<p>Hi, I'm a newly admitted freshman for the class of 2018. I was thinking about applying to the honors program, but first I have a few questions:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>It says you can qualify through GPA and test scores OR ranking. I definitely qualify through GPA/scores, but the application says "You are attempting to qualify by ranking within the top 3% of your graduating class." It doesn't give me the other option. Is anyone else getting this?</p></li>
<li><p>What are the pros/cons to actually being in the program? I've heard that it's pretty unnecessary.</p></li>
<li><p>Is it easier if I apply during fall quarter, when I'm actually at UCLA? I wouldn't have to write the essay, but is it harder to get in then or something?</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Thanks for any possible insight! </p>
<p>I don’t think it’s really necessary to join the honors program. A lot of people end up leaving the honors program because it can be a hassle.</p>
<p>Why is it a hassle? What are the requirements to stay in it?</p>
<p>Well you have to take a certain number of honors classes each year to stay in it, and that might not always be possible if you have other classes you really need to take. The requirements are listed on the website somewhere</p>
<p>Many threads here have previously discussed this program. It’s not a very popular program because there aren’t many meaningful perks. The argument boils down to a little transcript notation. It’s nothing like CHP at Irvine or other schools that offer priority enrollment for their honors students. No perks like that are associated with the Honors Program at UCLA. You may qualify to earn certain scholarships, notably (I believe) the Barry Goldwater Scholarship, but even then you must be nominated by the school and it’s tough competition. If you can put in the effort towards earning other scholarships and doing well in your classes and earning departmental honors, I see no compelling reason to apply for the Honors Program.</p>
<p>Ok, I’ve decided not to apply for now. I’ll perhaps attend the workshop during fall quarter to see for myself. But it just seems like too much hassle to have to verify my class rank (my HS doesn’t rank) and write an essay if there isn’t anything special about the program. Thanks for the info!</p>
<p>If ur interested in research, I’d recommend:</p>
<p>ucla biomedical research minor
CURE at UCLA</p>