<p>Anyone familiar with Hilltop Scholars Program? D got a letter that she is qualified, is this different the honors college? Can they do both?</p>
<p>Yes, it is different, and no, you cannot be a Hilltop Scholar and University Honors (they live in two different dorms - Hilltop in Smith and Perkins, and University Honors in Virginia Snyder). Hilltop is a living community with classes (3 in total freshman year) held right in the dorm, taken together with other Hilltop Scholars. The kids get pretty close and the professors who teach the Hilltop classes are reported to be top notch. Our son is a HS this year and has had a great time. He is also doing BBA Honors (Cox, freshman entry, business honors), which was a separate award from Hilltop (so you can get other opportunities, just not University Honors). At Hilltop, the dorms are a bit more low key than some of the other dorms (some are notorious for parties, and it does change a bit each year). The advisors are great. Students are selected on merit and leadership. It is a nice opportunity, but I wouldn’t let someone overrate it… its good, has its benefits, but if your daughter did not want to participate, she’d be fine otherwise! Hope this helps.</p>
<p>I’m a bit unclear about the difference between the two as well…I understand you can only be one or the other…but what are the other differences? My daughter has been invited to participate in the University Honors program…but haven’t heard anything about Hilltop scholars program…any insight or information is welcome!</p>
<p>Investor- thanks for the insight. </p>
<p>D has sadly decided that SMU is not the place for her…</p>
<p>I was also offered a spot in the Hilltop Scholars program. I don’t know if will end up going to SMU as I am waiting to hear back from my top choices. I don’t know if I would like to be a part of the Hilltop Scholars because you are required to live in Honors housing which I feel might isolate me a bit from the majority of the school.</p>
<p>Hilltop is a one year living/learning community that takes two classes together. They live in Smith/Perkins and it’s always one of the tightest groups of students. They all absolutely love it</p>
<p>University Honors Program is a four year program and you graduate “with honors.” You can choose to live in the honors residence hall or elsewhere. UHP involves taking several classes designated honors and everyone must take honors rhetoric. I did UHP and really enjoyed it because of all the fun honors events and the smaller, more discussion-based classes I got to be a part of.</p>
<p>It’s also important to note that Hilltop Scholars DO have the option to apply to be in the Honors Program after their freshman year.</p>
<p>Thoughts on Hilltop Scholars for engineering students? Is it possible? Would it be advised?</p>