My son was invited to apply to the honors college at UMass. He said he would have to write a personal statement and then they would see if he was accepted (his GPA this past semester was high so I guess that is why the invite). My question is what are the benefits? He already told me he would have to write a senior thesis which sounds very time consuming. Besides getting a diploma that states you were in the honors college is there any other benefit? Is it just a resume builder or does it have real merit? He wants to be a sport agent so would the honors college be important for him (I’m thinking not). It might be important for other majors but to become a sports agent I think you just need to have tenacity and an outgoing personality (along with great negotiation skills). Am I wrong? What am I not seeing?
I forgot to mention that at this time he is an undeclared major trying to gain entrance to the sports management program. Wouldn’t it make sense to apply once accepted to his major? He is waiting to see if his GPA was high enough to gain a seat in a predictor course this coming semester.
I having spoken to several students in the program and there seems to be several benefits besides having the mark on the diploma. Firstly, he will be able to stay in the new commonwealth housing complex with the many other honors students at UMass. Secondly, all commonwealth college students will have access to additional counselors to help them in their with their academic game plan. (Like help with competitive internships) Lastly, he will get a distinction on his diploma that certainly can’t hurt with getting an interview. (Vs the average student)
PS- This all being said, whether he is accepted to the program or not, in the end being in the honors program should not make or brake his experience at UMass. As long as you son is driven and pursues whatever major he lands on, he should do just fine. Hope things work out.
I agree with Halcyon77. Honors will not make or brake. He can get a great education at UMass either way-and lots of job opportunities for business school grads.