John Newell
 For the Undecided
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 Who Enrolls In The Honors College? Bright, engaged students from around the country are drawn to the Honors College at the College of Charleston. Here, they find challenge, opportunity, and a host of exciting and unique educational experiences enhanced by the flourishing social, cultural and intellectual life of the historic city of Charleston. The Honors College curriculum is integrated with more than 40 majors, all rooted in the strong liberal arts tradition of one of the nation’s most venerable colleges (founded in 1770).
An Honors College Snapshot Every year, approximately 650 students (200 entering freshmen) are enrolled in the Honors College. Characteristically, these students are in the top 7% of their high school class, with an average high school GPA of 3.7 (unweighted), or 4.3 (weighted). Though the Honors College has no required minimum SAT or ACT scores, the students who enroll have an average SAT score of 1330 and an average ACT score of 30. Within the Honors College, the average class size is 17, with a student to teacher ratio of 10:1. Active Learning Opportunities Honors courses. Approximately 30% of your academic work at the College consists of special honors courses (designated as HONS in the undergraduate catalog). Taught by honors faculty, these courses incorporate extensive writing assignments, group projects and discussions, and other active learning opportunities. Tutorial. In your junior year, you will have the opportunity to design an individualized tutorial course. Under the supervision of a faculty advisor that you select, you’ll spend a semester engaged in individual, in-depth study of and research in the topic of your choice. Bachelor’s Essay. A required two-semester independent research project usually completed in the senior year, the bachelor’s essay is a significant research paper or equivalent in-depth exploration of a particular interest area. You will work closely one-on-one with a faculty advisor who will help you design the project and who will supervise its progress closely. Most students (but not all) complete the bachelor’s essay in their major. In the case of visual or performing arts, theatre, or creative writing, the final product might take the form of a senior show of your artwork, writing/directing/producing a play, or a body of creative writing. Learning Resources Honors Center. All honors students have access 24/7 to a “home base” on campus in the historic William Aiken House (circa 1839) at 10 Greenway. Here, you can study and socialize with other honors students, meet with professors, attend seminars, work on group projects, use computers and relax in the lounge/reading room. Speakers and discussion groups are also regularly scheduled in the Honors Center. Honors housing. Honors students can choose to room together in one of the Honors College residence halls – Rutledge Rivers and Buist Rivers. Both are located in the center of campus close to the Honors Center and the library, and are co-ed by floor. Honors resident advisors, optional lectures and seminars in the evenings, and honors social activities all extend the honors learning experience beyond the classroom. Scholarships The majority of students in the Honors College (approximately 90%) receive some form of academic scholarship. Over 75% of the top recipients of Presidential Scholarships, the College’s most prestigious merit award, are students in the Honors College, even though honors students comprise only about 10% of incoming students. You will be considered for all College of Charleston merit scholarships. However, you must apply and be admitted before January 15 in the year of your intended fall enrollment. We recommend that you submit your application by November 1 to assurer that you are considered for all possible awards. The Honors College also annually awards a few named merit scholarships of its own. Honors Organizations In addition to more than 150 CofC student clubs and organizations, Honors College students are able to participate in: The Honors Student Association (HSA) is a social- and community service-oriented organization that builds camaraderie among Honors College students,. Some examples of special projects or ongoing events sponsored by HSA, include:
Honors Committee – a standing committee of the Honors College consisting of honors faculty and students who meet bi-weekly to choose special topics courses, set honors policy, and together explore ways in which the Honors College can be improved and strengthened. “I can’t imagine a better place to have a college experience than here – in the city of Charleston, with the College of Charleston faculty, in the Honors College community. I have been so impressed with the preparedness and level of scholarship of the students in the Honors College. The advising we receive has been phenomenal and the Socratic method used in honors classes really keeps you on your game.” Claire Jarvis ’06
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Community Planning