<p>Just wondering how to find information about how the honors program compares to other challenging honors programs, such as at Penn State or U. Michigan, and how it compares to the Ivies. </p>
<p>Also, does being in the honors program isolate students somewhat from other UMD students, or do they feel a part of the college as a whole? I have heard that at some schools, such as a Schreyers at Penn State, honors students can sometimes feel ostracized and left out at times. Thanks.</p>
<p>There’s no isolation because of any of the living/learning programs. You’ll meet other people via classes, activities, and meeting people via other people you know. It’s not like you wear a badge that says you are an honors student.</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Just wondering, though, how the program compares to other honors programs and to ivy league schools. The reason I’m asking is that I’ve heard some say that Maryland’s honors program is comparable to an ivy education. Is that accurate?</p>
<p>I’m sure you aren’t hearing this from someone at Harvard or Princeton, though! I’m completely convinced that it is in the student’s ability to make their education as much as they want it to be. Putting studying and doing what it takes to keep your grades high, taking advantage and seeing out internship/research experience, establishing positive working relationships with your professors, and taking advantage of all that being in the DC area has to offer are what makes getting a world-class education at UMD possible. Yes, college is also about the social aspects and your friends, but keeping your priorities straight is what contributes to your success.</p>
<p>D1 was accepted to all the grad programs she ranked as her top choices, and is now in her first year in the Ph.D. program at Harvard in Astronomy/Astrophysics. Yeah, I’m pretty adamant about my belief that you can get out of UMD what you put into it.</p>
<p>I’ve mentioned elsewhere that the Honors program (as well as Scholars and other programs) are awesome in helping you get off on the right foot and with people who share your interests and attitudes about learning. In both Ds’ cases, it was what they did above and beyond these programs that have set them apart and lead to their success. D1’s department honors, research experience, and grades are what stood out in all her graduation accolades. Although University Honors was mentioned, it was dwarfed by everything else she’d done in her 4 years at UMD. Overall, she always felt that she couldn’t have made a better choice for undergrad than UMD.</p>
<p>Thanks for your response. Your daughter sounds like she had a great experience.</p>