Frequently Asked Questions
How many students are there in the program?
We usually have about 60 Eagle Scholars (freshman, sophomores, juniors and seniors). Often a few Eagle Scholars are studying abroad for a semester, so everyone may not be on campus at the same time.
What is the workload in comparison to that of a typical student's load?
Honors students do work a bit harder in their classes, but they do so because that is the reason they came to college. Generally, the work associated with an honors class is different, not necessarily more. The Eagle Scholars are able to maintain their social life and participate in extra-curricular activities and ministry on top of their school work.
Is it extremely difficult to keep a 3.65 GPA?
Most Eagle Scholars do not have difficulty with this requirement. The average GPA for those in the program is 3.9.
Are Eagle Scholars still able to be involved in other activities around campus like choir, drama, intramurals, etc?
Over half of the Eagle Scholars are involved in music on campus, and others have been on a sports team and in drama productions. Many of the Eagle Scholars work as TAs for professors, some are RA’s, and others do various ministries. The majority of them, if not all of them, participate in extra-curricular activities.
If I am accepted, do I need to re-apply for the program next year?
No. Once you are accepted into the Eagle Scholars Honors Program, you are a part of the program for the duration of your stay at Northwestern College on the condition that you maintain a GPA of 3.65 and meet the seminar requirements.
Will I be able to get AP credit for the tests I have passed?
Yes, you can get AP credit. Many of the incoming Eagle Scholars have scored high enough on AP tests to get credit. Have your scores sent to the Registrar's Office, and they will indicate the credit on your record.
When I take honors courses, am I taking extra classes?
Honors courses are different versions of courses included in our Core Curriculum. You are required to take these core courses, so taking the honors form of the class does not add to your scheduled number of credits. You will never take all honors classes any given semester.
How do honors classes differ from regular classes?
Honors classes differ from regular classes in that they are smaller, they involve more discussion of issues, they challenge students to think on a higher level, and they tend to offer more learning experiences
What are honors components?
All Eagle Scholars must complete at least one component when they are juniors or seniors. Also, honors components may be taken when an upper-class student has a scheduling conflict and cannot be enrolled in available honors courses. A component is generally completed in a class within a student’s major or minor field of study. The exact requirements will vary depending on the course, but the component is often a specialized research project supervised by the student’s professor. A typical component will require 20 to 25 hours of work in addition to what is assigned for the class. Students usually present their completed components to their class and also to fellow Eagle Scholars in seminar sessions.
If I am not accepted into the program, can I apply again as a sophomore?
Yes. To be eligible to apply after your first year, a student
- must have completed a minimum of 30 credits in the day-school program
- must have maintained a GPA of 3.9 or higher
- must have taken at least four honors courses from at least three different disciplines during first year at NWC
- must have attended at least six Honors Seminar events during first year at NWC
If I am not accepted, can I still take honors courses?
Yes. Honors courses are open to any student who has an ACT score of at least 27, a college GPA of no less than 3.6, or the consent of the instructor. Enrollment and completion of an honors course will appear on your transcript, and you may refer to the fact that you took honors courses in college on application letters for graduate schools and for employment positions.
