A Special Learning Community
Santa Monica College, a California community college, enjoys exceptional success in providing academically rigorous freshman and sophomore years for its students, in preparation for the subsequent years of specialization at four-year colleges and universities.In fact, Santa Monica College has been number one in transfers for the past 15 years to the University of California system.
Within SMC, the Scholars Program is a distinctive community of about 400 outstanding students whose goals demand specialized and intense academic study.
Emphasis in all Scholars Program courses is on mastery of subject matter demonstrated through writing, research, critical thinking, and analysis. Taught by a strong, specially selected faculty, the course work provides the enriched educational background essential to university-level work.
Best of all, Scholars students learn and study in an intellectual community of talented, involved peers who share similar academic aspirations.
Priority Admission to Transfer Colleges
Through special transfer agreements with top national four-year colleges and universities, including UCLA, Scholars Program students get first consideration for transfer.
Scholars students are sought after locally and nationally. Other California universities with priority admission policies for SMC transfers include CSU Northridge (including the programs of Business Administration and Economics), Loyola Marymount, UC Santa Cruz, UC Irvine, Chapman University, Occidental College and Pomona College.Currently, the Scholars Program works with/for the following schools/colleges/majors :
UCLA - All majors in the College of Letters and Science (except the Communications major
UC Irvine - School of Humanities
UC Santa Cruz - Division of Humanities, Division of Physical and Biological Sciences, Division of Social Sciences
California State University, Northridge - Humanities, Science & Mathematics, Social & Behavioral Sciences
Commitment and Individual Support from SMC
Scholars receive priority enrollment at Santa Monica College for the Fall and Spring semesters. Academic counselors help Scholars students plan for lower division general education and pre-major requirements. A special tutor assists students with papers and mastering college level writing skills.SMC also coordinates workshops for Scholars to receive assistance in registration, financial aid, and housing at the transfer college they select.
Scholars enjoy a special set of programs and activities on campus and at the transfer institutions as well, acquainting Scholars with their transfer institutions before applying or enrolling.Exceptional Faculty and Classes
The Scholars Program offers specially designated sections of general education classes that emphasize teaching both subject matter and skills. Enrollment is limited to 25 students in a class, assuring individual attention. Scholars are expected to demonstrate a thorough understanding of subject matter and to use writing, research, and analytical skills in every course.Scholars faculty bring dedication, scholarship, and interest in helping students achieve their goals. SMC Scholars faculty come from many different backgrounds and appreciate working with a diverse group of students. Many of the faculty have regular associations with nearby four-year institutions as professors and researchers.
The Scholars Program encourages innovative teaching methods, including interdisciplinary studies, computerized instruction, and a seminar approach. Scholars may participate in a unique Study Abroad program in England or France, receiving Scholars credit for selected courses.
Students successfully complete the Scholars Program if they:
• Maintain an overall GPA of at least 3.0
• Take at least 4 or 5 Scholars classes (total of 15 units)
• Take at least one Scholars class each semester,
• Complete all pre-major and admissions requirements set by the transfer institutionFor More Information Call 310.434.4371 or email scholars@smc.edu
“I ENJOYED THE SCHOLARS PROGRAM AT SMC. All of my Scholars classes really prepared me for Berkeley. I learned critical thinking techniques and I was in an intense academic atmosphere which closely resembles the one at my transfer institution. The instructors are great, and the smaller class size enables the student to interact with the instructor more easily—the student teacher interaction is very important.”
Angelica Solis, Sociology Major at UC Berkeley“I AM SO GLAD THAT I CHOSE SMC AND THE SCHOLARS PROGRAM for my Freshman and Sophomore years of college before entering UCLA. The courses, professors, and challenges in the Scholars Program proved to be equal or superior to those I would have experienced at any of the many UCs and four-year schools to which I was accepted. Staying close to home, attending the local community college and then UCLA, have proven to be invaluable as I have enjoyed the best of all worlds!”
Stephanie Gordon, Sociology Major at UCLA“The USC finance department from which I am graduating is very challenging. However, THE SCHOLARS PROGRAM TOTALLY PREPARED ME for it. The students enrolled in the program are motivated to help each other succeed. The teachers are demanding but always available to assist each individual. In addition, the Program’s counselors give students special attention regarding their educational goals. SMC is a great college, and enrolling in the Scholars Program is taking advantage of the best it has to offer.”
Fleur Vincendon, Finance Major at USC“THE SCHOLARS PROGRAM AT SMC HAS ALLOWED ME TO ACHIEVE MY GOAL of attending UCLA. By providing experienced teachers, patient counselors, and understanding fellow Scholars students, SMC provided the perfect environment to develop my academic skills.”
Lorran Garrison, History Major at UCLA
Information Workshops for students interested in joining the Scholars Program
Tuesday, September 23 11:15a – 12:35p LS 101
Thursday, October 23 11:15a – 12:35p LS 101
Tuesday, November 4 11:15a – 12:35p LS 101
Thursday, December 4 11:15a – 12:35p LS 101
SMC Homepage Campus Map SMC Admissions