<p>So I just got accepted into the Honors Program at Saint Xavier University, a school that's pretty near my house in Chicago and that already offered me the Presidential Scholarship. I'm just wondering, is it worth passing up this opportunity (Honors Program sounds great) for a more "prestigious" college like the University of Illinois or Purdue...where I likely would not be in an Honors Program. </p>
<p>The pamphlet from the Honors at St. Xavier mentioned writing a screenplay as a project for the Honors Program, which is something I'd love to do. The Honors Program just sounds like a good experience, as opposed to being just a number at a huge college like U of I. What are your opinions on the difference between being among the elite at a smaller, less competitive school and being just an average student at a huge school?</p>
<p>go to st xavier. not many people know U of I and purdue anyway. st xavier to save money and to feel like you are at a LAC while you enjoy extra opportunities.</p>
<p>Not many people know of Illinois and Purdue? You’ve got to be kidding me! </p>
<p>Tmac, you don’t tell us what you are planning on studying as that would play a major role in the decision making process for me. (for example, if you want to be an astronaut, Purdue is your place!)
That being said, I am a big proponent of honors programs with scholarship money attached especially if you can custom tailor your studies within the program. In my mind, it’s kind of like being a big fish in a small pond in that you get a tremendous amount of personal support from the program and your professors.<br>
Just keep in mind, where you choose to go to school has to be the place you feel is your best fit … not what is best for the others that went before you are will follow behind. In the grand scheme of things, go where you will be most happy!</p>
<p>This kind of thread belongs in the College Search & Selection Forum, where I have just moved it. </p>
<p>My answer to the general question is that I advise getting into the best overall college you can, first of all, and then look at the quality of the honors program or other special programs at that college. But reasonable minds differ on this issue, and perhaps some other participants here will have a different point of view.</p>
<p>^ I agree with Tokenadult. A number of people have stated that there is broader course selection at large Us. If you wanted to be an engineer then it would be an easy call.</p>
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