Frequently Asked Questions about the Honors Residential Academic Program
How do I get into the Honors Residential Academic Program (Honors RAP)?
- Apply to the University of Colorado Boulder and be accepted as a first year student.
- You must be Honors-qualified to be accepted into the Honors Program or Honors RAP. Incoming to CU, your Honors qualification is based on your high school GPA, standardized test scores (ACT or SAT), and other academic factors. These criteria are used by Admissions to identify the academic top 10% of incoming students at CU. Those who fall in this top 10% and who complete their registration at CU will receive a letter of invitation from the Honors Program, sent out periodically beginning in late December.
- Complete your admission process for CU, including payment of the $200 Admissions Confirmation fee (non-refundable). See your Admissions materials for details, but do not send any money to Honors RAP.
- Complete your Housing Contract by selecting Honors RAP as your 1st or 2nd housing preference and by submitting your non-refundable housing deposit.
- Complete all these tasks as early as you can. Every year the Honors RAP has more qualified applicants than it can accommodate so we must generate a list from which we continue to fill residential spaces. [Top ↑]
How are spaces in the Honors RAP filled?
Spaces in Honors RAP are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, which is why you want to complete your Housing Contract (see above) as early as you can. If we have to generate a list, your place on the list is connected to the date you complete your Housing contract. Generally, we have been able to accommodate everyone on this list with a space in Honors RAP by the time school begins, if not sooner. [Top ↑]
Is there an extra fee for participating in the Honors RAP?
Yes, just as there is for all RAPs. The RAP program fee for the year is $850. Your RAP program fee is non-refundable and will appear on your Housing bill in the Fall. Again, please do not send money directly to Honors RAP. [Top ↑]
Is there scholarship money available through the Honors RAP?
We have an extremely limited amount set aside for scholarships to offset the program fee. These are need-based scholarships and, if you think you qualify, you can petition the Honors RAP Associate Director for consideration. [Top ↑]
Will I find the Honors RAP to be more studious than other residence halls?
Likely, most of the time, and that’s a good thing. One of Honors RAP’s primary goals is to help you to have a successful experience at CU, academically and personally, and so we work to create an environment and community where your housing life and your academic life can work together, not against each other. [Top ↑]
What is required of Honors RAP participants?
In order to successfully fulfill the Mission of the Honors Residential Academic Program, we ask that each Honors RAP student commit to:
- Take one Honors RAP class each in the Fall and Spring semesters.
- Participate in the activities of your flock and in the other announced programs for Honors RAP.
- Contribute constructively to the civility of Arnett and Smith East and to the culture in which everyone’s academic success is encouraged and supported.
- Contribute constructively to the decision-making processes of the program and to the evaluation of the program when asked. [Top ↑]
How do I register for my Fall Honors RAP course?
In May, you will receive a list of course options and you will be asked to pick your top 3 choices. We will do our best to place you in one of your top choices and we will have this information for you at least by the time you come for your CU Boulder Orientation visit in the summer. [Top ↑]
Can I stay in Honors RAP after my first year in the program?
Yes, in fact, we encourage it; it builds a stronger and more diverse student community. We have some wonderful students who have stayed in Honors RAP to graduation. To be eligible to return, all you have to do is remain honors qualified (i.e., maintain a 3.3 or better GPA). Returning students have the opportunity to become part of our student leadership team (see below), and we offer courses specifically for students beyond their first year. [Top ↑]
Can I become a student leader in Honors RAP?
Yes, as a Flock Leader, an important role in Honors RAP community. For Flock Leaders, we are looking for students who will serve as models for our academic mission and community and who will work as colleagues with other students, faculty and staff in Honors RAP. Look for Flock Leader applications at the end of the Fall semester. [Top ↑]
What is a Flock?
Each incoming student is assigned to a small group of about 25 Honors RAP students; these groups are called Flocks. Flocks are an important dimension of our social life in Honors RAP, and they contribute to a culture that encourages engagement, academic success, and curiosity. Each Flock is led by a team of our experienced student leaders and is provided with a budget to spend as the Flock desires. Typically, Flocks meet every Wednesday for fun, food, and maybe for a trip to some nearby event. You will make some great friends through your Flock, and we hope that you will also take ownership in your Flock and, thus, in the Honors RAP community. [Top ↑]
Am I guaranteed an Honors RAP class while I am in Honors RAP?
Everyone who is accepted into Honors RAP will be offered a class in the Fall semester, most likely your first or second choice. Typically this pattern continues in the Spring semester, though occasionally in the Spring semester a few students are unable to find an Honors RAP class that suits their needs. The expectation, however, is that you will work with us to find an appropriate class schedule. [Top ↑]
Where will my Honors RAP class be held?
Arnett Hall, second floor. We have exclusive use of two comfortable and smart classrooms designed for Honors courses. [Top ↑]
Will I have wireless access in Arnett and Smith East?
Yes. Both Arnett and Smith Halls provide WiFi access. [Top ↑]
How long has Honors RAP been in existence?
Continuously since the 1990-1991 academic year. The program was moved from Buckingham Hall to the newly renovated Arnett Hall in 2008 and then also expanded into Smith East in 2011. [Top ↑]
What is the relationship of Honors RAP to the Honors Program at CU Boulder?
Honors RAP is a residential component within the Honors Program. Thus, as an Honors RAP student you are also an Honors student, and you may explore the Honors course offerings of the Honors Program beginning in the Spring semester, so long as you maintain your 3.3 or better GPA. You will also, then, have access to the Honors thesis process which is the pathway to graduating from CU with Latin Honors. [Top ↑]
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