Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admissions requirements?

For admission into University Honors, the lower level component of the Honors Program, most successful Honors applicants have at least a 3.75 UNF recalculated high school GPA, a 1250 on the SAT, or a 28 on the ACT. We are looking for students with diverse talents; numbers are only the first thing we look at. Significant leadership experience, community service involvement, AP/IB/Dual enrollment credit, or outstanding writing skills are all advantageous.

Admission into the upper level component of Honors varies by major and ranges from a 3.4 GPA to a 3.7 GPA. For more detailed information about admission into the Honors Program, please visit the Admissions page.

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What is the learning environment like?

Honors students are exposed to a variety of teaching and learning styles that are designed to expose students to an array of disciplines. Honors classes are small, averaging 17 students, and involve discussion and participation. The Honors Program at UNF emphasizes experiential learning or learning by doing. Students are challenged to take their learning beyond the classroom through field trips, service learning, leadership opportunities, internships, and international study.

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How is the program challenging?

In the Honors Program students are challenged to learn the course material deeply, to develop and express their ideas through writing and speaking, and to make connections across academic disciplines. Activities and projects that take students out of the classroom are not only an effective and exciting way to learn, but also great preparation for life after college.

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How long is the program?

The Honors Program at UNF is a four–year program divided into two components, University Honors and upper level Honors. University Honors is designed for students in their first two years of college. After completing University Honors, students have the opportunity, but are not required to continue into upper level Honors.

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What kind and how many classes will I take?

During their first two years at UNF, lower level Honors students will take a minimum of 14 credit hours of special topic seminars that are designed to encourage students to take a deeper look at the subject and encourage critical and analytical thinking skills. Unlike advanced classes in high school, Honors courses are not about accelerated learning, but rather promoting intellectual growth and enrichment. Lower level Honors classes replace many of the University's General Education requirements.

Upper level Honors classes focus on undergraduate research and scholarship. Students take eight hours of research-related classes and produce an undergraduate thesis. Depending on the major, upper level classes may be electives within their major or electives outside their major.

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How do I benefit from Honors while in the program?

From the first day, Honors students benefit from Honors Orientation, personal advising, priority registration, and eligibility for Honors housing in The Crossings. The academic experience begins with small classes taught by UNF's most outstanding faculty. Beyond this, Honors students can participate in exciting experiences such as national conferences, internships in Washington D.C., and international study.

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How do I benefit after I have completed the program?

Honors courses give students the skills to excel in their majors and helps prepare them for entrance into graduate school or their chosen professions. Honors graduates stand out as people with the skills, experience, and leadership to succeed in a wide range of careers.

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Will Honors prepare me for medical, law, or graduate school?

The Honors Program works closely with UNF's Pre–Medical and Pre–Law advisors and other faculty to ensure that we do everything we can to provide Honors students with an “edge.” Students have an opportunity to explore career choices through courses, service learning, and internships. By focusing on writing and discussion, the Honors courses sharpen the critical thinking skills that are necessary to excel in exams such as the MCAT, DAT, GRE, GMAT, and LSAT. In completing their Honors Portfolio and Thesis Research, students are challenged to develop the creativity, independence, and problem–solving that are critical in graduate schools and jobs. When students graduate with completion of the Honors Program on their transcript, this is a mark of distinction that will set them apart from their competitors in applying for graduate schools and jobs.

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Does being in Honors mean that I will be isolated from the rest of the UNF?

The Honors Program provides students with the best of both worlds: membership in a small and supportive learning community and access to the full range of programs offered by the University. Most semesters students only take one Honors seminar. In addition to non-honors classes, students have the opportunity to participate in other clubs and organizations such as sororities or fraternities, athletics, and student government.

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Am I guaranteed Honors housing?

Honors housing assignments are filled according to the date of contract submission. Honors housing cannot be guaranteed under any circumstances due to the limited amount of space. Be sure to indicate on the housing contract that the student would like to live in the Honors Building of the Crossings. For further information or questions regarding the residential halls, please contact the UNF Housing department at 904-620-HOME or housing@unf.edu.

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How do I apply to the program? Who should I contact?

Contact the Honors Office at (904) 620-2649 or email honstu1@unf.edu and ask for an application packet or you can download an application on the admissions page.

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What is the deadline to apply to the program and am I guaranteed a space in the program if I am admitted?

The deadline to apply to the Honors Program is June 1st. However, the Honors Program is a limited access program and spaces are filled on a first-come-first-served basis once students commit to join the Honors Program by returning the intent form that is sent with the acceptance letter. Once we fill our allotted spaces, students are placed on a waiting list. The Honors Program encourages students to apply and commit early.

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