College Honors: How to Apply
Commencing with admission of candidates for the September 2009 term, the College Honors Program shall consider both quantitative and qualitative measures. For admission, above-average GPA or SAT scores are a necessary, but not sufficient criterion. Qualitative measures shall assess the intellectual independence or engaged learning values of the applicant. For all applicants, admission requires:
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A completed application First Year, Continuing or Transfer student. First Year and Transfer applications must be received prior to the opening of course registration for First Year students, for the student's first semester attending Ramapo College. Continuing student applications must be received no later than the add/drop deadline during the student's fourth semester at RCNJ.
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An admission essay, with the option of including a portfolio paper or project as part of the application packet. The paper or project should be a previously submitted assignment or other demonstration of student work of which the student is particularly proud.
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For continuing students already attending RCNJ, admission to the program requires two faculty recommendations Continuing student applications must be received no later than the add/drop deadline in their fourth semester at RCNJ.
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All qualified applicants shall be interviewed prior to admission into the program. The admission interview will be conducted by a three-member panel of College Honors Advisory Board or teaching faculty, designated by the College Honors Director and Advisory Board.
Incoming First Year students will be offered the option of Honors Housing for the first year of their stay at Ramapo. Thereafter, they may choose to remain in such housing or choose from alternatives available to all students.
Objective test scores and grade point averages will not be the only measure of assessing a general readiness to enter the College Honors Program. It is possible that a student could have high grades but lack in the intrinsic or 'engaged learning' values necessary to function well in the College Honors Program. It is also possible that a student could have less than excellent test scores but demonstrate the 'engaged learning' attitude necessary for entry into the program.
Continued Participation
This 'Honors attitude' toward learning can only be assessed through extended and personal teacher-student relations and exchanges. Continued participation in the College Honors Program will be based on progress assessed by both quantitative and qualitative measures. Continued participation includes an assessment of coursework, as well as engaged learning and demonstrated commitment to the community and societal impact of his or her work. The requirements for admission and continued participation in the program include qualitative measures in order to assess the student's vision of learning - particularly the ability to take responsibility for his or her own learning in a meaningful way; the ability to participate actively in developing learning and problem-solving strategies; the extent to which the student derives pleasure from learning and is intrinsically motivated; and the collaborative abilities of the student and the value placed on working with other students and faculty. On-going, annual qualitative assessment shall include assessment of each student's engagement in service and contributions to the College Honors community, the College generally, the wider local community or society generally. Admission to the program is no guarantee of successful completion.
Application Forms
Applications from First Year / Transfer candidates will be accepted through April 1. Applications from Continuing Students will be accepted through April 1 of their fourth semester.
- First Year Students (PDF)
- Continuing Students (PDF)
- Transfer Students (PDF)
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