Eligibility and application procedure

Q: I am a high school student who is interested in the Honors College at William Paterson. Who is eligible to apply?

The University Honors College typically admits students who have a record of honors, advanced placement, or international baccalaureate courses, at least a B+ high school average, and SAT scores on the critical reading and math sections of the exam of 1200 and above.

Q: How do I apply?

Interested students should complete an Honors application form. A one-page essay is also required. Links to the Honors application form are on the Honors website.

Q: I don’t meet the requirements listed above. May I still apply to the Honors College?

Yes. First year students who do not meet the traditional requirements will be considered on a case by case basis. The essay portion of the Honors application is important as it gives applicants an opportunity to address issues that might normally preclude them from being in Honors. For example, your SAT score might be low simply because you tend not to do well on standardized tests. The essay gives you an opportunity to explain this and tell why you feel you are still a strong candidate for the Honors College.

Q: I am planning to transfer to William Paterson. Can I still join the Honors College?

Transfer students and current William Paterson students who have at least a 3.0 GPA may self-select into Honors. Please call 973.720.3657 for more information.

 

Residential Opportunities

Q: Is special housing available for Honors students?

Yes. Students in the Honors College have the opportunity to live in residential communities located in our new residence halls. Many classes are taught in the residence halls, and the community sponsors events that bring academic questions into the living community. Students have the opportunity to go on field trips, watch and discuss films with professors, and be a part of a larger community of student scholars. Honors students are guaranteed placement in High Mountain East, and most Honors students are grouped in clusters on the top floor. Wheel chair accessible rooms are available.

Q: How do I apply for Honors Housing?

If you would like to request Honors housing, simply attach a copy of your letter of acceptance to the Honors College to your housing application. For more information, please contact Ms. Rebecca Fegeley, Coordinator of Residence Education and Programming at 973.720.5269.

 

Honors Curriculum

Q: What courses will I take my first year?

First year students are typically placed in a cluster of General Education Courses. Honors clusters are a group of three courses which are taught together as a package. The courses meet in succession on their specified days, and each class is comprised of the same group of students. Once a week all three instructors meet together with the students in a plenary session to explore the connections in the three disciplines. For example, last semester an Honors cluster with English, History, and Philosophy was offered. The plenary sessions included interdisciplinary conversations about important works in the literary canon, like Oedipus and Antigone. One of the highlights of the semester was a field trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Students in majors with a very structured GE curriculum such as Music and Art enroll in individual Honors courses. The Honors College staff works closely with other academic departments and the office of the Registrar to ensure that students are enrolled in the courses applicable to their major.

Q: What courses do upper level Honors students take?

Sophomore level students enter an Honors Track, a set of courses designed to enhance a student’s major. In order to complete a track and graduate from the Honors College, students must complete a final Honors project which is typically a research project or a creative project. Students receive extensive faculty mentoring as they progress through the tracks. Please see the “Curriculum” section of the Honors website for more information about Honors tracks.

Q: Are Honors weighted differently?

No.  

Other

Q: I am an athlete. Can I still participate in Honors?

Yes. The Honors College staff will contact your coach to ensure that you are not scheduled for classes that conflict with your practice or game schedule.