<p>can anyone give some insights on the Hilltop Scholars program? Would love to hear from current students, and if you chose NOT to accept, why. Thanks.</p>
<p>^Did you read the Honors Program thread on this SMU forum? There’s a little bit of information on Hilltop Scholars there. Hopefully somebody else will chime in here as well.
Good luck!</p>
<p>My neighbor is in the Hilltop Scholars Program. He says “The Hilltop Scholars program to be honest doesn’t mean much at all. You do get the option of signing up for classes that are offered in your dorm but you are not required to.” That said, it’s nice to be with a “group”.</p>
<p>that is odd; the letter (contract) states you must take three classes with Hilltop Scholars your freshman year. It is not optional. And, the notes we have from current Hilltop Scholars talk about how close the group is (living together and taking classes together, one of which is in the dorm) and the Taos retreat. They also stress the extracurricular activities the group does. One would hope this is not hype. Rice, is your neighbor actually IN Hilltop or just commenting on it?</p>
<p>^Perhaps the rules changed between the time the neighbor was a freshman Hilltop Scholar and next year’s Hilltop Scholars? Lots of things have changed at SMU over the past two years alone.</p>
<p>My son is University Honors, but he and I both met several Hilltop Scholars during his freshman year who loved the program, the cohesiveness of the group, the classes in their dorm, etc. I don’t think it’s hype. But I do wonder if the contract changed since then …</p>
<p>I’m a Sophomore and I knew that at least for the last three years the requirements have been the same for HSP. The program’s basis is a living-learning community in Smith/Perkins.</p>
<p>^Hmmm. Then investor has a good point. Why the disparity between what Rice’s neighbor said (don’t have to take honors courses in the dorm if you don’t want to) and investor’s point that the contract requires three classes with Hilltop Scholars during freshman year?</p>
<p>I can only assume that Rice’s neighbor gave incorrect info. The website, the contract we received, and the notes from current Hilltop Scholars indicate they take (MUST TAKE) three Hilltop Scholars classes during the freshman year. At least one of those classes is in Perkins (the English course). Others are in other buildings, but they are classes reserved for Hilltop Scholars. The advantage is the community building, living and learning with other students who were chosen based on SAT/ACT test scores, GPA, and leadership. You can even go online and see the Spring 2011 schedule of Hilltop Classes, the professors, the class times, etc. I got an answer from admissions that summed it up for me: Hilltop Scholars in a freshman only program that CAN lead into the Honors program, as early as spring of freshman year. And, Hilltop Scholars are more likely to be admitted to Honors because they, too, were chosen on their academic stats. I would surmise that Hilltops were short of making Honors. That’s my take on it.</p>
<p>My neighbor is a sophomore at SMU. I was asking him about what dorm is best and also mentioned that my son got into the Hilltop Scholars program. Here is exactly what he wrote but keep in mind he is a 19-year old kid: </p>
<p>"The Hilltop Scholars program to be honest doesn’t mean much at all. You do get the option of signing up for classes that are offered in your dorm but you are not required to. Same goes for honors but rather than the classes being open to everyone, some classes are offered only to those honors students. However, honors students do have the option of living in Virginia-Snyder Hall; which is a nice dorm located very central to campus. </p>
<p>If he was accepted into the honors program I would recommend doing it as well as living in Virginia-Snyder but otherwise the Hilltop program may not be worth it just because the dorms, Smith and Perkins, are not quite up to par with the others, Boaz, McElvaney, Cockrell, etc."</p>
<p>Well, I hate to be disagreeable, but I trust the contract that our son had to sign over what the neighbor boy says (“You do get the option of signing up for classes that are offered in your dorm but you are not required to”). Not only are Hilltop Scholars required to take three classes, as I said before, they have to sign a contract that they will do so. We had two “marketing” calls from current Hilltop Scholars who raved about the program, the small and close living community, the week in Taos, NM, the receptions and so on. I do believe this is a neat opportunity for community building, living learning, etc and the admissions office clearly states these students have an advantage over others when applying for Honors program. It would be nice to hear from someone who is actually in the program!</p>
<p>My son was invited to the Hilltop Scholars program, and if he decides on SMU, will probably join Hilltop, too. I would love to hear from someone who is/was a Hilltop Scholar.</p>
<p>I am currently in the Hilltop Scholars Program and it has been one of my best decisions at SMU. Hilltop Scholars is extremely different from any other communities on campus. Unlike most dorms, the Hilltop dorms are focused on building friendships and community in the hall. Everyone leaves their doors open all the time so you make friends from the first week of school throughout the year. Living in the Hilltop dorms is like coming back to a family each day. You develop such great bonds particularly with your floor. </p>
<p>My biggest fear with the Hilltop Program when I was prespective was that I was not going have any other friends outside the program and that is 100% NOT TRUE. In fact, most of the friends I hang out with are in different dorms. Though I know friends that made their best friends in Hilltop, you are not limited to just the Hilltop Program. My experience has been that I hang out with most of friends in different dorms, but my Hilltop friends have been like my family. When I have problems my Hilltop friends have been the first to be there for me or help me out. </p>
<p>Some MAJOR PROS to Hilltop Scholars has been the RAs. I know all the RAs for 2011/2012 and they are all amazing. Plus you have the biggest rooms on campus. Also, we are always strong in intramurals and being involved on campus.</p>
<p>As far as class, you have to take at least 3 Hilltop classes. The director picks the best professors to teach in the Hilltop Scholars program. You will primarily take you English 1301 and 1302 in it. </p>
<p>Definitely, do the Taos, New Mexico Hike. Its a great way to meet friends before school, see the Taos campus, and a unique, self-inspiring program. </p>
<p>If you have any questions please email me.</p>
<p>thank you so much for the insights!!! Good to finally hear the facts, rather than heresay! If our son decides to go to SMU, he will accept the Hilltop Scholars (in fact, he already sent in the contract, which is not binding). He’s down to two schools now! Dbrock, are you intending on applying for honors; also, do the majority of Hilltop Scholars go on to Honors their second year?</p>
<p>I personally am not doing the Honors Program, but one my closest friends in Hilltop Scholars applied for the Honors Program and was admitted with ease. Because the Hilltop Classes are generally more challenging, they provide a great way to prepare for the Honors Program. At the same time, you can join Hilltop Program without wanting to do the Honors Program. </p>
<p>As far as the kids in Hilltop who go into Honors Program demands on the individual. It is really up to the Hilltop Student if the Honors Program is in their future. I knew I didn’t want to do the Honors Program, but wanted to be in Hilltop Scholars. I would say most of the the Hilltop Students don’t do the Honors Program, but that is surely based on choice. The Hilltop Program is designed to help you prepare your future at SMU, so that it is why it academically and socially emphasized.</p>
<p>If you didn’t get into the Honors Program or not ready for it, but want to join in the future, the Hilltop Program provides an advantage and practice for the Honors Program. Of all my friends in Hilltop that applied for Honors got into the program.</p>
<p>investor: I hope your son comes to SMU. I have had an amazing time. Destination SMU was what sold me on SMU, so definitely sign for it.</p>
<p>Do Hilltop Scholars get any preferential treatment for registering for AARO or registering for classes in general?</p>
<p>No they don’t. I believe the only people who get preferential treatment for registering are people with learning disabilities. Going to the earliest ARROs are the best way to sign up for classes early. Then during second semester they determine the order of who signs up for classes by how many hours each individual has.</p>