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The Smittcamp Family Honors College

FAQs

What is the Smittcamp Family Honors College?


The Smittcamp Family Honors College (SFHC) is an honors college within Fresno State. Scholars, admitted as first-time freshmen only, are Fresno State undergraduate students and can be enrolled in any of Fresno State's 74 degree programs.

The SFHC is designed to complement and enhance, not replace, the overall Fresno State experience. Students complete a portion of the credits required for their university bachelor’s degree via specialized "Honors" G.E. courses that are only open to President's Honors Scholars.

Additionally, the SFHC provides advising support and encourages research and study abroad opportunities.

When should I apply for the SFHC?


You should apply in the fall of your senior year of high school. 

In order to qualify for admission, you must be a first-time freshman who has not been enrolled full-time at any institution of higher learning (i.e., community college or any four-year university). Transfer students do not qualify.

Can I join the SFHC even if I didn't apply for/receive the President's Honors Scholarship?


No. Enrollment in the SFHC is dependent on being a President's Honors Scholarship recipient.

Can I receive additional scholarships and financial aid if I'm admitted to the SFHC?


Yes! Recipients of the President's Honors Scholarship (PHS)  are allowed to receive funds from other sources of financial aid (scholarships, grants, loans, work study). Learn more Learn more about funding opportunities.

Do I still have to take Honors G.E. courses if I've already completed all or most of my G.E.s?


Yes, you must take the required Honors G.E. courses to maintain your scholarship and status in the SFHC. These courses count not only toward Fresno State's General Education (G.E.) graduation requirements, but also towards your scholarship requirements. By completing these courses, you will receive the University Honors designation on your diploma.

Are Honors courses offered in-person or online?


All Honors courses are synchronous, in-person classes.

As a Scholar, can I double major or add a minor?


Yes! It is common for Scholars to pursue multiple majors, minors, and/or certificates. Priority class registration makes it possible to get into the classes you need and complete multiple degrees in a timely manner.

However, please noted that Fresno State only allows either two majors and one minor, or one major and two minors, as long as all required units do not exceed the 144-unit limit. Learn more about how to add a major/minor.

Can I be in other programs in addition to the SFHC?


Yes! We encourage you to seek out and join any programs that you are eligible for or which may be helpful to you. For example:

The two exceptions are the Lyles College of Engineering Honors Program and the Craig Business Scholars Program. Students are encouraged to apply to any that they may qualify for, but they can only accept admission to one (Lyles Scholar, Craig Scholar, or SFHC Scholar).

How do I apply for the President's Honors Scholarship?

Visit our Scholarship Application page for step-by-step instructions.

How likely am I to be accepted?

Admission into the Smittcamp Family Honors College is highly competitive. On average, 500 students apply each year, and 50 are accepted.

Do you accept late applications?

No. We strictly follow the stated deadline. All parts of your application (including items submitted by outside sources like couselors/teachers for letters of recommendation and high school transcripts) must be submitted by the stated deadline.

What should I include in my application to give it that extra edge?

This is a tricky question. We don't want you to write what you think we want you to write, otherwise we can't get an accurate reflection of who you are! What motivates you? What are you passionate about? What makes it so you have the abillity to succeed in our program?

How will I know whether I was selected for the scholarship?

All applicants will be notified of their status (Selected, Alternate, or Not Selected) at their Fresno State email address by March 1st.

I was notified that I'm an Alternate (waitlisted). When will I find out if I got in? Can I know where I rank on the waitlist?

The initial 50 Selected applicants will have until the stated date to either accept or decline the President's Honors Scholarship. After this date,  applicants from our Alternate list (waitlist) will be contacted until the 50 person cohort is full. We do not disclose where Alternates rank on the waitlist under any circumstances.