Frequently Asked Questions

Macaulay Honors College:

If you are a prospective first-year student, you apply online through CUNY to the Macaulay Honors College and rank your campus choices. Be aware that highly competitive programs, such as the Grove School of Engineering at City College, usually admit only those who rank such programs as their first choice.

The City College Honors Program:

Prospective first-year students who have applied to Macaulay Honors College will be considered for the City College Honors program.

CAN TRANSFERS OR CONTINUING STUDENTS BECOME HONORS STUDENTS?

Not in the Macaulay Honors College. Students who have attended classes at a post-secondary institution after high school are not eligible for Macaulay. The City College Honors Program, however, may admit a few incoming transfer and continuing students annually at the discretion of the director. Eligible students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.6 or higher and have at least 15 credits of general-education courses still to complete. 

SO, I'M NOT ELIGIBLE FOR HONORS; ARE THERE OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS OR SPECIAL PROGRAMS AVAILABLE TO ME?

Yes, there are many such opportunities for continuing students, both college-wide and within particular schools and divisions. These include the City College and Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowships, the Skadden Arps Honors Program in Legal Studies, the Kaye Scholars Program (Humanities and Arts), and the Mini-Circuits Scholarship (Engineering), to name just a few. Look at the scholarships, awards, and programs listed under Admissions, as well as those under Academics, where you found us.

ARE HONORS STUDENTS ELIGIBLE FOR OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS AND SPECIAL PROGRAMS?

Yes, many Honors students participate in the programs mentioned above or other special programs, depending on their interests and career goals.

DO HONORS STUDENTS TAKE ALL THEIR CLASSES TOGETHER?

Honors students take their general-education—or Pathways—classes together. When Honors students take classes in their majors (usually beginning in junior year) their classmates are other City College upperclassmen. Honors students will be assigned a departmental advisor once they have declared a major, but their Honors advisors and friends, as well as the Honors Center, provide a community and a gathering place throughout their entire college career.

AS AN HONORS STUDENT, HOW DO I ENROLL IN HONORS COURSES?

You must meet with your Honors advisor during pre-registration to discuss your schedule for the upcoming semester. Honors courses are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis.

CAN OTHER CITY COLLEGE STUDENTS ENROLL IN HONORS CLASSES?

No, the Honors-designated Pathways courses are reserved for Honors students.

DO HONORS STUDENTS RECEIVE PRIORITY REGISTRATION?

Yes, Honors students have first-day registration privileges.

CAN HONORS STUDENTS BE DISMISSED FROM THEIR PROGRAM?

Yes, in order to remain in good standing, Macaulay students must achieve a 3.3 GPA at the end of freshman year; from sophomore year until graduation, they must maintain a 3.5 GPA. To be full-time in Macaulay, students must enroll in at least 15 credits of course work per semester.

Students in the City College Honors Program must maintain a 3.0 GPA each semester, and they must enroll in at least 12 credits of course work per semester.

Honors students, like all students at City College, are subject to CUNY policies on academic and personal conduct.

ARE HONORS STUDENTS REQUIRED TO COMPLETE A SENIOR HONORS THESIS?

All Macaulay Honors students must complete a senior project in their major, whether a traditional thesis or another capstone project appropriate to their studies. While a thesis is not required in the City College Honors Program, students are strongly encouraged to do so.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE OTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR HONORS STUDENTS?

Macaulay students must complete 30 hours of community service by the end of their junior year. CCNY Honors students are not required to complete community service but are encouraged to do so.

HOW CAN I LEARN ABOUT UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH AND INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR HONORS STUDENTS?

Macaulay students receive "Macaulay Monday" communications from the central Macaulay office, and the CCNY Honors Center emails weekly announcements to all our Honors students. These emails contain a wealth of information about upcoming deadlines, events, and academic opportunities. Read these emails regularly and thoroughly! In addition, Jennifer Lutton, the National Scholarships Coordinator, maintains a file of national internships for students in particular disciplines.

HOW CAN I LEARN ABOUT STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS?

Honors students participate in programs offered by City College, CUNY, and other colleges and universities. Begin your search with our campus Study Abroad office. In recent years, Honors students have participated in programs in London, Paris, Florence, Berlin, Barcelona, Beijing, Singapore, Rio de Janeiro, and Quito, among other cities.

HOW CAN I LEARN ABOUT NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS AND FELLOWSHIPS FOR GRADUATE SCHOOL?

Honors students, among other City College undergraduates, have been successful recipients of the following scholarships: Goldwater, Truman, Udall, National Science Foundation, and Rhodes. They have been named White House interns and Fulbright Scholars. Look at the National Scholarships web page, and make an appointment to discuss your prospects with Jennifer Lutton in the Honors Center.