or email honors@uwyo.edu) to make arrangements.

Are there scholarships for Honors students?

Yes.  Each year the Honors Program awards over $200,000 in scholarships! See the scholarship page for more information.

What about Honors housing?

Honors students have the option of living on the Honors floors in White Hall or in the Honors House, a recently renovated sorority house next to the residence halls. See the honors living page for more information.

Will Honors courses hurt my GPA?

Average grades in Honors courses are very close to the average of the grades which Honors students earn in their other courses. In the spring of 2000, freshmen earned an average GPA of 3.39 in their Honors course, and their grades in their other courses averaged out to 3.37. Including all honors courses, the averages were 3.46 for Honors and 3.48 for other courses in which Honors students enrolled.

Will being in the Honors Program help me get into a great medical, law, or business school? Or a top-rated graduate school? Or get a job?

For lots of reasons, the answer is probably yes, but there is no hard evidence on these issues. The Honors Program is designed to broaden your knowledge, to increase your thinking and communication skills, and to provide you with research experience. Because these qualities are important to a law school or a business school or a potential employer, Honors should help.

If I am in the Honors Program, will I get to know other students?

Yes! Many Honors graduates say that they have met lifelong friends in HP classes and Honors housing. Honors is only a part of the undergraduate experience, and you'll no doubt have plenty of time to make friends outside of the Program as well.

What's WHO and what do they do?

WHO (the Wyoming Honors Organization) is an active group of Honors students who organize social and cultural events, take responsibility for the fall freshman retreat and the spring awards dinner, help select courses and award scholarships, read to students at local elementary schools, and represent the UW Honors Program at regional and national conferences. See the WHO page for more information on the group and upcoming events.

Will taking Honors Program requirements mean that I need extra courses to graduate?

In the vast majority of cases, the answer is no. Honors courses fulfill all-university requirements which students need to meet in any case.

Is there a GPA requirement in order to stay in the Honors Program?

Yes. Honors students need to maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.25 in order to remain in good standing in the program. If a GPA falls below that, you are placed on probation. Probation means that you can take honors classes and participate in activities but are ineligible for scholarships.

Does the Honors Program cost more?

No. Tuition and fees are the same for Honors students as for other UW students.

Can I stay in Honors and study at another university for a semester or a year?

Yes. In fact, the Honors Program has scholarships to help students participate in international student exchanges and the National Student Exchange. A course which you take while on exchange often fulfills an Honors Program requirement.

Where can I find out about Honors Program classes?

You can pick up a brochure in the Honors Program office (Merica Hall room 102), or see the classes page for more information on current course offerings.

Will the Honors Program help me to prepare for national scholarship competitions?

Yes. Many students come to the Honors Program for help, including many students not in the Program. See the scholarship page for information about the Rhodes, Marshall, Truman, Mellon, Goldwater, Hughes, NSF, and other scholarships.

Where can I find out about credits earned through AP, IB, and CLEP exams?

Honors Program office staff can help you with that, as can the Admissions Office. Also see the transfer credit page for more information on transferring credits from other institutions.

Last Updated on 10/13/2008 9:40:11 AM