Frequently Asked Questions
The Honors Program in one word.
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Why should I want to be part of FHP?
The opportunity to enroll in English 250H, a special section of Library 160, and the Freshman
Honors Seminar, as well as honors sections of introductory
classes. FHP members will also have a chance to participate in the Mentor Program and be involved
in Honors social activities, including retreats, intramural athletic competitions, College Bowl
teams, theater trips, dinners with faculty members, and numerous other informal social gatherings.
What academic advantages does the ISU Honors program provide me with?
Better staff/faculty; smaller class sizes; priority registration; the senior Honors project gives
students opportunities to do research that other undergrads don’t;
Honors-only seminars ;
Freshman Mentor Program.
What’s the difference between an Honors Section & a regular course?
Honors sections are not designed to be any more difficult than regular sections. The basic
differences between honors sections and regular sections are the class size and the instructional
approach. Honors sections are limited to 25 students, while regular sections of these particular
classes may have as many as 400 students. This smaller class size allows more interaction among
students and instructor, provides more flexibility in the instruction, and gives students the
opportunity to pursue special topics and independent study. Most students find honors sections
to be more interesting, enjoyable, and worthwhile than the regular sections.
What’s the difference between Honors Courses & regular courses?
As an alternative to large lecture classes, Honors students are able to take a Honors section that
is typically limited to 15-25 students. These classes cover what the regular sections do as well as
supplementing the material with an exploration of new ideas and concepts.
Are the classes harder in Honors?
It depends on the course and the instructor: classes tend to be more in depth and more challenging.
There is a tendency to have more work, but there is easier access to instructors due to the smaller
class sizes. Also, because the material is more in depth, the lectures may be more interesting and
involving than a regular class. Your classmates will be Honors students who want to do well, so it
is easier to get help from classmates by forming study groups.
What percentage of my classes would be Honors per semester, and overall?
First semester, the only required Honors classes are English 250H, Library 160 and the Freshman Honors Seminar.
After the first semester, the Honors class requirements depend on each college. Honors students
can take as many Honors classes as they want, and can turn regular courses into Honors courses.
What are the requirements to graduate with Honors?
Requirements depend on college. All students must complete a senior Honors project.
What is the Mentor Program?
FHP students may choose to participate in the Mentor Program during the spring semester. The Mentor
Program introduces students to research and the research process by matching them with faculty members
doing research in an area of interest to the students. Students spend three to six hours a week on the
research project and receive one or two credits of Honors independent study. As a result of this
introduction to research, some students have continued to work with the professor's research project
and have become a regular part of the research team. The University Honors Program believes this
program has the potential to benefit both Iowa State faculty and the Honors students by enabling
freshman to become involved in the pursuit of knowledge and scholarship outside of the typical
classroom experience.
How does AP/IB credit work?
- Advanced Placement (AP) Exam credit:
Iowa State University participates in the Advanced Placement program of the College Board. The
College Board offers national examinations that allow students to qualify for advanced placement
or academic credit at many colleges and universities. The exams are administered each May. Official
scores must be sent to the Office of Admissions directly from the College Board. For specific
equivalencies, see the Iowa State
Admissions AP web site.
- International Baccalaureate (IB) Exam Credit:
This program offers college preparatory courses at high schools and colleges in the United States
and abroad. The examinations are given in the high school at the conclusion of the courses. You should
have an original examination report sent from the International Baccalureate North America office sent
to Iowa State (the CEEB code is 6306). For more information, contact your guidance counselor or visit
www.ibo.org. For specific equivalencies, see the
Iowa State Admissions IB web site.
When is the application process timeline, and how do I apply?
Once a student has applied and been accepted to ISU, the Honors Program will send an application to those
students who have a 30 ACT composite OR are top 5% in their graduating classes OR are a National Merit
Semi-finalist. If you have not received an application and are still interested, please download the Class of 2008 FHP Application and mail the completed and signed form to the Freshman Honors Program, Iowa State University, 2130 Jischke Honors Building, Ames IA 50011-1150. You may also email the Honors Program to request an application. Acceptance into Honors is on a rolling basis; the final deadline to apply for the Freshman Honors Program is April 4, 2008.
I’m not sure if I’m eligible, but I really want to be a member: what can I do?
Request an application from the Honors Program. Applications will be reviewed on an individual basis to determine
acceptance into Honors.
Do ISU scholarships apply to Honors students?
Honors students may apply for any University scholarships for which they are eligible.
What are the differences between Honors housing and regular housing?
Honors housing is made up of Honors Houses, which are floors of all Honors
students, and Honors clusters, which include both Honors students and regular students on a floor:
1/3-1/2 of the floor tends to be Honors students.
All the freshman students on an Honors floor will be in FHP together- they will be taking the same FHP
classes. Honors housing is open to undergraduate students all four years at Iowa State. Honors houses
and honors clusters tend to have more upperclassmen than regular housing.
Do I have to live in Honors Housing?
Honors Housing is optional although we recommend it as an enhancement for your honors experience.
Barton-Anders, Lyon-Harwood, and Martin-Starbuck Houses, as well as the Honors clusters, are excellent
places to live and you’ll be with other Honors students. You will receive Honors Housing information
after acceptance into the Honors Program.
Which floors in which residence halls are the Honors houses and clusters?
Honors Houses:
Barton Hall (Anders), Lyon Hall (Harwood), Martin Hall (Starbuck)
Honors Clusters:
Friley Hall (Lorch-Russell), Larch Hall (Cessna)
