Honors Tutorial College, Anyone?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Ohio University
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<p>Did anyone have an interview at the HTC during the last two weekends? My D went and is completely in love with the kids and the program, once again. She had gotten a little off-track with OU after applying to three other colleges and getting excited about their programs, but there is absolutely nothing like the HTC. Really. </p>

<p>Some of the things we heard this last weekend: Students in the HTC routinely have faculty who WANT to write letters of recommendation for them to go to grad school; they'll have 8-10 potential faculty members that want to write letters for them because they have gotten to know them so well. This is very important! HTC students get to sign up for classes 1st, even before athletes, which is a great bonus. They don't have any general education requirements so they can get right into the interesting classes. They can take grad-level classes from day 1, and they can also participate in research right away. Also, the HTC kids are courted for grad school/med school like nobody's business, because they are so well-educated. Imagine having the one-on-one instruction throughout your entire four years, developing your mind and your particular interests through a tutorial. Wow. They're not just a number -- they are expected to be an equal partner in their education. Also, kids can take tutorials in subjects outside of their major, so for example a biology major can take a theater tutorial, as long as it doesn't interfere with their major. We found the HTC kids to be bright, ambitious, and absurdly friendly. They were all very comfortable with the adults as well as the students, which was nice. And the administration of the HTC is also great. It's a small staff that knows each kid, their families, their majors, and what is going on in their lives. Exactly what I want for my child.</p>

<p>As you can see, I'm just really excited about this opportunity. It is completely unique the way that OU runs this program. I hope she gets that letter of acceptance from the HTC! I'd love to hear from others who are also waiting.</p>

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<p>Hi Ohio Mary,
My son is going to compete for the Stocker Scholar award soon (Feb 17) - which is from the engineering department. (Engineering isn't in the honor's program.) We haven't visited yet (we're from out of state), but it will be interesting to see what he thinks. I know he is picturing a more "techie" school, but I wonder if the scholarship competition (which is project based) will change his mind.</p>

<p>By the way, there's a dad on here (digmedia) whose son attends the HTC. You might try to message him if doesn't weigh in here.</p>

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<p>I'll weigh in here (pun intended). HTC is everything you say and more. It is like a family, almost, and is like attending a very small college with personal attention yet having the large university's resources to draw upon.</p>

<p>However, it is not for everyone. It could be a little overwhelming unless the kid has an "I'm-gonna-take-charge-of-my-own-education" attitude and has a very strong sense of what they want to do. HTC is looking for very independent self-starters with a deep passion for ... something.</p>

<p>The tutorial system may also not appeal to everyone. Taking classes as one-on-one with professors can be daunting. And, the incredible personal attention may be more than some kids want. If you get a B- or less in a class, then they'll want to talk to you. If if happens twice in a row, the attention may not be welcomed by the student.</p>

<p>If you go to <a href="http://www.honors.ohio.edu%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.honors.ohio.edu&lt;/a> there are some testimonials from the students. Listen to those. My son is the 4th from the left on the opening page. Hear what he and others have to say.</p>

<p>There is one more thing to know. HTC will support the student in many ways, with grants for special projects or even expensive equipment to support a student's work. They are VERY supportive of outside projects.</p>

<p>And the comment about "absurdly friendly" students is smack on. But OU in general is known as having some of the friendliest students in the nation.</p>

<p>If you've got any questions, let me know.</p>

<p>But, I'm curious. How did your daughter think the interview went? Is she applying for one major or more than one. What major? Not to pry... but just curious.</p>

<p>BTW, when we did get the letter of acceptance, I was jumping up and down and pounding him on the back.</p>

<p>Numbers (approximate): They have approx 280 applicants, they interview 180, and they send acceptances to 80 (of which 60 will accept). So odds-wise, it's not easy (80 out of 280 is only a 28% acceptance rate). But their "yield" is fantastic (60 out of 80 is a 75% yield in accepted students).</p>

<p>IF HTC does not work out, I still think OU is a fantastic bargain (especially with the Gateway and Gateway Trustee scholarships). As I suggested to weenie on another forum, try for one of the scholarship dorms. My son has a single in Hoover, but it's arranged in a "mod" structure. His is a group of 18 students - 6 males and 12 females, and provides an instant group of friends.</p>

<p>Sorry to be long-winded.</p>

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<p>Dig:
He looks just like you! :D</p>

