<p>I’m just wondering if it’s better to attend the honors college at an ok local school or to attend a highly ranked state school, but as a normal student. What are the pros/cons of both? Which one will be more beneficial for graduate school.</p>
<p>If it helps, I’m comparing the honors colleges at USF and FSU against attending as a regular student at UF.</p>
<p>Neither will matter for graduate school, your grades and test scores will have a much greater effect.</p>
<p>Three, IMHO, main advantages of an honor program. First, you get to hang out with some of the brightest students on campus. This effect is larger at USF than FSU, and even less at UF (since FSU and UF are very selective). Most of the students accepted to UF would make the honor’s program at USF (and many at FSU), so this advantage isn’t as significant at UF.</p>
<p>Next, are quality of life issues. You get to register for classes early, can select the honor housing, and get additional advising. Most of these advantages are for the first two years (and one reason a lot of folks drop out of honors by the 3rd year). The honor programs may also offer some additional scholarship opportunities. </p>
<p>Finally, the ability to take “honor” classes. Some folks could care less (my DD for example), but I find some of them very interesting. </p>
<p>In general, attending a higher ranked school is better than a lower ranked + honors program. However, a lot of other factors come into play, such as choice in major, scholarships and fit. To be honest, you can’t go wrong with any of these three schools.</p>
<p>Good Luck!</p>