Information for Engineering Students

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 1. What is the University Scholars Program at NC State University?

The University Scholars Program (USP) encourages students to consider critical issues drawn from the sciences and contemporary affairs; introduces students to the visual and performing arts; helps students connect their academic and personal goals; and, through these experiences, empowers students to be informed citizens, ethical leaders and active contributors to our society.

2. What are some of the benefits of participating?

Benefits include the Scholars Forum, which features presentations by renowned speakers and performers; free tickets to arts performances and exhibitions; free field trips to historical and cultural sites; access to honors courses; priority registration privileges; an Outdoor Leadership and Service Learning Series; annual trips to New York City and abroad; and the opportunity to live in the Scholars Village in Sullivan Hall.

3. What are the requirements to complete the program?

• Attend three semesters of the Scholars Forum, the central component of the USP, and receive a grade of “S” (satisfactory) • Complete 12 hours of USP-approved course credit. Please note that these are not extra courses. They are special sections of required courses, including honors sections, first-year inquiry courses, honors contracts, graduate-level courses, independent study/research and study abroad coursework.

• Maintain a GPA of 3.25 or higher 4. Is the USP a good program for engineering students?

Yes. Our engineering students report enjoying the program because of the many benefits it offers. The program: • Gives students an opportunity to expand their cultural awareness, consider contemporary issues and explore the liberal arts • Helps students understand the connections between engineering, our society and their future careers • Grants students access to honors courses and added stimuli to excel academically • Invites students to a community of outstanding students from all majors • Affords students an opportunity to travel both domestically and internationally. Cultural trips to New York City and backpacking trips in Arizona, for example, are some of the enrichment experiences offered.

5. What are the criteria for automatic invitation to the program?

After gaining acceptance to the university, students are automatically invited to join the USP if they meet at least two of the following three criteria: • Placing in the top 5 percent of their high school graduating class • Scoring 1300 on the traditional SAT (Critical Reading and Math) or 30 on the ACT Composite • Achieving a weighted high school GPA of 4.5 or an unweighted GPA of 3.9 Students who do not meet these criteria are encouraged to apply to the program using the application available on the USP website.

6. I received an invitation to join the program for the fall semester, but I’m worried about overloading my schedule.

Should I join the program now or wait until a later semester?

If the program appeals to you, we recommend starting as soon as possible. An early start will allow you the maximum time to complete the program requirements. Also, you must join the program as an entering freshman to live in the Scholars Village.

From an academic standpoint, it is easier to remain in the program by maintaining an overall GPA of at least 3.25. If you’re invited to join as a mid-year freshman, the minimum GPA for engineers is 3.75. Remember, there is no risk for joining during your first semester, and at any time you may stop participating in the program without penalty. Learn more about the program to see if it’s a good fit for your college experience.