Incoming Freshmen Honors FAQ
- Is it permissible to be awarded more than one scholarship?
In many cases, yes. If you are awarded an Honors College Transfer scholarship, other scholarships awarded by the Pittsburg State University Scholarship Committee (in-house) are not normally available. The PSU Scholarship committee attempts to award scholarships to as many deserving students as possible. Scholarships not associated with Pittsburg State's Financial Assistance Office (out-of-house) may have criteria set by the agency or company who awards them. The Financial Assistance Office attempts to benefit students whenever possible.
- What is the Departmental Honors program?
The Departmental Honors program is for any undergraduate student who has maintained a 3.50 or higher composite GPA after completion of 110 grade points (whether enrolled in Honors College or not). Departmental faculty set criteria for projects, such as deciding which classes may be taken for departmental honors. Students must apply, complete necessary forms, etc., that the program requires. Records of projects are kept only in the departments. The Registrar's Office records completion of departmental honors courses for graduation and transcript notation. Beginning Fall 2006, all Honors College members are required to complete departmental honors in their major department.
- What are some of the most notable awards and career options attained by graduates?
Outstanding male and female seniors, approximately 70 percent of Honors College students have graduated "Cum Laude" or higher, Rotary International Fellowship, Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship, Phi Kappa Phi National Fellowship, National Student Exchange Award, early admission to the University of Kansas Medical School, fellowship to the University of Kansas Law School, Fullbright Scholarship, Goldwater Fellowship, graduate admissions, fellowships and assistantships to many universities; including Harvard, Case Western, Texas A&M, Iowa, Rice, Clemson, Kansas State, Oklahoma, Arizona, Kansas, University of MOColumbia Medical School, Nebraska, Duke, Notre Dame, Texas-Austin, University of Tulsa, Purdue and Washington Universities, multiple admissions into professional schools of medicine, law, science, engineering, psychology, etc., and entry into professional career opportunities in business, industry, teaching, and other fields.
- If I graduate from high school, but also have 40 hours of college credit earned from a community college concurrently, would I apply as an incoming freshman or as a transfer student?
Regardless how many hours are transferred from a community college, high school seniors will be considered as applicants for incoming freshmen and not as community college transfer students.
- What general tips should I follow when applying?
When applying to the Honors College, follow these general tips:
- Apply for admission to Pittsburg State University. No Honors College application will be considered unless the applicant has first been admitted to PSU.
- Apply early: ACT scores and transcripts are required for documentation.
- Select your references carefully by making sure each will give you a strong recommendation. Additionally, give your references enough time to complete their forms and recommendation letters so these can be included in a timely fashion and mailed all in one packet by the Feb. 1 deadline date.
- Take time to write an interesting and well-constructed essay. Poorly written essays may be a distraction to your selection. When writing your essay, be sure to make it interesting, correct, and presented in an attractive format. Your essay will be an important factor in the selection process.
- Be sure that your transcript reflects ACT scores, unweighted GPA, showing six or seven semesters of grades, class rank and class size. Without this information, students cannot be considered further in the review process. The application packet provides you with a transcript request form to be given to your school counselor.
- What is the size of the student body of the Honors College?
In any given academic year, the Honors College typically has between 120-130 student members. All of the Honors College students have renewable scholarships.
- Should I fill out a FAFSA form for financial need consideration?
Yes, especially if you are applying for Pell Grants, work-study funds, loans, or other aid in addition to scholarships. The earlier you submit FAFSA data (preferably by Feb. 1), the earlier your assessed need can be determined. Many scholarships (including Spiva/Timmons tuition scholarships) are awarded only to those who have demonstrated bona fide need via FAFSA data. You may obtain the necessary FAFSA forms from your school counselor or from the PSU Financial Assistance Office, 103 Horace Mann. The majority of PSU students receive financial aid.
- What types of activities are sponsored by the Honors College?
The Honors College Association, which includes all students in the Honors College, elects class officers to plan both official and other group projects. Such projects include activities such as attendance at cultural events, picnics, volleyball, bowling, skating, canoe trips, annual awards luncheon, intramurals, fundraisers, and a variety of community service activities.
- Who is on the selection committee?
The Director of the Honors College, five faculty members represented from each college
across campus, and two upper-level members of the Honors College. - Must I live in residential housing as a freshman at PSU?
Yes, unless you are living at home or with a close relative, are commuting, or have been granted a waiver by the Office of Student Affairs. Honors College students have been pleased with dorm life to date. Some Honors College students have chosen to live off-campus after their freshman year. Housing info can be obtained from University Housing (620)235-4245.
- When will I find out my status regarding acceptance into the Honors College?
Selection is normally completed by March 1. You will be informed by early March if you are a recipient of a Presidential scholarship, a University scholarship, a high level alternate, or a non-recipient.
- How do these costs compare with other universities?
Total costs at Pittsburg State are substantially less than most private "liberal arts colleges," equivalent to (or lower than ) most state universities, and a fraction of the expense of the "prestige name" colleges and universities. The basic thrust at Pittsburg State is on undergraduate education. Many of our programs are nationally recognized.
- What has been the retention rate among Pittsburg State University honors students?
Literature on gifted students suggests a potentially high dropout rate in honors programs. Close screening of students, peer mentors, the availability of counseling, and close monitoring of student progress has been maintained at Pittsburg State.
Nineteen of the original 1988 class of twenty graduated. The retention rate of Honors College classes since that time has reflected a nearly ninety percent graduation rate since its inception. Currently, PSU’s Honors College has a 95% retention rate. Most graduates have completed their course of study in four years, several in three.
Another sign of satisfaction is the fact that we have numerous sets of siblings who have been admitted to the Honors College since its inception and this continues to be the case today.
- How many students are selected each fall for the PSU Honors College?
Typically twelve Presidential, twelve University, six Transfer, plus a small number of
students based on other criteria (financial need or other special consideration). - What is the typical cost of a year at PSU?
PSU is a Kansas Regents institution; therefore, it is subject to fee changes, as is typical at all institutions of higher education. However, basic costs for the 2008-2009 academic year include tuition and fees of approximately $2,161.00 per semester (Kansas resident) and $6,288.00 per semester (non-resident of the state of Kansas). Air-conditioned, double room and 7-day access meal plan (which is the most common plan) is about $2,697.00 per semester (other plans vary slightly in cost). Books range from $400.00 to $800.00, with an average of about $600.00 per year, and incidental costs will vary according to individual taste and budget.
- What happens to my credentials and opportunities if I am not offered a place in the Honors College in the first selection?
If you have made application to PSU by submitting the application for admission and application fee, as well as completing the general scholarship application form by the deadline, you may be eligible for other scholarships from the general scholarship fund, departments, etc. The number, monetary size, and qualifications for departmental, school and general university scholarships varies. They may be offered on "need" basis, open only to students with specific credentials, students from a given geographical background, or have no specific limitations. Application deadlines and scholarship descriptions are available from the Admissions Office or from the Student Financial Assistance Office.
Important Note: Your Honors College application packet serves as an application for Honors College scholarships ONLY. You must complete a different application to apply for other scholarships.
