Is this program for geniuses only? 
For recent high school honor graduates only?
Any students who are geniuses should be enrolled in honors courses! However, geniuses are fairly rare. Honors students are more likely to be bright, motivated individuals who simply want to expand their personal and intellectual growth regardless of their age or previous experience with honors.

What can the Honors Program offer me?
You can expect lively interaction and personal attention in a smaller, supportive class setting. You may be able to pursue topics of individual interest. You would have unique opportunities to work with distinguished visitors and to take part in special events.

How are honors courses different?
Their small class sizes foster spirited classroom interaction. Fewer topics may be dealt with, but in greater depth. In some classes, there are increased opportunities to read broadly, write more, and carry out research and special projects. Seeing interrelationships, bringing out one's background knowledge to bear on the task at hand, and vigorous discussion are emphasized.  Field trips and guest speakers play increased roles in the formal and informal learning that goes on in honors classes. The field of honors classes is not simply to do more work, but rather to provide students with a different type of experience that makes them active participants in the learning process.

Honors courses come in many forms. In addition to the traditional format, there are seminars, interdisciplinary courses, and honors components in certain science courses.

What is the difference between the Schoenbrodt Honors Program and HCC's Rouse Scholars Program?
The Schoenbrodt Honors Program is a selective admissions program open to full-time and part-time students who select from a menu of honors courses each term in addition to other classes they take, which are unique to their curriculum. The James W. Rouse Scholars Program is a competitive admissions honors program only for incoming high school graduates who will be full-time students. Students in the program take courses that are part of a core curriculum along with courses unique to their particular program of study. Like other eligible students, Rouse Scholars may also apply to the Schoenbrodt Honors Program.

If I am involved with the Honors Program, will I have time for anything else?
Students who are serious about a college education give their studies top priority. Nevertheless, even honors students should have sufficient time to participate in other activities.

Will my grade point average suffer if I enroll in honors courses?
It shouldn't. Research indicates that students who are appropriately enrolled in honors classes earn the same grades they would have received if they were in regular classes. Some students feel they do even better in these small, supportive classes. By asking this question, you're indicating that you want your college transcript to be notable. You should know that the presence of honors courses will make your transcript stand out from all the rest.

How can I participate?
Students may enroll in honors classes for which they meet the program and instructor's prerequisites. Upon successful course completion, students receive a special designation beside the honors courses on their transcripts. Students who successfully complete fifteen hours of course work and participate in the program are awarded letters of recognition for this accomplishment.

Is participation in the program limited?
HCC tries to offer enough honors classes to accommodate students' interests. Students interested in honors courses may enroll during their regular registration times as long as course openings are available and as long as they meet the instructor's prerequisites and program requirements.

Are scholarships and financial aid available?
HCC offers a limited number of scholarships. Honors students may also apply for other scholarships, loans, or grants for which they qualify. For further information contact the Financial Aid Office at 410-772-4912.

How can I obtain further information?
Contact the Honors Office at Howard Community College at 410-772-4946.