Frequently Asked Questions
Student FAQ
General
Is UCLA Honors Programs the same as the Honors College? And what exactly is “College Honors”?
That’s a great question — and a common point of confusion!
UCLA does not have a standalone Honors College. Instead, Honors Programs is an academic unit within the Division of Undergraduate Education, housed in the College of Letters and Science. We support a wide range of high-impact learning experiences for undergraduate students across the university.
The phrase College Honors refers to one of several academic programs we offer. Collectively, Honors Programs includes:
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College Scholars (a cohort-based, four-year experience for first-year admits)
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College Honors (a flexible academic pathway for continuing and transfer students)
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Honors Collegium seminars and interdisciplinary courses
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Experiential learning, research, capstones, and more
In short:
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Honors Programs = our department (which offers multiple programs and opportunities)
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College Honors = one specific program within our department
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UCLA does not have an Honors College
To explore our full range of academic offerings and program details, visit our Programs Overview page
What‘s the difference between Honors in Honors Programs and other ’honors’ at UCLA?
Outside of Honors, there are several other options at UCLA. Here’s a link that can help make that distinction!
https://honors.ucla.edu/services/resources/#other-honors-at-ucla
What’s the difference between College Scholars and College Honors?
The College Scholars Program is for students who enter UCLA directly from high school and join the program early in their first year at UCLA. It is a structured, cohort-based, 4 year experience. Comparatively, the College Honors Program is a more independently pursued experience where students tailor their engagements relative to their time remaining at UCLA. Both programs are grounded in our core approaches to learning, ways of being, and habits of doing. Both programs include experiential engagements and culminate with a student-designed capstone experience. Students who complete either program earn the “College Honors” distinction on their diplomas and transcripts. Please review the key differences below:
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Program Requirements |
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College Scholars
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College Honors (Continuing Students)
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College Honors (Transfers)
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What grades are considered to establish Latin Honors? (Does it include senior year, spring quarter?)
The College Honors Program houses the College Scholars and College Honors programs (which culminate in an Honors distinction on your diploma, but does not determine Latin Honors cutoffs. The cutoffs are determined by the registrar for the school you are enrolled in (ie. Architecture, Colleges of Letters and Science) based on the overall grade-point average (GPA) calculated up till the end of the winter quarter of your graduating year or quarter before your graduation.
To find the specific GPA thresholds for your term, visit the Registrar’s Latin Honors page:
? https://registrar.ucla.edu/academic-records/graduation/diplomas/college-honors
Academics & Coursework
What kinds of courses count for Honors credit?
Honors credit can be earned through Honors Collegium seminars, departmental honors courses, master list courses, contracts, seminars, independent study, internships, and more. Visit the Honors Coursework section to explore your options.
What is the College Honors designation and how does it appear on my diploma/transcript?
Students who complete the College Scholars or College Honors Program will receive “College Honors” on their official transcript and diploma. This distinction recognizes your academic and co-curricular achievements.
Do Honors courses have smaller class sizes or different grading?
Many Honors courses, particularly Collegium seminars, are small, discussion-based, and designed for deeper engagement. While grading standards remain the same, these courses often emphasize critical thinking, collaboration, and faculty interaction.
What is an Experiential Engagement, and how do I fulfill this requirement?
Experiential Engagements are hands-on opportunities that connect your academic and personal interests to real-world settings. Common examples include:
- Plato Society Discussion Groups
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Internships related to your major or career goals
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Civic or community service projects
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Research with a UCLA faculty member
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Leadership roles in student organizations
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Self-initiated projects or creative work
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Entrepreneurial or communication/media experiences
All Experiential Engagements must be approved by an Honors counselor in advance, and a short petition is required. If you’re not sure whether an activity qualifies, we encourage you to meet with a counselor to talk it through.
What is a Capstone project and how do I get started?
Capstone projects can take many forms, depending on your major and interests. Common examples include:
- UCLA approved capstones
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A departmental honors thesis
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A USIE seminar (if you are selected as a facilitator)
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A comprehensive research paper or creative project
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A year-long course sequence culminating in a final project
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An internship with an academic component, approved by Honors
Your Capstone should be substantial, integrative, and ideally reflect the culmination of your undergraduate learning. It must also be approved by Honors in advance. If you’re not sure whether your proposed experience will qualify, we recommend meeting with an Honors counselor.
What if I can’t complete the College Scholars or College Honors program?
If you’re unable to complete the College Scholar or Honors Program requirements, you may request to be removed, or you may be withdrawn from the program through our annual Honors screening process.
There is no transcript notation indicating that you were part of the program or that you did not complete it. Your academic record will simply reflect your completed coursework and degree as usual.
