<p>Im sort of in a dilemma about whether or not to enroll in my college's honors program. Graduating with an honors degree would surely look good on my application.. but what if it comes at the cost of a few gpa decimals? Would the fact that its an honors diploma compensate? Then theres the question of whether or not doing honors would even hurt my gpa. I'm sure I could do fine in honors classes (and maybe even as well gpa-wise as normal classes) but I again come to the question: Is the reward worth the potential risk? </p>
<p>I guess no one can really answer this, but any insight on the issue would be helpful.</p>
<p>Honors courses are usually curved more generously than regular courses. Your GPA may or may not be lower if you go the honors route.</p>
<p>Honors classes generally do NOT result in a lower GPA. Honors classes are smaller, more interesting, and more LAC-like. </p>
<p>Both my kids are in the honors program at their university and their GPA’s haven’t suffered at all.</p>
<p>Sometime Honors are easier since prof is more accessible. D. had no problem with GPA and having unrelated minor in addition. There are few additional requirements in her Honors program, but she did not mind to complete them.</p>
<p>If you have the option, honors college all the way. You’ll probably have better classes and better profs and your GPA shouldn’t suffer. Go for it!</p>
<p>My friend in the honors college at IU said the profs are VERY lenient and essentially throw As at you; then again, she was salutatorian was a very competitive high school! She’s also been known to exaggerate…</p>
<p>I think it depends on the college. Even with a more generous curve, (obviously) not all will receive an A. </p>
<p>The Honors program at a few private colleges that I know of seem to be more targeted towards humanities majors; they have a ton of reading, and don’t care about your lab time. Great (and intimate) classes, great professors, but a LOT of work. As a result, some of those premeds – who are not strong writers – and that receive Bs during Frosh year, decide to take the regular college curriculum in succeeding years.</p>
<p>Just be prepared for Plan B. And, check out if your department of interest has a departmental Honors program – do research, write an honor’s thesis, receive an extra seal on your diploma. Sure, it may not be College Honors…</p>
<p>Thank you for the responses all. My fears have been largely allayed. Ill do honors and can always withdraw if it is a problem. Thanks again.</p>