I’m specifically asking about Stony Brook and UB. Their applications are due on the 15th and I’m still not sure if I should apply to their honors program or not.
Everyone I asked said different things.On one hand, there are a lot of benefits like course priority and better teaching in general, on the other hand, it will probably screw up my GPA which apparently is more important.
Are you sure it’ll screw up your GPA? I was in the honors program at Binghamton and all it involved was 3 small seminar classes I had to take in addition to my other, regular courses. They were generally easy As and more about the discussion and opportunity for a small, interesting class than working hard to pull a grade.
It can also depend on whether you are intending to go to grad school. If not, and you can maintain a decent GPA, having the honors designation on your diploma can help with that first job. If you are, then research the type of honors program it is. As @rebeccar said, she just had to take a few seminars. Other programs are more intense, check out the ones you are interested in.