Frequently Asked Questions
For more information on the transfer process, please refer to the MiraCosta College Transfer Planning Guide available in the University Transfer Center.
Will the workload on the HSP students be greater?
The workload of the honors student is the same as for the general population of students under the Carnegie unit, that is, two hours of work outside for every hour inside the classroom. The difference in an honors course is in the kind of work honors students are doing; more time will be spent on higher-level materials and assignments. Although students receive zero (0) units for our honors addendums, workload would typically be equivalent to one a (1) unit course.
How will the content and conduct of the HSP addendum be different?
HSP addendums are different, not necessarily harder. Topics covered are the same; the difference is in the teaching and learning experience. The materials may be covered at greater depth. In addition, students will experience a more interactive learning environment, such as discussions, seminars, oral presentations, and in-class workshops. Emphasis is placed on skills needed at the university level, such as written analysis, critical thinking, research, and collaborative learning.
What recognition will Honors students receive?
Each HSP course completed will be noted as "Honors Scholar Program Seminar Completed” on the student's transcript. Students who complete entire Honors program requirements and graduate with an AA degree will have the notation “Certified Honors Scholar” posted on their transcript. Honors students are also recognized at graduation and at the President’s Luncheon. In addition, many universities recognize completion of the HSP as an indication of academic excellence.
What does it mean to be “Honors Scholar Program Certified” and how do I get certified?
Being HSP Certified means student have satisfied all requirements for the Honors Scholar Program and completed all required Honors courses with required GPA. Students who complete the Honors Scholar Program requirements qualify for benefits under our honors transfer agreements. To get certification a student must complete an Honors Certification form and submit it to the Honors counselor by the deadline posted on the Honors listserv and website.
What are the advantages of being UCLA TAP certified?
Being HSP certified could make the difference between being admitted and not being admitted to highly selective schools such as UCLA, particularly if the student GPA is between 3.0-3.5. The Director of Undergraduate Admissions at UCLA addressed this idea at last year’s (2002) TAP Conference at UCLA. She said, “A 3.0 grade point average may certify a student as a TAP student; it may not get a student in.” In light of the increasing demand for admissions, the GPAs for many universities are steadily moving up the scale. The Director also stated that, “UCLA simply could not accept students who were barely making the Honors Scholar Program’s required 3.0 GPA.”
If I am HSP Certified for the UCLA TAP will that increase my chances of getting into the UCLA School of Film and Television?
The HSP certification is only valid for majors in the College of Letters and Science (except for Communication Studies, effective Fall 2003). It does not apply for Film and Theater majors and majors in the Schools of Art, Nursing, Engineering, and Computer Science.
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