<p>Trying to choose an honors program -- any comments on how much extra work the gemstones program involves? I know engineering will be a lot of work and am a little afraid of getting over my head with the gemstones. I like doing projects, though, so I am thinking I might like it. </p>
<p>Any advice?</p>
<p>Go with Gemstone for now–take the 1 credit class in the fall where you learn more about the program. You can make your decision based on the info you get there. If you decide to drop out, that class applies to the honors citation so you have nothing to lose.</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice!</p>
<p>Go for Gemstone. Other than being the only four year honors program at the University, it really is worth your time. I’m in it now, and loving it!</p>
<p>PresidentDunn, what are you majoring in?</p>
<p>Another Question re Gemstone vs. Univ. Honors for Engineering::</p>
<p>S is trying to make a decision and Gemstone catches his interest, however he likes the fact that Univ. Honors is completed in 2nd or 3rd year and leaves room for study abroad. Would a semester abroad be ruled out if he is in Gemstone? Also how do engineering students find balancing Gemstone & engineering course load? Could he switch to Univ. Honors from Gemstone? Thanks . . .</p>
<p>ELY - All of the answers to your questions can be found here.</p>
<p>[Gemstone FAQ](<a href=“http://www.gemstone.umd.edu/academics/faq.html”>http://www.gemstone.umd.edu/academics/faq.html</a>)</p>
<p>Perfect, thanks for link, icylava!</p>
<p>Not to be a thread stealer, but I was wondering if it is harder to do Gemstone if commuting.</p>
<p>Are there any engineering majors out there who are in Gemstone and can comment on this? Engineering majors have so few free credits in their schedules that it seems like most of them would be taken up by the Gemstone classes.</p>