<p>Could some please explain the difference between honors, scholars and gemstone?
Which one is the hardest or best to get into?</p>
<p>Short question, but long answer…sorry…</p>
<p>Gemstone is the hardest to get into and is the cr</p>
<p>No one can tell you what’s “best” for you without knowing what your plans are and what you are looking for in college. Both of my boys did Gem. I thought it was real good for S1 (HS08’) but still not sure if it’s the best program for S2 (HS12’, 2nd year Gem student).</p>
<p>I’d love to hear what kinds of students S1 and S2 are, FromMD, and why you think each has had a different reactions to Gemstone. I have a D who is median for Honors and I want to be able to help her choose opportunities. Please PM me if you feel that would be better.</p>
<p>jkeil911 - S1 and S2 both had similar stats coming out of HS - both NMFs/high stats…etc. S1 was an IB Diploma kid and S2 did traditional AP route in HS. S1 was engineering student and S2 is on premed track. S1 got B/K and S2 got Presidential scholarship from UMD. So, coming out of HS, I think S1 was slightly higher performing than S2.</p>
<p>Gem program was a really good program for S1 because he is more of a people person and wanted to do research after undergrad. He is also more driven person than S2 who is more of an introvert and less of a people person than S1. S1 really enjoyed his Gem experience and he still keeps in touch with his old teammates. He is currently a PhD student at UC Berkeley. </p>
<p>So, the point I was making to OP was if he/she is into research and gaining group project experience, then something like Gem is a good program. For kids like my S2, Gem may not be the best choice. </p>
<p>If you have specific qs, please don’t hesitate to PM me. Good luck with your D.</p>