Frequently Asked Questions
If there are other topics you think should be on this page, please send comments or suggestions to fhsuhonorscollege@fhsu.edu.
What makes the FHSU Honors College different from other honors programs?
The FHSU Honors College offers more than research opportunities and academic encouragement. We are a community. We want to see you succeed. Once you are here, we are your biggest fans. You will find a supportive student community, along with faculty and staff who aim to provide not only support to help you succeed in college but opportunities that we hope you will carry with you throughout your life.
We want students to be involved with how the program is shaped. You can sit on committees, work in staff positions, and make sure this program benefits you and your classmates in the way you want it to.
How do I apply?
After you complete the FHSU general application and receive your Tiger ID number, go to the Honors College Admissions page to review the admission expectations and deadlines. You will fill out some basic information, attach a resume, and respond to a few short essay questions. You may also consider completing a short introduction video or providing links to show any of your accomplishments--academic or otherwise. Contact us if you have any questions about applying! It's not a test, we're glad to help.
What are the Admission requirements?
Along with a thorough application, we expect to see a 3.5 cumulative GPA (weighted or unweighted). ACT/SAT test scores may be submitted for reference and scholarship consideration, but are not used as a standard for general admission to the Honors College. Our Admissions Committee is looking for complete and well-written short essays, academic and/or community engagement, and a willingness to go above and beyond the basics to get the most out of your opportunities.
Should I apply early?
If you want to increase your chances of being awarded a scholarship, the earlier the better! Aim for the scholarship priority deadline of November 15th, as that will be the first application review for the next incoming class. If you are planning on retaking the ACT/SAT you may update us on any score increases. Even if you have already been accepted into the Honors College and/or awarded an Honors College scholarship increased test scores may make you eligible for other scholarships. (A decrease in score will not change your eligibility, we accept the highest score achieved.) After the initial offer of Honors College membership or scholarships we usually cannot offer upgrades to you until the end of the admission cycle. We do have a limited number of scholarships, so applying early is your best chance, but not your only chance. It is possible a scholarship will become available if it was not accepted by another applicant.
Do you accept the ACT Superscore?
Yes! We always accept your highest score, which includes the ACT Superscore.
Can I update my ACT score after I apply?
Please do let us know if you receive an updated score. While we cannot guarantee availability, it is possible that you will become eligible for more scholarships, or that one may come available that was not available when you applied.
I already have college credit, can I still apply?
Definitely! We prefer traditional undergraduates have at least 4 full semesters left in your undergraduate program to complete the program. Admission expectations for online or non-traditional students will vary. If you are unsure on the amount of time you will remain in your undergrad or at FHSU, you are welcome to discuss with Honors College staff and we can help you decide if we are the right option for you at the time.
Can FHSU Online or adult learner/non-traditional students apply?
Yes! Online and adult learner/non-traditional students are welcome and encouraged to contact the Honors College to determine eligibility for Honors College admission.
Is there a cost to be in the Honors College?
There are no fees to apply or join. Any Honors courses are the same cost as regular courses.
Can I get a scholarship?
We have several scholarships available. The Regents, Tier 1, and Tier 2 scholarships cover significant costs. Find more information and eligibility requirements here. Many students are also eligible for automatic freshman and transfer scholarships, as well as many donor funded or departmental scholarships. For more information please visit: https://www.fhsu.edu/finaid/scholarships/.
Can I still participate in my other extra-curricular activities?
Yes, in fact it is part of our program expectations. The Honors College aims to reward involvement, not tack on more work.
I’m on an FHSU athletic team, will I have the time to complete all requirements?
We have many student athletes in our ranks, and understand they may have especially significant time commitments. The study hours for freshmen are half for student athletes (they have additional study commitments for their athletics requirements) and participating in FHSU sports is an activity that can count toward program engagement. If you find that you are struggling to meet all your requirements, don't hesitate to contact any of the Honors College staff or our Director. We are here to help.
Do Honors College students get together for social activities?
Often! We have monthly planned activities, the peer mentor groups have independent social activities, and we welcome social and fun activities in our community spaces. They aren’t just for homework!
What is the Peer Mentor Program?
The Peer Mentor Program partners existing students with first-year students to help navigate some of the challenges of transitioning to college life. Your mentors are there to support you, guide you, and help you find all the resources you might need here on campus.
Can I participate in an LLC (Living Learning Community)?
Unfortunately, Honors College students are not able to participate in an additional Living Learning Community.
Do I have to take a lot of Honors classes?