If you’re feeling unsure about your ability to continue, we encourage you to reach out to an Honors counselor—we’re here to support you and talk through your options.
Advising & Support
How do I meet with an Honors Counselor?
You can schedule a 1:1 appointment through MyUCLA or attend virtual drop-in hours for quick questions. Visit our Counseling & Advising page for more details! We’re here to support you throughout your journey!
What’s the difference between a counseling appointment and drop-in advising?
SCHEDULED APPOINTMENTS (30 minutes) |
DROP-IN COUNSELING (10-15 minutes) |
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College Scholars
What are the benefits of being in the College Scholars program?
The College Scholars Program offers a transformative four-year experience for high-achieving first-year students. Scholars benefit from:
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Smaller, discussion-based classes designed to foster critical thinking, collaboration, and deep engagement across disciplines
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A dedicated academic counselor who works with them consistently throughout their undergraduate journey
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A strong sense of community built through cohort-based programming, shared coursework, and meaningful connections with peers and faculty
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Individualized mentorship and support for personal, academic, and professional growth
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Opportunities for real-world learning through experiential engagements and a student-designed capstone project
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The “College Honors” designation on their diploma and transcript—recognizing academic excellence, leadership, and initiative
Can I join the College Scholars Program later in my academic career?
The College Scholars Program is designed specifically for incoming first-year students, but you are welcome to apply to the College Honors Program, as a continuing UCLA student. Both programs are grounded in our core approaches to learning, ways of being, and habits of doing. Both programs culminate with a student-designed capstone experience. Students who complete either program earn the “College Honors” distinction on their diplomas and transcripts. Take a look at the requirements for College Honors if you’re interested!
Do College Scholars or College Honors students get priority enrollment?
College Scholars and College Honors students do not receive priority enrollment. At UCLA, priority enrollment is reserved for a small number of students with specific institutional needs, such as student-athletes, Regent Scholars, and students registered with the Center for Accessible Education.
However, Honors students often find that the courses designed specifically for them — including Honors Collegium seminars and other Honors-designated classes — have smaller enrollments and dedicated spaces reserved for program participants. This means you still have access to enriching, discussion-based courses with faculty, even without early enrollment.
Plus, with the support of dedicated Honors counselors, students receive personalized academic planning to help them make the most of course offerings each quarter.
College Honors
What are the benefits of the College Honors program?
The College Honors Program is designed for continuing and transfer students who want to deepen their academic journey at UCLA. Benefits include:
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Flexibility to tailor the honors experience based on your time remaining at UCLA and your personal goals
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Smaller, faculty-led seminars that encourage dialogue, critical thinking, and close engagement with complex topics
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A dedicated academic counselor who offers personalized guidance throughout your time in the program
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Opportunities to build community with other highly motivated students through classes, events, and shared experiences
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Access to experiential learning and the chance to complete a student-designed capstone project
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The “College Honors” designation on your diploma and transcript, signaling your commitment to academic excellence and intellectual leadership
Whether you’re continuing at UCLA or transferring in, College Honors provides a meaningful, customizable path to academic distinction.
Can I join as an incoming student?
If you’re an incoming transfer student, you can apply to College Honors prior to coming to campus. Check this link for eligibility requirements.
Incoming first-year students coming directly from high school may apply to the College Scholars program.
Continuing students (those who have been at UCLA for at least a year) and who meet the requirements are also welcome to apply.
What if I can’t complete the program?
If you’re unable to complete the Honors Program requirements, you may request to be removed, or you may be withdrawn from the program through our annual Honors screening process.
There is no transcript notation indicating that you were part of the program or that you did not complete it. Your academic record will simply reflect your completed coursework and degree as usual.
If you’re feeling unsure about your ability to continue, we encourage you to reach out to an Honors counselor—we’re here to support you and talk through your options.
What’s the difference between College Scholars and College Honors?
The College Scholars Program is for students who enter UCLA directly from high school and join the program early in their first year at UCLA. It is a structured, cohort-based, 4 year experience. Comparatively, the College Honors Program is a more independently pursued experience where students tailor their engagements relative to their time remaining at UCLA. Both programs are grounded in our core approaches to learning, ways of being, and habits of doing. Both programs include experiential engagements and culminate with a student-designed capstone experience. Students who complete either program earn the “College Honors” distinction on their diplomas and transcripts. Please review the key differences below:
| College Scholars | College Honors | |
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Program Requirements |
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College Scholars
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College Honors (Continuing Students)
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College Honors (Transfers)
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USIE
Who is eligible to be a USIE student facilitator?
Applicants must have 90+ units upon completion of the current Spring quarter, and be in good academic standing.
