Hey everyone. I’ve been accepted into the Honors Program at UD (major is Civil Engineering). Do any current or former students (or their parents) 
have any experiences they’d like to share? My choices are narrowed down to the College Park Scholars program at UMD (but as an undecided major) or (if I get in) Virginia Tech (not in the Honors Program). I am looking to see how students in the program felt about their connection to the university as a whole and students not in the program. At UD about 25% of my major is in the program. I am looking to be around others who are serious about their academics but don’t look at it as being in the Honors program makes me better than anyone else at the University. I hope all this makes sense and I’d be happy to clarify if it doesn’t.
Additionally, do most students in the program use it as a pathway to grad school? As a future engineer, I don’t foresee myself going to grad school until either my employer offers to pay for part of it or until later in my career after passing the PE exam. Thanks!
My D is in the Honors program. She loves UD and is very glad she is part of the Honors program. It made a big difference freshman year in adjusting to college life… The Honors students are housed together as freshmen and they shared a great sense of camaraderie and community. They learned that the students enrolled in Honors were not super nerdy or overly studious (as many of them had feared), just regular, fun, bright kids who were serious about their studies.Because she made close friends that year, her roommates and many of her current friends are in Honors, but they certainly haven’t limited their social or academic circles to just Honors students. There are some practical benefits, such as earlier registration, some special programs, preferential consideration for study abroad,etc. As for graduate school, that is an individual choice and somewhat dependent on one’s major. Most students would anticipate that the Honors designation might be a plus on a resume and job applications as well.
Thanks so much for your insight! I was nervous about the “honors” student stereotype too but am glad to hear about what your D thought about the students. I am happy there isn’t a divide among non-Honors and Honors students as I have heard this happening at other schools. Thanks again!
You’re welcome. If you’re struggling with your decision, you might want to attend one of the UD Decision Days. My D had several excellent schools from which to choose, but she attended a presentation by Honors Program students for prospective Honors students, parents not invited, and that’s what helped her make her decision to become a Blue Hen. Best of luck, success and fun in your college career!