The Freshman Seminar (UNIV101), Honors Critical Thinking Seminar, and Senior Capstone are the only specifically required courses in the program. We highly suggest you take others, as you can work them into your schedule, and they will always count as an Honors Experience! Different Honors courses are offered every semester and we add more variety every year. These courses are chosen by a committee of faculty, staff, and students. We will share the Honors courses each semester.
Are Honors classes harder?
Honors courses are not designed to simply be more or harder work. The goal is to delve into topics that a standard class may not have the capacity to present in the same way. We want our courses to be adequately challenging or thought provoking, but we do not intend to have a course that packs on more work just for the sake of work.
Do I have to live in the dorms?
All first-year freshmen are expected to live in Honors housing in Tiger Village for their first year. Ellis County residents may opt to live at home if they will not be living on campus. Some scholarships require that the student live in Honors housing in order to receive the room and board portion of the scholarship. Any Honors College student is eligible to live on the Honors floor if they wish!
Can I visit before I apply?
We hope you do! Contact us or FHSU Admissions to schedule a visit!
What is an Honors Experience?
To successfully complete the program requires a number of Honors Experiences. Honors Freshman Seminar, Honors Critical Thinking, and Honors Capstone count as Honors Experiences. As an incoming first-year student (assuming you would complete in 8 semesters) you would be required to complete 8 Honors Experiences—Freshman Seminar, Critical Thinking, and Capstone fulfill 3, you will want to earn 5 more, getting you to 8 total. Honors courses fulfill the credit requirement. For non-credit experiences there are activities considered Automatic Honors Experiences, and other Honors Experiences can be fulfilled with an Honors Experience Contract. Automatic Honors Experiences may include: internships, applying for Nationally Competitive Scholarships, study abroad, leadership roles, or professional presentations or performances. Honors Experience Contracts may include: research, community engagement, creative works, or a course conversion (essentially, creating an Honors level experience from a non-Honors course).
What is an Honors Experience Contract?
An Honors Experience Contract is an agreement with a mentor (usually with an instructor or with an outside organization/project) that outlines a project you will complete under their guidance (individually or as part of a larger project) which will serve as an Honors Experience. They are similar to an independent study. Check out the contract form on the website (under the Resources and Forms tab) or talk to a member of staff to go over the requirements.
Will I have to do extra work to be part of the Honors College?
When the Honors College Admissions Committee selects applicants, they are looking for those that represent some of our mission pillars: Academic Excellence, Engagement, Leadership, and Personal Growth. Most of the high-achieving students we see are already doing things that we love to see, and they continue to be involved in similar activities in college. We hope to encourage you to recognize and participate in all of the unique opportunities here on campus, and branch out in ways you maybe haven’t before.
Do Honors College students have input in the program?
Absolutely! We feel that the best way to develop student potential is through hands-on application and experience. We are committed to the inclusion of students in major roles in the Honors College. Multiple student positions and committee positions are available.
Can I pick my roommate on the Honors floor?
Residence Life makes their best effort to meet all requests. Non-honors roommates can be requested to room with you in Honors housing. Contact the Honors College Administrative Specialist or Residence Life with any requests.
Will I have the opportunity to engage in research with professors?
Definitely. FHSU's Undergraduate Research Experience initiative, one of many research opportunities, is a university highlight and strongly encourages partnerships between faculty and students, even from early points in a student's college career. To learn more about URE, check out their website: https://www.fhsu.edu/research/students/undergraduate
What does the Admissions Committee consider important when selecting new Honors College members?
The Honors College Admissions Committee is a dedicated group of students, faculty, and staff members who review each application. It is important that the written material show thoughtful, logical, and well-edited responses. The committee likes to see applicants who are passionate and excited about their future, and hold a sense of curiosity and desire for learning. A thorough resume is important to show your leadership roles, community impact, and work ethic. You are more than a GPA; BRAG about yourself! We know this can be difficult, especially with limited time and opportunity. But where you can--we want to see your personality, your work, your goals, what you’re proud of, what you enjoy, and what you hold to be most important. A student doesn’t have to already embody the entire mission of the Honors College; that’s why we’re here, we want to build upon where you are and challenge you to discover how these opportunities will guide you in your life after college.
Watch: Why I Joined the Honors College...
What is it like to live in Hays?
Hays is a wonderful and unique community located in the heart of Kansas, just off Interstate 70. You’re midway between Denver and Kansas City, with several other larger cities just a few hours away. Hays combines small town living with university town living. It’s a great place to live and learn! When you’re ready to get away for a while, or soothe some homesickness, there’s a regional airport just minutes away. Read more about Hays here: www.fhsu.edu/visitors/About-Hays/index or www.haysusa.com
Want to text us a question?
Our mobile number is: 785-639-3508
