Hi all. I was looking on this forum to answer some questions for a friend and I thought I could offer some insight.
I am currently a freshman at OSU in the MMC Scholars program. I am also a Honors & Scholars Ambassador. MMC was a first choice, which does not seem to be the case for most of the kids on this forum. However, I know a lot of kids in the program who did not have MMC as their first choice. Honestly, I think it is definitely worth it to stick with the program anyways. The program is only as much as you make of it. MMC consists of project groups where you learn different softwares and skill sets, such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Public Speaking, Professional Development, and many more. Project groups meet once a week for an hour and you can take as many as you would like. I have learned a lot through the program, especially career-related wise. In my first semester, I learned how to market myself with the perfect resume, I got to interview and industry professional, and I learned softwares that make me a competitive applicant.
Even if you are not interested in Media, Marketing, or Communications, this program is a great way to network and build your professional image. In Scholars programs, you all live on the same floor, so you are automatically with a group of kids who share similar interests. This is really special compared to kids who go in random. Having that automatic community makes the transition into college so much easier.
As for declining because of housing (ie. living on West), I do not think that is a good enough reason. I currently live in Morrill Tower, and although it is not the newest place, it automatically fosters friendships and community. Living in a suite allows you to have immediate friends AND Morrill has everything you need inside. Sure, it sucks being a little far from everything, but you have a dining hall, a c-store, and plenty of study rooms for when you don’t want to have to brace the cold.
For those wanting to experience better dorms over being in Scholars, I can say that no matter the situation, it is extremely hard for freshmen to get in the new renovated dorms. Actually, I do not know of any freshmen who are not in a Scholars group being in the newly renovated North campus dorms. Most people live in the older dorms that do not have A/C. So I would not bet on getting a nice, new dorm if you reject the Scholars invitation.
If anyone has any questions, feel free to ask me!