Frequently Asked Questions

 

 Is the Wilkes Honors College a public institution?

Yes, the Wilkes Honors College is a selective public college - part of the Florida state university system. Students will receive an education comparable to that of a small private liberal arts college but for a small fraction of the cost.
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 How does the Wilkes Honors College differ from Honors Programs and other Honors Colleges?

In honors programs or at most other Honors Colleges, students take a limited number of honors courses or seminars, with the majority of their courses being the same as the courses taken by non-honors students at their university. At the Wilkes Honors College, our students take a full curriculum of honors courses designed for them.
Also, at most other Honors Colleges, faculty teach only one or a few of their courses as honors courses, while the majority of their teaching is in their regular department at the University. At the Wilkes Honors College, the Honors College faculty are housed full-time in the Honors College. This allows our students and faculty to form a living-learning community that lasts throughout the students' undergraduate careers.
At the same time, our students and faculty are able to take advantage of the resources of FAU, a large and expanding public university with a wealth of opportunities.
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 What have graduates of the Wilkes Honors College gone on to do?

Our students place into outstanding graduate and professional schools. Wilkes Honors College graduates have gone on to law school, medical school, and graduate programs in areas such as chemistry, rhetoric, English, psychology, mathematics, neuro-psychology, and political science: a selected list is available online. Other students went directly to work, be it for businesses such as banks and investment firms, the healthcare industry, nonprofits, or for government.
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 Does the Honors College accept advanced placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) credit?

Yes. Students may earn credits for AP examinations as specified in the Florida Atlantic University catalog. In most cases credit is given for a score of 3 or above though for some examinations, such as history, a score of 4 or 5 is required. We will accept up to 45 credits for accelerated work done prior to entering the Honors College. Advanced Placement credits may be counted towards Honors Core requirements. Students arriving with 30 credits will be eligible for sophomore standing.
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 How do we evaluate the International Baccalaureate?

The Honors College awards credit based on scores achieved on IB Diploma program examinations. Students who have not been awarded the IB Diploma will be awarded 6 credit-hours in the subject areas of each IB higher level examination on which they scored 5 or above. Students with a score of 4 on subject areas will receive 3 credit-hours. Students who have been awarded the IB Diploma will be awarded up to 30 credit hours. For further details consult the FAU catalog.
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 How is high school GPA calculated in the admissions decision?

GPA is based on a core weighted GPA. For example, only non-elective courses (English, mathematics, science and social sciences) will be included in the calculation.TOP

 

 Are we participating in the Florida Prepaid Program?

Yes.
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 Do we accept transfer students?

Yes. Transfer students who are qualified will be accepted on a space available basis.
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 Will the Honors College prepare me for medical school, law school, or other professional programs?

The Honors College will provide excellent preparation for medical school. You should keep in mind that admission to medical school does not require any particular major. Instead, it requires a strong academic record, a competitive MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) score and the completion of certain prerequisite courses. The Honors College will offer all of these courses as well as assistance with MCAT preparation and with the application process. This also applies to students who intend to enter other health professions such as dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, and physical therapy.
Students considering careers in law will also receive excellent preparation in the Honors College. Again, no particular major is required for admission to law school. Law schools require strong analytical and writing skills, an outstanding academic record, and a competitive LSAT (Law School Admission Test) score. The Honors College's emphasis on writing and critical thinking will provide students the skills law schools admissions committees seek. In addition, advisors will provide information about law schools and assist with the application process. The Honors College also has exciting pathway programs for those wishing to pursue careers in teaching, nursing, or business.
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 What opportunities are there for athletes who want to compete in collegiate sports?

The Honors College provides opportunities for intramural sports at the Jupiter campus. Participating in intercollegiate athletics while completing the rigorous academic requirements will require a high degree of energy and motivation, as well as efficiency and organization. The Honors College is aware that many outstanding athletes are also excellent students, and we encourage and support student athletes.
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 What intramural sports do we offer?

We offer a number of sports including basketball, flag football, softball, soccer, table tennis, tennis, ultimate and golf frisbee, volleyball, and water polo. There is also easy access to gym facilities along with the possibilities available at the Boca campus for the committed, dedicated athlete.
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 What is the size of the student body?

The Honors College has about 600 students. The John D. MacArthur Campus is shared by the Honors College and the other colleges of Florida Atlantic University, and has approximately 1,000 students.
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 What degrees are granted?

Students receive a B.A. or B.S. in Liberal Arts and Sciences or Biological and Physical Sciences. While there are no majors per se, there is a functional equivalent in the ‘Concentration.’ A student who concentrates in philosophy will receive a B.A. in Liberal Arts and Sciences with a concentration in philosophy, rather then a B.A. in philosophy. The requirements for a concentration are similar to the requirements for a major.
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 Why does the Honors College have concentrations instead of majors?

The Honors College has chosen to award degrees with concentrations rather than in majors to allow students to develop innovative and interdisciplinary focuses of study that go beyond traditional majors. The Honors College offers the same traditional courses of study available at most other undergraduate institutions, and for students who choose one of these areas (such as biology, English, philosophy, political science, psychology) a concentration will be the same as a major. The requirements for the concentration will be as rigorous and demanding as the requirements for a major. But the use of concentrations rather than majors opens the door for students to explore programs of study otherwise unavailable at many colleges confined only to majors.
Students graduating with a B.A. or B.S. in Liberal Arts and Sciences or Biological and Physical Sciences with a concentration will be just as prepared for graduate or professional school as students graduating with a B.A. or B.S. in a major.
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 Is there a place for a person like me?

Our goal is to create the optimal environment for the intellectual and personal development of all women and men in our academic community. This can only occur in a diverse and broadly tolerant community, one which nurtures the strengths and talents that lie within each of us. We are committed to providing a top quality education to all, regardless of race, gender, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, physical capabilities, socioeconomic status, or religious affiliation.
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 Am I required to live on campus?

Yes, Living on campus is required for the first two years at the Honors College. Students must be enrolled as a full-time, degree-seeking undergraduate. A resident may be required to depart from University Housing if enrolled credit hours drop below full-time status, at the request of the Director of Housing or designee. Non-Honors College students who attend the Jupiter Campus can also apply for housing but are not required to do so. Exceptions are made for those students who are 24 years of age or older at the date of matriculation, or for those who are married, have dependent children, own a home prior to their date of matriculation, or have been honorably discharged from the US Military. Students who wish to be exempt must apply prior to the start of the academic year and need to contact jupiterhousing@fau.edu for more information.