<p>I'm getting a lot of mixed messages on the subject. Is it worth it to attend an honors program at a so-so college for undergrad at a very minimum/no cost or is it better to go to a good school, even at the normal level?
There's one school in particular which is being pushed by my parents as it occasionally gives full rides for its honors program, and while the school is very mediocre, the honors program requires a very high SAT; thus, say my parents, it's got to be a good school, right?
I would prefer an outright good school; I feel it is better for my education and grad school acceptance, and I feel I'd have a better experience.
SO- what is the education like in honors programs at middleish colleges? Can I get as good an education at one as at a very good college? I live near a lot of good not great LACs with honors programs and potential big discounts which I am considering; should I consider these over better schools with bigger prices?
While money is an issue, I will not be specific about it here so that this stays hypothetical. Thanks!</p>
<p>I would start by reading through this thread…</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/905843-top-student-3rd-tier-school-four-years-later.html?highlight=tier[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/905843-top-student-3rd-tier-school-four-years-later.html?highlight=tier</a></p>
<p>do not get hung up on the name game! all schools can deliver you the goods you need to succeed!(minus the for profits) go where you will be happiest with the least cost to your family!</p>
<p>I think you really need to check out the honors programs since they can vary so much in what they offer. There are some that really treat their students to amazing opportunities rather than just groups high scoring students together. Definitely read the post suggested by Haystack.</p>
<p>Recently discussed in the Parents Forum…</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/1384181-harder-admission-v-honors-college.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/1384181-harder-admission-v-honors-college.html</a></p>
<p>Thanks!
There’s actually one honors college I’m very interested in, but now I’m thinking about it in general with other honors programs (and not at such bad colleges!).
However, to go into specifics, in the case I mentioned, for a school which is ranked not the most amazing but has a very selective honors program, does the fact that the honors program is selective (I believe you need a 1400 SAT CR&M) indicate anything about the quality of the school or experience itself? Do motivated students make the experience?</p>
<p>What also may make a difference is whether the “so-so college” has a “wide” distribution of students in ability and motivation. Large state flagship universities in small population states tend to have this characteristic (e.g. Arizona State University). Formal honors college or not, such schools tend to have some high ability and motivation students, but also some students of much lower ability and motivation.</p>
<p>Schools with “narrow” ranges of student abilities and motivations may be more problematic for those outside of the range in terms of finding suitable peer groups.</p>
<p>A student’s major can also make a difference. At any given school, there are likely some “easy” majors (not necessarily the same ones at each school) and some “hard” majors. The peer groups may vary by major.</p>
<p>What’s the specific “so-so” school you are thinking of?</p>