Q: What is the Scholars Program?
A: It is an honors program for high achieving students.

Q: Why should I be interested in joining the Scholars Program?
A: The Scholars Program is an opportunity to improve your writing skills and to place your critical thinking skills at the university level.  In addition, Scholars Program students receive priority consideration for admissions to UCLA and several other schools, and receive special counseling, workshops and college tours while enrolled at SMC.

Q: Are the Scholars classes more difficult than other classes?
A: The Scholars classes involve more writing and critical analysis of the subject than some other classes.  There is usually more writing in the form of a paper or essay exams.  However, enrollment in Scholars classes is limited to 25 students, allowing the instructor more individual time with each student.  Most Scholars students do no feel these classes are more difficult, and enjoy the challenge of working with other motivated students.

Q: What classes are offered in the Scholars Program, and how many do I need to take?
A: There are approximately 20-30 classes offered in the Program each fall and spring. These classes are selected from the IGETC list.  Students are required to complete 1 or 2 Scholars classes each semester, along with their other classes.  A total of 15 units are required to complete the program.

Q: What are the requirements to join?
A: You must be eligible for English 1 (or have completed English 1).  If you are a high school student, you must also have at least a 3.0 GPA. If you are a college student, you must have at least a 3.0 GPA and have completed at least 12 college units.

Q: What do I need to apply?
A: The Scholars Application must e submitted along with an essay, letter of recommendation, English placement scores and copies of transcripts.  Applications are available in LV 117 and in the Transfer Counseling Center.  Application filing dates are generally October - December for Spring admission and April - July for Fall Admission.  Please contact the office or visit how to apply for specific deadlines dates.  Completed applications should be submitted to Library Village 117.

Q: What are the advantages of joining the Scholars Program?
A: UCLA gives priority consideration for admissions (along with several other schools) for Scholars students.  Additionally, Scholars students receive special counseling, workshops, college tours and more, specifically designed for them.  Scholars students receive priority enrollment while at SMC and  have smaller class sizes.

Q: What is Priority Enrollment?
A: Priority Enrollment for Scholars students is usually the first 4 days of enrollment during Fall and Spring terms.  This means that Scholars students have the ability to enroll in courses before most of the rest of the college.  There is no priority enrollment for Summer and Winter terms.   All continuing Scholars students with an up-to-date educational plan have been identified in the computer and should automatically receive the priority dates during the 1st week of the enrollment period.  

Q: How many Scholars courses do I have to take a semester?
A: It is important that all Scholars students take at least one, and preferably two, Scholars classes each semester. Please be aware that if you do not take a Scholars class you may be put on Scholars probation or even dropped from the program. If you have a legitimate reason for not taking a Scholars class, please come and talk to one of the counselors. Scholars contracts will only be accepted on a limited basis.

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