A: No. In fact, participating in HSP provides you with access to a broad selection of honors-level courses that are not available to the general SMU population and most of these courses meet requirements within the Common Curriculum. You just get to take them with friends in the program. Most students take the WRTR and PRW courses, plus one other in the program. The rest of your schedule is yours to shape to your needs and interests.
A: No. But we do recommend them! We strive to offer social, cultural, and academic events that students want to attend and that will enhance their experience here on campus. Our goal is to foster student leadership and community service interests while also providing students an opportunity to connect with their peers socially.
A: Between 180-195 of our top first-year students will participate. The program is by invitation only.
A: No. Hilltop Scholars belong to a variety of campus groups, including fraternity and sorority life. HSP students are active participants in all aspects of campus life.
A: Yes and no. The program-specific courses, such as the WRTR 2303 and 2304 courses are designed to meet the needs of high-achieving students. We hope to challenge students and keep their interest by doing so. In some courses, Hilltop Scholars take a group of reserved seats in a class with non-HSP students. In these courses, the enhancement comes from the shared experience of the coursework and a built-in peer group for studying.
A: HSP is part of the Honors Community here at SMU, but is separate and distinct from the University Honors Program. The University Honors Program is a four-year program that allows students to graduate with Honors. HSP, on the other hand, is first-year only. At the end of their first-year, our students move on to other university activities and organizations. After the successful completion of WRTR 2303 and 2304, HSP students are eligible for a direct path to UHP if they desire a four-year honors experience and have a 3.65 GPA.