<p>My D found out yesterday that she was selected to participate in the Honors Program at the LAC that is her first choice (not a "first tier" - but one that fits her wants and needs...!)</p>
<p>First of all, she was estatic and we were very happy - they only accept 30 new students each year based on grades, stats, recommendations and an essay - (but as my husband says, "but no additional $$"!) This honors program's purpose is to give students more input into their educational path by personalizing academic experiences, discussion, leadership and exposure to opportunities to become better creative thinkers. Most of the requirements can be done within the context of regular requirements - no additional "classes" required. Obviously the final project will require good time and effort. As a bonus, there are some better housing choices, "field trip" opportunities, etc.</p>
<p>So I'm just curious what other people's experiences have been with honors programs - pros/cons. She obviously can turn down the opportunity if she chooses - we'd/she'd appreciate any viewpoints!</p>
<p>Another common benefit of Honors programs is priority for class registration and/or automatic overrides for classes that are full. You might want to see if this applies in her case.</p>
<p>Yes, I think I have heard that before about priority registration - but I have to admit after "college fact overload" I can't remember which school we applied to had this opportunity - I will double check...</p>
<p>Does she have a scholarship that requires a certain gpa to keep? My friend's D had a full tutition scholarship that was not based on her taking honors classes but she decided on her own to take some honors classes that turned out to be tougher than she bargained for and she came dangerously close to losing her scholarship. My friend told her D "no more honors" after that scary semester.</p>
<p>Honors programs seem to vary a lot. Some are well-organized and have a lot of good perks, others are mostly marketing hype and afterthought.</p>
<p>The perks and advantages also tend to diminish the higher up you go in the academic quality of the school, where at some point the standard classes are plenty hard enough already.</p>
<p>Honors students tend to get priority when professors choose research assistants and similar perks . For my D's school priority registration is only for freshman and sophomores in the honors college and ends by junior yr. Honors classes are smaller and students are very motivated, usually top professors teach these classes. Honors students are required to do a thesis as well. Again though each school is different. I believe in my D's school you need to keep a 3.7 GPA to stay in it and an 89 is considered a 3.0 so it does add some stress but if you work hard it is doable. Each program is different.</p>
<p>I thought the whole point of a honors program at a large state U was to provide the atmosphere and personal attention from faculty that kids at a LAC get :confused:</p>
<p>yeah - I'm a bit confused about the honors LAC approach. My son is in honors at a big state U - and in this case - it DOES make a difference. At least in freshman and soph year. Each semester, a few of his classes (honors) are smaller and taught by full professors. Advising is better. Priority reg makes it possible for him to get the courses he needs for his major - when he wants them. Housing is better - (seems to be a less raucous environment with enforced "quiet hours" and such). Seems that most of this stuff would already be part of a LAC environment. Check it out carefully - talk to current students - ask about GPA requirements. Make sure it is of real value and not just a "extra work" for kids who don't need it.</p>
<p>Swarthmore had an honors program. Pretty amazing that a school known for its academics offers an even more intense program.</p>
<p>Son is in a large U. honors program. They do everything in their power to help him obtain whatever he believes he needs. They want him to succeed. He is very, very happy with the opportunities.</p>
<p>As I said this Honors program is small - only 30 admitted each year (the school total attendance is about 3500). The elements include a first year seminar (in place of another 1st year class), 3 small group seminars over the next 3 years (discussion and writing intensive courses), two contract courses (in the context of a class you are already taking you team up w/a faculty member to follow up on a special interest in greater depth) and a final honors project (a research, performance or creative endevor under the direction of a faculty member). D will be a communications major (w/pub relations emphasis) so I think this could really compliment her strengths - she is all about writing, research, public speaking etc. </p>
<p>I will check about required grade point - she does have a merit scholarship that requires like a 3.2 or something. They really stressed in the presentations we attended on the honors program that extra work was not goal - creative thinking and taking interests to the next level were the expected outcome. D's friend has a boyfriend who is in the honors program - maybe we'll ask a few more questions that route.</p>
<p>I have one at a small LAC that has been in Honors for 4 years. She defends her thesis on Tuesday--prayers would be appreciated! It has been a VERY good experience. Her Honors sections of her freshmen classes were at a much higher level than the others, and she has enjoyed all the seminars. She spent a month in Turkey last spring with the group--the college picked up almost all the expenses.</p>
<p>I wouldn't agonize over the choice. If they only pick 30 students a year for this, you know the attention will be personal and that personalized counseling will be extremely helpful. The perks will really pay off too.</p>
<p>If questions still persist, she can call the school and ask them to have a student in the program contact her. Maybe hearing a first hand account will make her decision easier. Good luck.</p>