1. If I take an Honors course, will I have to work harder than in a regular class?
Class
assignments are designed by individual instructors, but the amount of
work in an Honors course is comparable to regular courses. It is the
depth and quality of discussions that make the Honors courses very
stimulating and engaging.
2. How are the Honors courses different from the regular classes?
You
will be in a class of up to twenty motivated and curious students, who
come to class prepared. You will be exposed to enrichment activities
such as guest speakers, team projects and field trips. You will have a
lot more student-to-student and student-to-professor interaction.
3. Will I have a lower grade in an Honors course than in a regular course?
The
short answer is no. The long answer is that you will be a better
informed and better performing student, so you will more likely have an
even higher grade. We don’t grade students on a curve. Theoretically, a
whole class can earn As.
4. Who are the Honors students?
Hard-working, intelligent and forward thinking individuals. Find the Honors Association on Facebook as "BERGENHONORS."
5. Do the New Jersey Star students automatically get into the Honors Program?
The NJ Stars are very welcome to the Honors Program if they meet the Admissions requirements.
If
your SATs are low, you can work hard during your first semester at
Bergen to obtain a GPA of 3.4 or more, and register for the Honors
courses the second semester at Bergen.
6. My SATs are low, but I took AP courses in high school. Do I qualify for the Honors Program?
The
requirement for the incoming students include a combined SAT score of
1700. The solution is for the student to take regular courses the first
semester and do well. If your GPA reaches 3.4 after the first semester,
you can start taking Honors courses.
7. What is the difference between the Honors Program and its Honors Association, and the PTK?
The
Honors Program offers honors courses with small class sizes and the
most scholarly faculty, honors advising, and conference opportunities.
Given the proper GPA, anyone can enroll in the program by taking an
Honors class. Honors students are also eligible to become a member of
the Honors Association, which is a student run club that supports the
Honors program.
8. How do you leave the Honors Program?
You can just stop taking Honors courses and that’s that.
9. What about money?
There
is no additional cost to enroll in Honors Program courses. As an Honors
student, you are much more likely to receive a scholarship in a
four-year college.
10.Does participation in the Honors Program guarantee admission to Columbia University?
No.
However, each year the Columbia University School of General Education
offers a $12,000 scholarship to a qualifying Bergen student. Students
who are in the PTK as well as can apply for an additional $8,000. See http://www.gs.columbia.edu .
11.Dean’s List vs. Honor’s List:
Dean’s List
The
Dean’s List is official recognition by the faculty of outstanding
academic accomplishment. Any degree-seeking student who has maintained a
cumulative scholastic average of 3.5 or better (minimum 24 credits)
qualifies for this honor. The Dean’s List is compiled each semester
several weeks after grades are processed. (Students with unresolved
“INC” grades at the time of compilation are ineligible).
Honors List
The
Honors List is an official recognition by the faculty of outstanding
academic achievement during the course of one semester. Any
degree-seeking student who has attained a scholastic average of 3.5 or
better (minimum 12 credits) qualifies for this honor. The Honors List is
compiled each semester several weeks after grades are processed.
(Students with unresolved “INC” grades at the time of compilation are
ineligible).