Can a USIE seminar be facilitated by more than one student facilitator?
The USIE program is ideally designed for a single student to create and facilitate his/her own spring seminar. While co-facilitation is not encouraged, those interested will have to complete the following:
- Schedule a meeting with the Director and Program Representative of the USIE Program
- Provide a statement that justifies why you wish to co-facilitate and how it will enhance your spring seminar
- Provide a letter of support from your faculty mentor in which he/she agrees to mentor both facilitators and explains why he/she is in support of the co-facilitation
- Complete and submit separate USIE applications
How many times can I facilitate a USIE seminar?
Students may only offer a USIE seminar once during their undergraduate careeer.
Plato Society Discussion Groups
What is PLATO (Partners in Learning Actively Teaching Ourselves)?
The PLATO Society of Los Angeles is a lifelong learning community for adults who are intellectually curious and enjoy engaging in peer-led discussions.
What are Society Discussion Groups (SDGs)?
Small, peer-led groups where members collaboratively explore various topics, including history, literature, science, politics, and the arts.
What is unique about PLATO?
There are no instructors. Members take turns researching and leading discussions, fostering a dynamic and engaging learning experience. PLATO offers a stimulating intellectual community for individuals who appreciate critical thinking, civil discourse, and lifelong learning.
Who can participate in PLATO?
At least sophomore standing College Scholars Program and College Honors Program students who want to engage in a collaborative learning environment without the pressure of grades or exams.
How do I attend a Plato Society Discussion Group?
Plato Society Discussion Groups are offered in person at Westwood Village, on zoom, or hybrid (combined zoom and in person).
Westwood Village Address
1083 Gayley Avenue, 2nd floor Los Angeles, CA 90024-1333
NOTE: Enter the building from the back (Weyburn Terrace side)
How do I decide which Society Discussion Group to enroll in?
Join a 2-Minute Pitch Zoom Meeting to learn about the available SDGs to help solidify your top 3 choices.
How many honors credit units will I receive?
- 4 units for 12-14 week groups
- 3 units for 9-11 week groups
- 2 units for 7-8 week groups
- (Note: A maximum of 4 unit-equivalents of PLATO Society may be applied toward College Scholars Program or College Honors Program requirements.)
What type of honors credit will I receive?
Upper Division honors coursework credit
How can I receive Experiential Engagement credit?
- Once you complete your Society Discussion Groups, the PLATO Coordinator will submit a student evaluation on your behalf. After confirming your SDG completion, your honors progress card will be updated to reflect coursework and experiential engagement credit.
- Experiential Engagement petition is not required.
- You will only receive one experiential engagement credit.
How can I apply?
Submit the PLATO Society Discussion Group Application
When is the deadline?
The deadlines change throughout the academic year. Please check the Plato section of our site for the most up to date information.
When will I hear back regarding my application?
You will receive a decision by Monday, April 7.
What is a pre-meeting?
- The Coordinator and Co-Coordinator meet with the group to discuss a variety of issues, but, most importantly, this meeting determines which group members will lead the discussion during each session of the SDG.
- They will take place between Monday, April 14 – Thursday, April 17
- Your SDG coordinator will confirm the exact date and time.
When does the Spring/Summer term start and end?
- The term begins on Monday, May 5, 2025
- The 2nd 7-Week classes begin on Monday, June 23, 2025
- The term end on Friday, August 8, 2025
Faculty FAQ
Honors Collegium
How do I apply to teach an Honors Collegium course?
In your course proposal, please provide all of the following information:
- Proposed course title
- A description of the course
- A short listing and explanation of what will be covered each week
- A description of expected student learning outcomes
- A list of proposed texts
- Specific explanations of how students will earn a grade (number of papers, exams, etc.); please indicate precisely the number, length, and kind of assignments, and the percentage weight given to each
- Indication of disciplines/majors to which the course might be considered particularly relevant
- Proposed number of units (Collegium courses are typically 5 units)
- Proposed enrollment (Will the class be a seminar of 20 students or carry a larger enrollment of 30 or 40? The average Collegium class size is 23 students.)
- Preferred Quarter that the course be offered (Fall, Winter, Spring)
- Proposed class meeting schedule (Lecture/discussion? Times and days of meeting? Weekly seminar? Seminar meeting twice a week? Additional discussion sections or labs? The class may be structured as the professor wishes.)
- Indication of whether or not the course will require TA support (Such support is available only to large classes)
- Suggestion of whether the course should be upper or lower division
- A one-page Curriculum Vitae
Please connect with the Honors Curricular Coordinator, Kara Brown, for any questions regarding the course proposal and processes associated.