<p>wow Garrity - thats some eye-opening stuff and a real warning to parents and students - check these programs out carefully.
Of course, all of the programs do marketing - just like regular universities do. And sometimes, the marketing at honors colleges DOES go overboard, as they know they are competing with Ivies and other top schools.
Overall, we have had a very positive experience at SHC (PSU). But we were aware that some students were sold on the program as a "small liberal arts college" like Williams or Swarthmore. Not even close. You really have to be comfortable in a big environment. I think they're doing a better job getting that across in sessions now. And the new Dean (from Tulane) seems to be bringing a lot of positive energy and change. But, I'm still curious as to what the retention rate is at honors colleges. That would be a good sign of how well the school is doing in portraying "fit" and following through on their promises.
All in all, there is a real need for better information on these programs.</p>