<p>So I've chosen my courses for the next quarter (Freshman year) and I was wondering if there was a major benefit to taking honors classes in terms of admissions. I'm taking honors chemistry and an honors English course (for the honors program). I have no idea how well I'll do in college but assuming that what everyone says is true about the change in rigor, won't my GPA suffer? And from what I've read, GPA is like the most important thing for admissions.</p>
<p>I guess the main question is: is it worth it to take the honors version of courses? I ask because I'm pretty sure the regular course will be easier (no brainer...)</p>
<p>no there is no benefit at all. It’s actually all a scam. The university uses it to entice students into attending their respective universities.</p>
<p>I think that’s the general consensus. Even though the “Honors” designation doesn’t actually mean anything to anybody, the courses are often more rewarding. Taking them is probably a good idea even though nobody will really care.</p>
<p>Honors classes have great benefits being much smaller (sometime the limit is 20 or so) whith benefits of much closer relationship with prof. More personal attention might make them easier.</p>
<p>As you can probably guess from other posters, you will not get any admissions advantage from taking a few honors courses. HOWEVER, you should do so for your own personal advantage and enjoyment of the subject, if you so feel the urge. But getting you into medical school easier they will not, unless you get involved with a prof, or the subject matter makes you a better applicant due to insights you gained, etc, etc.</p>
<p>I will note that one of my state schools, who adjusts your GPA depending on your undergrad, will give students from my school’s honors program a higher boost than students not in it. I’m sure this is because they have a local relationship, but this might happen elsewhere in the country as well.</p>
<p>I kind of have mixed feelings. I took regular Chem 1 and aced it. For the next semester my Chem 1 prof happened to only be teaching the honors Chem 2 section. So I signed up for that … B. That has to be the hardest grade I worked for. But, I had the same professor for a year, and have built a relationship with him. When applying to smaller things (as compared to med school) like a job, a position or what have you, I can always rely on him. So it can be mixed. Make sure you can handle the coursework. </p>
<p>I am trying to stay clear because I do not want to be frantic when applying that my GPA is not this or that, not high enough etc. When it comes down to it, I don’t think med schools care about the honors course for its ‘honors’. What they will care about is a good letter.</p>
<p>My college offers the equivalent of honors courses for Physics and Chemistry. Supposedly, they’re a great deal more theoretical and mathematically intensive. However, the curves for such courses are more generous. And class size is capped low at 25, allowing discussion and more question-asking.</p>
<p>What about an honors program distinction? The honors version is required for some class in order to get the distinction along with some other classes that are required.</p>