FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

The Honors College admission is competitive. Candidates for admission must fulfill at least one of the following criteria depending on their classification:

  • Entering Freshmen:
    • Combined Reading/Writing and Math SAT score of 1270 (test taken during or after March 2016); Combined Critical Reading and Math SAT score of 1200 (test taken prior to March 2016)
    • An ACT score of 27
    • The upper 10% of their high school graduating class
  • Currently enrolled or transfer students:
    • A 3.35 G.P.A.

Though you must meet the above criteria, admission is not based solely on grades or scores. The Admissions Committee looks for evidence in the application of strong analytic and imaginative abilities. A good essay is an important consideration in the admission process.

The Honors College offers students the opportunity to obtain an exceptional education in a small academic community within the larger University. The Honors curriculum is designed to offer a special interdisciplinary emphasis at each level of the student's academic career. UTA's Honors College is one of only six such institutions in the state of Texas.
New Honors students must be advised by an Honors Advisor during their first semester at UTA, and are encouraged to be advised early in the semester, or they will lose their Honors status and privileges. There is no probationary period for students who fail to make and keep this appointment. All Honors students must maintain a 3.2 grade point average. Progress is reviewed each semester. If a student loses their Honors status, they must reapply to the Honors College if they wish to regain it.
Participation in the outstanding Honors academic program is the principal benefit. Some of the other tangible benefits are: Honors Degree, Sense of Community, Award-Winning Faculty, Small Class Size, Affordable Study Abroad Programs, Wide Range of Honors Courses, Honors Scholarships, Research Assistantships, Extended Library Privileges, Priority Registration, Honors Library and Computer Lab, Special Honors Events, Honors Designation on Transcript, Special Recognition at Graduation.
Honors courses are designed to offer a challenging interdisciplinary perspective to students who enjoy a rigorous program of study. Emphasis is on allowing students more personal involvement, discussion time, and interaction with Honors faculty and other Honors students. Typically, Honors students do much better in their Honors courses than their regular courses because of the small class size and the opportunity for individual contributions. Grades in Honors courses are computed exactly as in other courses. Faculty set the standards, taking into account the different nature of the Honors courses; students are not penalized for participating.
Honors courses are not "accelerated" as are many high school honors courses. Instead they are designed to offer greater flexibility in teaching techniques, more faculty/student interaction, and a deeper understanding of the subject matter. Honors courses satisfy many of the regular University requirements and correspond closely to regular sections in preparing students for further courses.

In an effort to provide students with an exceptional academic experience, the Honors College seeks to designate for Honors credit courses taught by some of the most rigorous faculty in the university. By the same token, students are encouraged to seek out challenging courses. Only instructors who are full-time, tenured/tenure-track faculty members or full-time lecturers may supervise this contract. Graduate students, part-time instructors, and adjunct faculty members cannot supervise Honors contract course work.

The same policy holds for designation of professors to mentor Honors Senior Projects. Only instructors who are full-time, tenured/tenure-track faculty members or full-time lecturers may mentor Senior Projects. Graduate students, part-time instructors, and adjunct faculty members cannot supervise Honors Senior Projects.