Aside from the better housing, getting to choose classes earlier, etc. what are the benefits of being in the honors program, especially when applying to grad school/professional school? Does being in the program look better to grad schools, law, medical, etc. or do they not really care? That’s my main question; I know there are probably lots of benefits of being in the honors program but if a student doesn’t get in or chooses not to participate, does that affect their chances of getting into elite post-grad schools by indicating that the student a) wasn’t good enough to get in or b) chose not to challenge themselves?
Thanks, as always!
No, it doesn’t hurt their chances. UF academics are such that you don’t need to be in the honor’s program.
Think of UF honors as a way to engage with the university. To do more than simply take test and pass your courses. It will push you to join clubs, take leadership positions, do research, do volunteer work, apply for prestigious scholarships, and really “engage” with all of the resources and opportunities available at UF.
You don’t need the honor’s college to do any of the above. It’s just a tool to help facilitate those types of activities. If you join the honor’s program, and stick with it, you will be pushed to accomplish all of the above.