Frequently Asked Questions

Which application do I fill out?

All applications are based on your Student Type.

First-Time, First Year:
Recent high school graduates and students who have not previously attended ISU or another university/college (not including Dual Enrollment or Early College courses taken in High School).

Late Admittance:
Undergraduate students who are currently attending ISU. This does not include Early College/Dual Enrollment students.

Transfer:
Students transferring to ISU from another college/university.

International:
Students who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States. International students may also qualify as either a First-Time, First Year student or a Transfer student.

When do I need to apply?

First-Time, First-Year and Transfer students should apply by the priority deadline for entry in the upcoming Fall semester. The UHP typically does not have seats available for Spring semester starts.

Late Admittance students have no application deadline and are always considered.

Who can I ask for help?

We have both amazing staff and peer mentors that are always happy to help with any questions you may have about the application process and Honors life. You may also send an email to honors@isu.edu or fill out the Request Honors Information form.

What does the workload look like with Honors?

The Honors curriculum is designed for deeper learning across the disciplines and taught by faculty from across campus. The curriculum offers the vast majority of the nine General Education Objective requirements by offering classes in each of the objectives every Fall and Spring semester.

Through Honors Contracts with individual faculty members, you have the ability to deepen your learning in most classes, both upper- and lower-division, across campus.

Are there any required courses or events?

The required courses for Honors students are HONS 1100: Introduction to University Honors Program and HONS 3391: Honors Seminar. Additional information and recommended Honors courses are also available.

For events, the students will attend one meeting each semester called the "Bi-Annual Honors Meeting" (BAHM). These are offered on multiple days at different times during a set week in the semester, and each time slot has multiple topics that students can pick from.

Lastly, students are expected to participate in at least 1 UHP Event each semester. These are social or service activities found on campus, and the list of events is sent out in the Weekly Update.

Distinction vs. Degree vs. Civic Scholar: What's the difference?

The Honors Distinction, Honors Degree, and Honors Civic Scholar are three of the designations that you can earn while in the program. Below is a table that accurately summarizes their differences, but additional information is available in Graduating With Honors.

Honors Distinction	Honors Degree	Bobette Wilhelm Civic Scholars Program*
19 Total Honors Credits	32 Honors Credits + Completion of Honors Thesis/Project	9 Credits + completion of 200 service hours
18 Honors Credits from Honors sections and/or contracted courses.	23 Honors Credits from Honors sections and/or contracted courses. ≥ 1 Honors Credit from HONS 3393 or HONS 4493 (thesis credits) ≥ 6 Honors Credits of upper division Honors contract courses (3 of which may be HONS 4493 thesis credits)	1 Honors Credit from HONS 3301: Introduction to Civic Engagement 2 Honors Credits from HONS 3302: Civic Engagement and Research Seminar 4 Honors Credits from HONS 4482: Applied Civic Engagement 1 Honors Credit from HONS 4494: Civic Engagement Capstone
1 Honors Credit from HONS 3391: Honors Seminar	2 Honors Credit from HONS 3391: Honors Seminar	1 Honors Credit from HONS 3391: Honors Seminar * The honors credits from the Civic Scholars program can count toward an honors distinction or honors degree. Students who complete these requirements will earn a Certificate in Civic Engagement (nine credits) as a formal academic credential in addition to receiving a special stole at Honors Commencement to recognize their achievement.

What leadership opportunities are available within Honors?

Honors students can serve the Honors community through becoming Honors Peer Mentors, Honors Envoys, or CPIs for the UHP.

What are the benefits of being in Honors?

While there are many reasons to be involved in Honors, the following is a list of the most-common benefits that Honors students receive:

- Priority Course Registration
- Honors-Only Scholarships
- Individualized Advising
- Undergraduate Research Opportunities
- Leadership Experience Opportunities
- Honors-Only Course Options
- Personal Connections with ISU Professors and Instructors
- Social & Service Activities

What scholarships are available for new Honors students?

First-Year, First-Time and Transfer Honors students are eligible for the Honors Scholarship Package.

Idaho Residents are eligible for New Incoming Resident Scholarships.

Additional scholarships for ISU students are posted on the Bengal Online Scholarship System (BOSS).

What if I'm a Late Admit student?

While you won't be eligible for the Honors Scholarship Package, you are able to apply for any of the Current Honors Student Scholarships.