Frequently Asked Questions

Revised Spring 2024

Q: How does someone join the Honors Program at Guilford College?

A: Incoming first-years are invited to apply to the Honors Program if they have shown high academic promise through SAT/ACT scores and high school GPA. The application includes several essay prompts, which are read by the Honors Program Advisory Committee and the Admissions team. Additionally, first-years on the Dean’s List (earning a 3.5 GPA or higher) after their first semester at Guilford College are invited to apply to join the program (we usually only have a handful of spots).

*Note: A transfer student with sophomore-level credit standing (55 credits or less) may also be invited to join during admission, or after being on the Dean’s list in their first semester--if it is possible to complete the expectations of the program in their remaining time at Guilford College.

Q: What are the benefits of being in the Honors Program?

A: Honors Program students enjoy the benefits of intellectual camaraderie, opportunities for independent research (culminating in a senior thesis), academic leadership development, and the chance to attend various scholarly events. Honors Program students who remain in the program through their senior year also can apply for up to $1000 of “senior stipend” funding ($250 per year for each year successfully completed in the program). These funds may be used for research supplies, presenting one’s scholarship at an academic conference, taking the GRE or other tests, or applying for graduate or professional programs.

Q: What are the responsibilities and expectations for being in the Honors Program?

A: All Honors Program students must attend mandatory-program meetings (usually in September and April) and are encouraged to participate in Honors-sponsored activities. Students are also expected to maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher and be in good academic standing. Honors Program students take three 1-credit seminars (one per year in their freshman, junior, and senior years), take HON 200 in their sophomore year, and complete a senior Honors Thesis. Since one goal of the program is to develop academic leadership, we expect Honors Program students to be involved in the intellectual life of the campus community. For more details, refer to your "Honors Program Agreement," which you signed upon joining the program.

Q: What happens if I have a bad semester and my GPA drops?

A: We hope Honors Program students are on the Dean’s List each semester.  However, we understand that sometimes a student might have a “bad semester” or bite off more than they can chew, academically-speaking. The Honors Program wants to instill intellectual curiosity, and we also recognize that sometimes failure is a necessary part of that learning process. So if Honors Program students fall below a 3.0 GPA, they are put on “probation” and have one more semester to pull-up their GPA. If they are not able to do so, they are asked to leave the program. 

Note: In cases of medical withdrawal, or serious family issues, we will work with you to get back on track. But it is your responsibility to communicate with the Honors Program Director before things get out of control.

Q: What is the difference between the Honors Program and graduating with Honors?

A: Graduating with Honors means having a GPA of 3.5 and above; graduating with High Honors means having a GPA of 3.7 and above. Graduating from the Honors Program means having completed all of the requirements of the program with a GPA of 3.0 or above.  You can graduate with Honors or High Honors, and also graduate from the Honors program, if you complete requirements for both.

Q: What is the difference between an Honors Thesis and a Departmental Thesis?

A: Honors theses are supervised by the student’s department, and are defined in scope and format by that academic discipline. So an Honors thesis in Physics may look very different than one in English, for example. All Honors Program students must complete an Honors thesis, but the Honors Program lets each department dictate what constitutes an acceptable project.

Any student may undertake a departmental thesis, if approved by the department. Some departments may require their majors to complete a thesis project, while it is optional for other disciplines.

Additionally, some academic departments offer an Honors Thesis option (490 course number) only to students who have a 3.5 GPA or higher. Detailed requirements are defined in each department’s course descriptions. Students successfully completing this program are awarded departmental honors at graduation.

Q: How do I apply for an Honors Program Senior Stipend?

A: See senior stipends. Deadlines are September 15, November 15, and February 15.