FAQ
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Does an invitation to apply for University Honors mean I've been admitted to UCR?
Yes. We only invite students who have been admitted to UCR and meet our eligibility requirements. If you have questions about your UCR admission, UC-calculated GPA, or high-school transcripts, please contact Undergraduate Admissions.
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Can I apply to University Honors if I haven't committed to UCR yet?
Yes you can! Applying to University Honors doesn't commit you to UCR. However, to accept an offer of admission to Honors, you must first accept your admission to UCR by submitting your Statement of Intent to Register (SIR).
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How competitive is the University Honors admission process?
Admission to University Honors is selective, with invitations extended to high-achieving students who meet the eligibility criteria. Not all applicants will be admitted. Applications are reviewed holistically to assess academic excellence, leadership, and engagement.
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If I'm accepted to University Honors but choose to attend a different UC campus, does my Honors admission transfer?
No. You will need to contact the honors program at your chosen UC campus to learn about their admission process.
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If I don't meet the criteria as an incoming first-year student, can I apply later?
Yes. Current UCR students with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher by the end of winter quarter will be invited to apply. If accepted, they would join the program as second-year students in the following fall. Students may also be able to apply during the spring quarter of their second year to join as a third-year student.
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Can current UCR students apply to University Honors?
Yes. Current first-year and second-year UCR students with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher at the end of winter quarter will be invited to apply. Admission will be contingent upon final GPA calculations at the conclusion of spring quarter. However, current third-year and fourth-year students are not eligible due to a required minimum of two years remaining at UCR needed to complete the Honors Capstone Project.
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When is the deadline to apply?
Please refer to the application deadline stated in the invitation e-mail. We encourage applicants to apply as early as possible.
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My GPA meets the requirement, but I didn't receive and invitation. What should I do?
Invitations are sent based on GPA data provided by the University of California. If you believe you should have received an invitation but did not, please contact us at honors@ucr.edu.
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What are the benefits of joining University Honors?
University Honors offers priority course registration, smaller class sizes, faculty mentorship, opportunities for research and creative projects, and a vibrant honors community. Additionally, graduates receive special recognition at commencement and on their transcripts.
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Is there a required interview for University Honors?
No, an interview is not required as part of the application process. However, students may be asked to provide additional information if needed.
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What does the University Honors application include?
The application typically includes short essay questions, extracurricular involvement, and a statement of interest in University Honors.
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Are there any additional costs associated with University Honors?
No, there are no additional tuition or program fees for participating in University Honors.
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Can University Honors students live in a special residential community?
Yes, incoming first-year University Honors students may be eligible to live in an Honors Living-Learning Community on campus. First-Year Honors students are not required to live on campus, but if you decide to, you will be required to live at the Honors Living-Learning Community in Pentland Hills. The University Honors Living-Learning Community in Glen Mor is optional for second-year, third-year, fourth-year, and Incoming Transfer University Honors students.
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I am a rising Second-Year at UCR and I have already completed all of my Writing (010, 020, and 030) requirements. Will I still be required to take HNPG002W?
Yes. HNPG002W is a University Honors requirement that all second-year Honors students must complete. While the course also fulfills the University's WRIT030 requirement for students who have not yet completed it, it does not replace or duplicate credit for those who have already satisfied that requirement.
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Would it be possible for me to take HNPG002W in the Winter or Spring Quarter?
No, HNPG002W is a required course for second-year Honors students and is only offered in the fall quarter. If you are not eligible for or do not enroll in HNPG002W, your admission to the Honors program will be rescinded.
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I've been admitted to Honors and accepted my offer. When do I get priority registration?
New students will receive priority registration starting in the winter quarter of their first year in the program. Please note that priority registration time tickets are set before your acceptance into University Honors, and your status will not be updated in the system until summer.
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I am a current UCR student who was recently admitted. When can I register for my required Honors course?
Current UCR students can register for required Honors courses during the fall quarter second-pass registration period. New first-year and transfer students can register for their courses during their advising session at Highlander Orientation.
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What is the Honors living-learning community, and am I required to live there?
The University Honors living-learning community (LLC) allows Honors students to live together with a faculty-in-residence in dedicated residence hall areas (Pentland Hills or Glen Mor). This helps create a close-knit community ad provides extra mentoring and programming. Living in the LLC is not a requirement. However, Incoming first-year Honors students who choose to live on campus must reside in the Honors LLC in Pentland Hills. For second, third, and fourth-year students, as well as incoming transfer students, living in Glen Mor community is optional. Housing assignments are managed by UCR Housing Services, and living in the LLC is not guaranteed, so you should apply for housing as early as possible.
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As a first-year student, can I room with a non-Honors student?
No, the Honors LLC in Pentland Hills is exclusively for University Honors students.
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I'm planning to graduate early. Can I still complete the Honors requirements?
Yes. We support students on accelerated academic paths and will work with you to adjust your requirements. This requires confirmation from your academic advisor.
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Can I decline my Honors admissions offer?
If you no longer wish to participate in the Honors Program, please notify us via email. We are happy to discuss your decision and next steps with you.