Frequently Asked Questions
The following "Frequently Asked Questions" might be of interest or assistance to you. Be sure to also visit the "Students Answer FAQs" section under "Prospective Students" for more answers to questions prospective students often have.
If you have a question that isn't answered below or in the "Students Answer FAQs" section, please contact us at (740) 593-2723 or by e-mail at honors.college@ohio.edu. If you have a question about a specific course or major, please visit the "Programs of Study" page.
What is the Honors Tutorial College?
The Honors Tutorial College is the oldest, largest, and most academically diverse tutorial-based degree granting honors college in the country that was modeled after the tutorial traditions of British universities such as Cambridge and Oxford. We are a highly competitive college of approximately 200 students who declare majors in one of our 26 programs of study. The Honors Tutorial College is simply unlike any other "honors" institution in the country because of the emphasis placed on individualized learning through one-on-one or small group tutorials.
What is a tutorial?
A tutorial is a "class" that has only one student on the roster: you. Occasionally, tutorials may have more than one student in them, but the majority of tutorials are undertaken by one student who is paired with one professor in their major area of study. There is no "back row" in a tutorial; this method of learning demands a high level of motivation, responsibility and commitment to intellectual challenge on the part of the student. Every tutorial in every major is different, but they all offer intensified, accelerated learning within the context of a unique partnership with a faculty member. (For more information, see also "What is a Tutorial?")
Would I have to take "honors" classes at OU?
It is imperative to understand that the Honors Tutorial College is a tutorial College, not an "honors program." You will not be in "honors classes" with the rest of the "honors students" at the university. Tutorials are the closest thing you'll see to an "honors class" here at HTC. Also, because students are encouraged to pursue their own interests outside of major core tutorials, all class prerequisites are waived for HTC students. (This means that you can "jump in" to upper-level course as soon as you'd like without being required to complete that course's prerequisites first. A first-year HTC student can take SOC 260, for example, without first having to take SOC 101 as is usually required.) As an undergraduate, you may take even graduate level courses for undergraduate credit. While each program of study has its own core requirements, great freedom is allowed so students can tailor their education based directly on their own interests and career goals.
How selective is the Honors Tutorial College?
Due to the rigorous, one-on-one nature of our tutorial based program, we are a highly selective institution, accepting only the highest-caliber students. While exceptional circumstances are considered, ideal HTC applicants should have minimum standardized test scores of 30 on the ACT and/or 1300 on the SAT and should be in the top 10 percent of their high school graduating class. Strong portfolio work is also a must for those students applying for programs in English, Journalism, Film, Dance or Theater. An on-campus interview is also required. (For more information on admissions requirements and deadlines, please visit "Admissions Requirements" for prospective students.)
How much is Ohio University going to cost me?
Many Honors Tutorial College students receive substantial scholarships based on SAT and ACT scores. Visit "Scholarship Opportunities" under "Prospective Students" for a complete listing of Ohio University's NEW Gateway Excellence Scholarship Program as well as additional information on financial aid and total admissions cost. For complete information on tuition and housing costs, visit the Office of Financial Aid's website.
Where is Athens? How do I get there?
Athens is located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Southeast Ohio, about an hour and fifteen minutes southeast of Columbus. For complete information on getting to and from Athens, as well as accommodation information, click here. For more information about Athens and its happenings, visit www.athensi.com.
How do I start the application process?
Go to "Admissions Requirements" for prospective students for complete information about how to apply and where to send your application materials. (Don't forget, the deadline for applications for the Honors Tutorial College is Dec. 1, earlier than the regular Ohio University application deadline.)
Can I apply to more than one major (program of study) within the Honors Tutorial College?
Yes. If you would like to be considered for more than one program of study, please indicate this on the application form where you are asked to state a major. You may apply to up to three programs of study. However, please keep in mind that admission to all programs of study is highly competitive. Out of respect for other applying students, please only apply for programs of study you are seriously interested in pursuing. Please do not apply to a program of study you are not familiar with or are not serious about studying for the next four year. Your chance of being admitted to the college are not enhanced by applying to multiple programs.
What if I don't get invited for an interview?
You will be notified in late December whether or not you are invited to interview. If you are not invited to interview, your application materials will still be considered by the Ohio University Admissions Office. There is no need to re-apply again to Ohio University if you still wish to attend.
Want more information?
Be sure to visit our Something Completely Different, Admissions Requirements, How to Apply, What is a Tutorial? and Scholars Residence Halls and Students Answer FAQs pages for prospective students or email the College to receive a viewbook. Please write "Viewbook request" in the subject line and include your full name and mailing address in the body of the email.