Eligibility & How to Apply
The Honors Transfer Program accepts applications from incoming high school students and current El Camino College students. The program has two application windows (Fall and Spring) to ensure optimal success in the program. Spring application windows open in February (for incoming high school students) and in April (for current ECC students). Fall application windows open in October (for current ECC students).
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While the period to apply for the HTP with priority registration for Summer/Fall 2025 has passed, we will soon accept applications to join the program in Fall/Summer 2025 with priority registration guaranteed for Winter/Spring 2025.
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Incoming High School Students: The application period to start the program in Summer/Fall 2025 (without priority registration) will open May 19th, 2025 and will be available until Monday, July 14th, 2025 at 5:00pm. No applications will be accepted after this time/date.
Acceptance decisions are emailed to personal and ECC email accounts. Be sure to check your email accounts as you will need to formally accept our offer.
Incoming High School Students - Click Here to Apply (available May 19th-July 14th)
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Current El Camino Students: The application period to start the program in Summer/Fall 2025 (without priority registration) will open
May 19th, 2025 and will be available until Monday, July 14th, 2025 at 5:00pm. No applications will be accepted after this time/date. You must have at least two full semesters remaining at ECC to apply.
Acceptance decisions are emailed to personal and ECC email accounts. Be sure to check your email accounts as you will need to formally accept our offer.
Current ECC Students - Click Here to Apply (available May 19th-July 14th)
If you are currently enrolled full-time as a student at another college/university and intend to apply to El Camino College for Summer/Fall 2025, please use the "Current El Camino College Students" link.
How to Apply
To apply to the program, complete steps 1-3.
Register for an Information Session
Curious about the Honors Transfer Program? Register for one of our information sessions (available only during Spring and Fall application periods).
Eligibility Criteria for High School Students
- Minimum 3.1 GPA from high school, unweighted
- Be eligible for (or have already completed) English 1A, English 1AH, or English 1AS
- Plan to be at ECC for at least two full semesters
Eligibility Criteria for Current ECC Students
- Minimum 3.1 cumulative transferrable GPA at ECC with at least 9 transferrable units completed
- Be eligible for (or have already completed) English 1A, English 1AH, or English 1AS
- Have at least two full semesters remaining at ECC
To Receive Priority Registration, Incoming High School Students Must Also:
- Meet with an ECC counselor to create an Educational Plan (Ed Plan)
- Complete an ECC orientation online
- Complete the English and Math Placement Survey (available through MyECC)
For more information, please visit the Warrior Welcome Center
Information for Applicants
If you are a senior in high school with an El Camino College student ID number and an unweighted GPA of 3.1 or higher, you are eligible to apply to our program.
The application window for current high school seniors opens in February and closes
in April. The late application for Summer/Fall (without priority registration) opens in May and closes in July. Specific deadlines for applications windows are available on our website.
Eligibility:
- You must have an El Camino College Student ID number to begin the process.
- You should have a minimum 3.1 cumulative unweighted GPA. We will accept your application even if your GPA is below a 3.1 at the time that you apply.
- Upload your final transcript in June. At that time (in June), if your cumulative unweighted GPA is below 3.1, your application will not be approved for acceptance into our program. You will be able to reapply during the fall semester.
- Be eligible for or have completed English 1A.
The Honors Transfer Program accepts applications to the program twice a year. Applications
are accepted in October to begin in Winter/Spring and in April to begin in Summer/Fall.
The late application for Summer/Fall (without priority registration) opens in May and closes in July. Specific deadlines for applications windows are available on our website.
Eligibility:
- You should have a minimum 3.1 transferrable GPA and 9 transferrable units completed at ECC.
- Be eligible for or have completed English 1A.
- You must have at least two full semesters remaining at ECC to be considered.
Application Tips
- Do your best writing on the application essay. Respond directly to the prompt you select with your own words. Write multiple paragraphs using what you have learned about writing in previous English classes, edit for spelling and grammar, and revise and proofread.
- Be sure to complete steps 1 - 3.
- Submit your application well before the deadline (do not wait until the last minute).
HTP is a member of the National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC). Learn more about NCHC and its definition of "honors" across the many colleges involved in honors education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Honors courses are academically enriched to stimulate students intellectually, encourage independent critical thinking, and promote close interaction between students and faculty.
To learn more, check out these resources from the National Collegiate Honors Council:
Our Honors Transfer Program provides a unique learning environment that stresses academic excellence. The major objective of the program is to prepare students to transfer by focusing on advanced reading, writing, critical thinking, and study skills.
HTP coursework is specifically designed to fit the requirements of various associate degrees, as well as requirements needed to transfer to the University of California, California State University, and most other universities.
The ideal amount of time to spend in the HTP is two years (four semesters) – but we know you might not be ready to join until you’ve been at ECC for a semester or two.
You can join the program at whatever time you like during your ECC career, as long as you have at least one year (two full semesters) to complete it.
If you’re applying to UCLA, however, there are other limitations about what classes you can take in your final semester — speak with a transfer counselor for more information.