<p>Thank you simple life! My d was accepted into the Hilltop program but we were unsure if this came with some funding attached. Reading about the program online does not indicate any funding. Sounds like a very exciting program! What a great way to connect on a deeper level with other classmates.</p>
<p>^You’re welcome! 
Yes, the people we’ve known in it have LOVED it. They like living together with like-minded people. They love their designated dorm. They like having classes right there in their dorm hall. They like the smaller, more engaged classes. I think your D is going to enjoy it!</p>
<p>On that note, I guess I was hoping for an invitation to the actual University Honors program. Is it possible to be invited to both?</p>
<p>S received an invitation to Hilltop Scholars Program today!</p>
<p>What is the difference between the Hilltop Honors Program and the University Honors Program?</p>
<p>mustang92, see my brief explanations above. I’m pretty sure that Hilltop Honors and Hilltop Scholars are one in the same.</p>
<p>smoothieking, my sons each received letters for UHP. I don’t recall them ever receiving letters for Hilltop Scholars … so I’m thinking that you don’t receive both, you receive one or the other. (Based on my huge sample of 2. Pretty reliable, huh? )</p>
<p>Did those of you who received Hilltop letters also receive a list of “expectations,” kind of like course requirements, for you to remain in the program?</p>
<p>In UHP, you commit to taking 2 Honors English seminars, 3 Honors Perspectives out of the 5 required by core, and 2 Honors Cultural Formations classes. If you’re not yet familiar with Cultural Formations and Perspectives classes … well, they’re part of the core curriculum that everybody has to take. But if you’re UHP, a certain number of them have to be Honors. I <em>THINK</em> that’s one thing that sets Hilltop apart from UHP – those Honors requirements.</p>
<p>Am I right? Or did those of you who got the Hilltop Scholars also get a contract of sorts for Honors courses?</p>
<p>I will admit, we were similarly confused about the various honors programs on campus when my older son arrived. It’s not entirely clear which programs do what – especially when you’re new.</p>
<p>Either way, it is an honor to be selected for any Honors program! It’s a good deal. It’s a lot of fun. It’s enriching. People we know LOVE Hilltop Scholars!</p>
<p>^^Oh! And congrats Rice1961 and son!! That’s great news! :)</p>
<p>SimpleLife: The contract states you will live in Perkins or Smith Hall, take 3 first year Hilltop Scholars courses to be taught at Perkins. (Two of these classes are Scholars Engl classes) Additionally commit to participating in HSP activities. Designed to build community among students. There was also some info on a retreat trip to Taos, sounded like team building.</p>
<p>Sounds like one program, UHP, is designed for high level courses while HSP, is for community building and leadership. This is my guess, just a guess.</p>
<p>^That sounds like a pretty good guess, mommamocha. I think you might be right.</p>
<p>HSP sounds like a really great program! We have talked to numerous Hilltop students over time. They are very happy with the program. </p>
<p>And, out of curiosity, if you don’t mind me asking … does it look like Hilltop is just for freshman year? What happens after freshman year? Does it meld into a kind of service/campus leadership thing? Can you tell by your letter?</p>
<p>Taos is awesome, btw! My son attended a different program out there and had an absolute blast. Great facilities. Beautiful, fresh, natural environment. There are a variety of programs offered out there throughout the year. I’ll bet the HSP retreat is fun!!</p>
<p>SimpleLife… I see you on the SMU and USC Boards. Sounds like you have a student applying to both? It’s funny how there are a bunch of us on all the same boards: UMiami, SMU, TCU, Tulane, USC… Makes sense though. Good luck!</p>
<p>^I know. I agree! I’ve noticed many of the same names on a lot of the forums I visit. I guess it does make sense. The kids are looking for a certain fit. And if they think one school fits them, they’ll probably think several similar schools fit them. I guess it confirms that our kids did a good job picking good fits??? :)</p>
<p>UHP - four year honors program. It involves taking several honors persepective classes, two honors rhetoric classes, and two honors cultural formations. You can live in the honors residence hall, Virginia-Snider, or anywhere else you choose. UHP has grants to support study abroad, programming and activities for all four years, and its own advisors. </p>
<p>HSP is for first years. It is a living/learning community in Smith and Perkins, and everyone who is in HSP must live there. The best thing about HSP in my opinion is that those students are really, really close friends and really get to know each other well. The biggest difference, however, is that UHP is a four year program and HSP is for one year.</p>
<p>johnangle - You give great info! I have been offered UHP. Any idea how people are chosen for the different programs? Does one program require higher GPA’s or test scores than the other? Is it influenced by intended major? I am also Cox BBA Scholar. Thanks.</p>
<p>Yes, those with higher scores and GPA are invited to UHP. Congrats on BBA Scholar! I am, too!</p>
<p>Does anyone know if all of the invitations to the Honors College have been sent out at this point? I was admitted Early Action and have been hoping to be invited to the Honors program!</p>
<p>^Hmmm. I don’t know, ISing. I’m not sure which program you were interested in, Hilltop Scholars or UHP, but maybe you could contact the appropriate person in either of those programs to ask if you might be invited to participate. I’m assuming your grades and scores are rather high, or you wouldn’t have been expecting an invitation. Mistakes are sometimes made …
Good luck! :)</p>