college honor program VS departmental honor one

<p>Hi everyone,</p>

<p>I'm recently considering applying for UCLA's honor program; but there's something on my mind that makes me hesitate as to whether it is a wise option. (I'm an incoming freshman)</p>

<p>I've read many threads about it's pros and cons. I know that in UCLA, such a massive university where you can easily become just another number, being in its honor program can help me interact more with my professors and classmates and can provide me with many opportunities like research and discussions. All of these things seem to be very beneficial for my plan to attend grad school: a great rec from a pro knowing me well, suggestions and guides from honor mentor, and much closer connection with bright students around me.</p>

<p>However, if I take college honor propram, will it be more strenuous and useless for me if I intend to apply for departmental honor later? The latter kind seem to be more weighted than the former one. My main concern is high GPA, because high GPA really seems to mean everything for attending a great, great grad school.</p>

<p>Can you guys share some of your opinions about these two types of honor programs and provide me with some advice?</p>

<p>Your answers will be deeply appreciated! Thank you very much!!!</p>

<p>You don’t need to be in the College Honors Program to do those things. In fact, some professors who teach honors versions of the courses are sometimes less desirable, as their teaching ability and empathy come into question, while their demand from students rise.</p>

<p>I don’t see the College Honors Program having any worthwhile assets, while departmental honors, from every source I’ve read regarding this topic at UCLA, is much more impressive. Although I’d question whether it matters if you apply to graduate school before you can actually say you graduated with departmental honors.</p>

<p>I don’t expect that being in the College Honors Program has any correlation with your GPA in college. Not sure about any GPA requirements for that, or whether you think honors versions of classes are suddenly harder than any other classes. But to graduate with departmental honors you should have to meet a GPA requirement.</p>

<p>Look at the following thread for discussion about the cons of the honors program: <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-california-los-angeles/1480219-honors-program.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-california-los-angeles/1480219-honors-program.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Also look at the following:
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-california-los-angeles/1484673-honors-program-any-experience-insight.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-california-los-angeles/1484673-honors-program-any-experience-insight.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Pros? None that matter in my opinion. You can actually search back for some discussions about the program. Nobody ever says great things about it because nothing in particular sticks out about it.</p>

<p>@phospholipase</p>

<p>I see. I think after reading so many threads and finding than it’s really not that special or can provide students with extra benefits, I decide not to apply to college honors program. I think I’ll focus much more on my regular courses and explore other opportunities on campus!</p>

<p>It’s very nice of you to help me and to provide me with some meaningful sources! Thank you so much! :)</p>