Honors Program

[moneybags]

<p>For those of you in the honors program, I am trying to get a feel for the program. What do you think is good/bad about it? Does your social life revolve around other honors students or does it extend beyond that? Any other info is appreciated.</p>

[cglongisland]

<p>what average or SAT scores do you need to get into this program?</p>

[pamom59]

<p>from the website for the honors college:

The UHC is not a membership organization. Permission for involvement in UHC offerings, such as UHC courses, develops on an ongoing basis depending upon a student’s prior achievement. Entering freshmen having a combined SAT I score above 1400 and ranking in the top 5 percent of their high school graduating class are automatically qualified to take any UHC course whose prerequisites have been satisfied. The same is true for continuing students having a GPA of at least 3.25 (B+) in their prior term. Students who do not meet these requirements may nevertheless request permission from a UHC advisor to take a particular UHC course.

</p>

[clarinetz]

<p>The Honors Program is really what you make of it. You can choose to live in Honors housing, take Honors classes, and get involved in Honors social events, but none are mandatory. When I got into Pitt, I was told I was in the Honors Program. I opted to live in Towers, though I know that there were quite a few freshman who chose to live in Forbes and enjoyed being part of the community there. I also did not take a single Honors class until sophomore year, as I figured the classes I needed to take (bio, chem, etc.) were difficult enough without being Honors. I took an Honors Calc 3 class only because it was the only decent option available to me. It ended up being more difficult than necessary for me, because I wasn’t particularly looking for the extra challenge.</p>

<p>If you like the extra challenge, I would recommend Honors classes. If you are taking the classes only to fulfill a requirement, then I would advise against them. The Honors housing, which is now in Sutherland by the way, is something to consider if you are interested in Honors as a social outlet. But even if you choose against it, there are many places to find community at Pitt :)</p>

[AwesomeOpossum]

<p>

@moneybags

What do you think is good/bad about it? Does your social life revolve around other honors students or does it extend beyond that?

</p>

<p>It’s great in that it’s not exclusive: Anyone can be a part of the Honor’s College, participate in the activities, and take the classes. Generally though, you don’t take the classes unless you’re prepared for that level of academic rigor.</p>

<p>My social life definitely doesn’t REVOLVE around UHC but the UHC helps my social life. For example, yesterday they hosted a kick-butt Labor Day picnic with all the fixin’s: Hot dogs, Burgers, Fried Chicken (a bit weird but okay), pasta salad, beans, macaroni, CUPCAKES! Lots of food and drink…it was a great way to enjoy the day off, eat delicious food and socialize with my friends that I otherwise don’t see that much.</p>

<p>They also have other great programs run through SHAC, the Student Honors Activity Committee (the picnic is their big event at the start of the year), they do field trips, dances, sporting events, bring in lecturers, etc. The UHC itself runs programs like book clubs, magazine reviews, and Friday Night MESS (A movie everyone should see).</p>

<p>Also the Honors Living Community (Sutherland for Freshman, Forbes-Craig for Upperclassmen) is FANTASTIC. I lived there all three years I was on campus and loved it. The community is diverse, intelligent, and a whole lot of fun. It’s great because you really learn to trust and be friendly with everyone: I don’t think I ever locked my bedroom door for the three years I lived on campus.</p>

<p>I could go on but I think you get the idea. PM me or ask more questions if you’re still curious!</p>