In the context of a UC (University of California) application, NH stands for "Not Honors." This designation indicates that a course is not considered to be at an honors or college level for the purpose of UC credit.
Understanding "NH" in UC Applications
When applying to the University of California system, students are required to accurately report their coursework. Course designations like "NH" are used to categorize the academic level of courses taken. While "NH" literally means "Not Honors," its primary implication for UC applications, especially concerning community college courses, is that the course might not be considered college-level or for transfer credit.
It's crucial to differentiate "NH" from "CL," which stands for "College Level." The UC system explicitly states that all community college (CCC) courses reported on an application must be designated as "CL" (College Level), not "NH" (Not Honors), to be counted toward UC requirements.
Implications for Coursework Reporting
The "NH" designation carries significant implications, particularly for courses taken at community colleges that students intend to use for UC admission or credit:
- Credit Eligibility: If a community college course is marked as "NH," it generally indicates that the course may not be recognized by the UC system as counting towards academic requirements or transfer credit. UCs typically look for courses that meet their "College Level" criteria.
- Transferability: For students planning to transfer from a community college, ensuring all relevant courses are designated "CL" is paramount. An "NH" designation could mean the course will not fulfill general education or major preparation requirements at a UC campus.
- Course Unit Requirements: It's also important to note that certain courses, regardless of their "CL" or "NH" status, may not count if they fall below a certain unit threshold. For instance, community college courses under 3 units generally do not count toward UC requirements and do not need to be included in the application.
Best Practices for Reporting Courses
To ensure a smooth UC application process regarding your coursework, consider these best practices:
- Verify Course Designations: Always check how your community college courses are designated. If a course you expect to count as college-level is marked "NH," consult with your academic advisor or the college's counseling department to understand why and if there are options to address it.
- Prioritize "CL" Courses: When selecting courses at a community college with the intention of transferring to a UC, prioritize those officially recognized as "College Level."
- Review Transfer Agreements: Utilize resources like ASSIST.org (for California community college students) to verify which courses are CSU and UC transferable and how they articulate with specific major requirements. While ASSIST.org doesn't use "NH" or "CL" directly, it outlines transferability.
- Understand Unit Minimums: Be mindful of the unit requirements. Courses below 3 units from a community college typically do not need to be reported as they won't count toward UC requirements anyway.
By understanding what "NH" means and its contrast with "CL," applicants can avoid common pitfalls and ensure their academic record is accurately and effectively presented to the University of California.
