Raul S. Murguia Presidential Honors Program

Frequently Asked Questions

What is needed to apply?
     1) application form
     2) two letters of recommendation (on forms)
     3) official transcript (HS & College -- if applicant is a student at SAC, we can pull the transcript off the computer)
     4) cover letter (introduction of applicant and paragraph stating why the program would be of benefit)

When can a student enter the program? fall or spring of Freshman year

What criteria are used to select students?
     For High School Seniors/Graduates:
          1) High School GPA
          2) SAT or ACT test scores
          3) profile of courses taken / extracurricular activities
          4) Recommendations (teacher/counselor)
     For current SAC students:
          1) SAC GPA (college level)
          2) Recommendation of SAC professors

What is the minimum required to get into the program?
Each "pool" (class) of applicants is ranked. The top ranked students are offered scholarships first until the class is full. If past years are any indication, a student with an A GPA (90 or above), in the top %12 of the graduating class, having SAT combined scores of 1100 and good recommendations will be offered a scholarship. An applicant with less than these should also apply because often students with lesser scores are accepted.

When will I know if I'm accepted for the Fall?
If a student is top ranked he or she will be notified in mid June. Students ranked lower may not be notified until July or in some cases as late as August. Often the top ranked students have accepted offers elsewhere, and so decline the scholarship, making openings for lower ranked students.

When will I know if I'm accepted for the Spring?
Since Spring entry students are typically current SAC students, the ranking of students cannot begin until grades are in (usually by the Friday of exam week. Selected students are usually notified early in the week after finals.

What are the requirements for staying in the program?
PHP students need to maintain a 3.0 (B) or above cumulative and per semester GPA, 12 or more hours of class credit each long semester, and successful completion of the required Honors classes.