Honors Programs - Could use some input!

Applying to College
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I just received invitations for Honors Programs from 2 schools where I’ve already been accepted.

I’m not familiar with these programs. I guess I should start doing some research on it because the brochures that were included don’t really give very detailed info.

What is making me so hesitant is that they both require applications, nothing major just some basic info BUT they require ESSAYS!! I don’t know if I can or want to go through that again … I was so relieved when the whole essay thing was over! To add to my indecision, eventhough I just received this today, one of them has a Feb 15 deadline.

Do you think its worth it? If any of you have applied or are currently in an Honors Program – I could really use your opinions and suggestions.

2

<p>Hapy,</p>

<p>First of all congrats for having 2 schools under your belt.</p>

<p>Honors programs are definitely worth it. Depending upon the school and what your honors program offers you may get premium housing (or atleast desnignated dorms) smaller classes, possibly more opportunities for research, internships, etc. I would look up the honors programs at both of the schools to see if they meet your needs or offer any opportunities that you are interested in.</p>

<p>all the best</p>

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<p>Thanks sybbie! I'm going to start checking today. I'm wondering if participating in such a program would kind of isolate you from the rest of the student body in some way. Atleast for my first year I really do want to get a feel for the whole campus experience. I'd appreciate your opinion!</p>

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<p>if you don't like writing essays in general then you definitely should not apply! Part of what an honors program sees itself as offering is a more intense academic experience at college, including small classes (with, of course, papers), special discussion sections for regular classes in which extra papers are expected, and quite often an honors thesis required at the end.</p>

<p>For those who do want the more rigorous experience there are valuable perks such as access to counselors and advisers, early registration for classes, and often guaranteed housing.</p>

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<p>mikemac, actually in general I love to write. My gripe is actually the timing ... having to write more essays NOW and having to deal with deadlines again. I just finished doing that (or I thought!) only a week ago. The thought of it makes me cringe. Guess I'm feeling kind of burned-out, overwhelmed, and yes, very lazy. I'm being very honest here. I do plan on researching the opportunities, but I wanted to post to see if I could get some feedback on other's experiences, and hopefully find some inspiration to get me going.</p>

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<p>Can you share the honors programs you are looking into?</p>

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<p>sybbie, they are Marist College and Loyola College (MD)</p>

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<p>The program at Loyola seems to be more in-depth (12 courses) an has more to offer than the program at Marist (6 courses). From Loyola's website they state:</p>

<p>The Honors program sponsors many free activities for their students. The events for this year can be viewed under events. (events includes films, plays concerts and 2 outings, 1-fall, 1-spring)</p>

<p>The Honors faculty must apply in order to teach Honors classes. This assures that the Honors students learn from the best faculty that the campus has to offer.</p>

<p>You do not have to be a Humanities major in order to be in the Honors program. In fact, almost half of our student major in other areas such as Mathematics, Computer Science, Biology, and more. </p>

<p>Advanced Placement credit in either History or English cannot be counted towards your core requirements in the Honors Program. Instead it can be used as an elective credit. </p>

<p>The Honors program restructures your core requirements so that you learn by time period and not by subject. The curriculum can be viewed under curriculum. </p>

<p>The Honors program is completely compatible with Loyola's Study Abroad program. </p>

<p>*Being in the Honors Program does not separate you from the rest of the freshman at Loyola. *</p>

<p>Want to know how meeting people in he Honors Program works? Look here. </p>

<p>***The Honor's Program works to help freshman make new friends. In your first semester freshman year you will take two honors classes. This semester as well as second semester sophomore year are the only semesters when you will take more than one Honors class. You will meet other students on campus.</p>

<p>One of those Honors classes is part of a four semester sequence. In this sequence, you will stay with the same group of people all four semesters. This allows for you to make friends easily and quickly. In addition, it allows for class discussions to become more involved as you learn how your classmates respond.***</p>

<p>Want to double major or even major and minor? This is still possible, with a little bit of careful planning. </p>

<p>Interested in FE100 or Alpha in comparison to honors? FE100 and Alpha only take place during your fall semester freshman year, while Honors runs all four years. All of the programs will help you to make friends and adjust to college life. They all provide out of the classroom enrichment activities. </p>

<p>Honors housing is available in Middle Courtyard. Honors housing is not required of Honors students and is not limited to students in the Honors Program. </p>

<p>Honors class sizes are about 17 students. </p>

<p>I remember you said one school gave you a free ride and the other a half ride (I don't know which. Neither program states if there is any extra money. At Marist if you fall under 3.5 you are on probation for one semester, it you are still under, you are out of the program with no readmission.</p>

<p>By reading both of the programs I would certainly toss my hat in the ring for loyola. I would also suggest posting your question on the parent's board as Carolyn is very well versed on a lot of these programs and can probalbly give you some good insight.</p>

<p>If you can pull out one essay that meets the needs of both schools, then go for it, they've already accepted you :)</p>

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<p>sybbie thank you so VERY MUCH for the information, suggestions and advice. It is truly appreciated. I'm very grateful fot the time you have taken to help me! Have a good weekend!</p>