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Frequently Asked Questions

What courses will I be taking and will they add extra units to my load?

Each school year, Honors students will have two special honors courses. The courses will fulfill General Education requirements and will substitute for regular GE classes. In some cases, classes may fulfill requirements within your major. In no case will the honors courses add extra units to your overall load.

Will Honors courses put even more stress on me during my first year of college?

The Honors Program is designed to provide talented and motivated students with more interesting courses suited to your academic skills. Honors courses are smaller than regular classes, and you will have closer contact with faculty. As a group, you will have opportunities to meet regularly with faculty and administrators, get to know them, and have easy access if you need academic advice. The program is designed to make your educational experience richer, not just tougher.

Do I have to live in the Honors Dorm?

All Honors students are strongly encouraged to live in the Honors Dorm their freshman year. You will live together as a group, meeting other talented students from all colleges on campus. As a group, you will have the opportunity to join special programs for Honors students and will benefit from peer contact.

What qualifications do I need to join the Honors Program?

Qualifications for the Honors Program depend on whether you're an incoming freshman, a mid-year applicant, or a transfer student. Please see Admissions pages for more information. Approximately 80-100 students per year are admitted to the program.

How can I get more information about the Honors Program?

Feel free to email (honors@calpoly.edu) or call us [(805) 756-7029] . Also, refer to the Contact section of this web site.

Do I have to ask people to write letters of recommendation for the Honors Program?

Yes, you must have 2 letters of recommendation sent to the Honors Program office by the freshmen application deadline. These can be sent separately from the rest of your application if you wish, but please note that late application materials are not accepted. At least one of these letters must be from a teacher. Please see Admissions page for more specific guidelines.