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<p>Hey, dig! We have talked before when we were first investigating this whole thing. My D interviewed for 2 different majors but really, she is more interested in an as-yet unofficial 3rd major, which they know all about and are soon to launch. She thought the interviews went very well. Before she went, we downloaded tons of info on each professor including their blogs, their "Rate My Professor" ratings, and things like that. She felt confident talking to each one (and really liked them too), and has also spent some time with the head of the 3rd (as-yet unofficial) department. The questions were interesting, very open-ended. They wanted to know what books she reads, what she does for fun, what she knows about the major, etc. She LOVED THE KIDS and felt totally at home with them. As a parent, it's important to me that my precious, precious child goes somewhere where someone actually gives a crap about her, and the HTC does that and more. From the 1st moment we met all the parties involved in the HTC, I felt a huge sigh of relief, like, "This is the place." We went over and visited Hoover. If it were me, that's where I'd live, but I think she may opt for the newer digs over at Read (sp?) Hall, along with a roommate. She thinks it is important to "learn to share" after having her own room forever. I understand that they will be making a decision soon on which kids to invite, so I'm very excited. She did qualify for the full Gateway scholarship, so we'll see what else comes along with that to cover room & board a little. Either way, living in Ohio, OU is a cheap school!! And with the HTC, I almost feel like we're "stealing" such a great education.</p>

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<p>Mary -</p>

<p>Now I'm nervous all over again, knowing that less than half of those invited for interviews will actually get accepted to HTC. But if your D has the stats to get into HTC, but is not accepted, she can still get the scholarship and also get into Read Hall.</p>

<p>My son's friends are from within and also outside HTC (evenly split), but many from the dorm. They are all involved in all the projects.</p>

<p>But until I hear from you, I am going to be nervous and thinking about your D's acceptance. I think that so much of the interview is displaying excitement about HTC and a genuine desire to be there (you can see that in the current students). The attitude that would instantly get you not accepted is one where the student conveyed HTC as an alternative choice ("If I don't get into Harvard or Cornell, I'll come here.")</p>

<p>We, too, felt kind of giddy after our visit. But then, when the thin envelope came, I was prepared to console my son. But that thin envelope was an acceptance.</p>

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<p>That's definitely true, especially in one of her possible majors, biological sciences. They said they interviewed over 20 kids for 6 slots. When Dr. Tanda said that, all the kids looked slyly around the room at each other wondering, I'm sure, "Will s/he get in instead of me??" I just feel really good about it; I think my D did everything she could to show them that she is very enthusiastic about a tutorial education, and she really does have a lot to offer. Sure she's smart, but they are all smart. She really is a well-rounded person though, and that is what they seem to look for above all else -- the "zest for living" kind of thing. In her application, they didn't ask her where else she applied, although some of the kids did. She found out that her choices were very similar to many other kids, but they chose OU over Ivy League, selective LACs, and other top-notch colleges because it is so unique.</p>

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<p>Hi!</p>

<p>I recently applied to the HTC, and also went to the interview weekend in question. My only trepidation, however, is the availability of resources in Athens. One of the other schools I applied to is the University of Pittsburgh, and it seems to offer so many more amenities in terms of hospitals, and artistic venues. digmedia, do you feel that your son is happy in a small town like Athens? And with the type of lifestyle that is afforded to him there?
Due to the excellence of both programs, it is, unfortunately, coming down to trite details like this.</p>

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<p>Hi all!
My mom, Ohio_Mary, decided I should post this.</p>

<p>ACCEPTED!!!
To OU's Honors Tutorial College for both Biological sciences and Philosophy.</p>

<p>Stats:
33 ACT -- full gateway at OU
4.0 GPA (unweighted)
Many extra-currics, including two leads in All-Ohio musicals, an internship in the neurosciences dept. of the Cleveland Clinic studying Alzheimer's disease, President of Teen Institute (drug, alcohol, tabacco prevention) group at High school for three years, and many medical missionary trips including three to Oaxaca, Mexico, and one to Lima-Pucullpa, Peru.</p>

<p>Two good essays (One for Bio, one for Philosophy), a passion for the HTC itself. Went to visit in Junior spring break, loved it, have been emailing assistant dean Jan Hodson questions and updates on life happenings since. She is very open, and even set up a special overnight for me with one of the HTC students. </p>

<p>Very good references, from guidance, Spanish teacher, and doctor I worked with on missionary trips. </p>

<p>I also had a supplemental DVD with my artwork, pictures of my missionary trips, a video of my presentation on my research for Alzheimers, and a video of my performance in one of the All-Ohio musicals. </p>

<p>I'm so excited!!!</p>

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<p>freespirtgirl, Congrat! Oh you must be so happy! I thought that OU was a great school and the HTC is a wonderful opportunity! Again, congrats, it's so awesome!</p>

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<p>WOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOO.</p>

<p>Now I can relax and not feel so nervous waiting for you to hear back from them.</p>

<p>Big Congrats. When my son got his letter, I literally jumped up and down and pounded him on his back a million times.</p>

<p>His experience has been good. I've asked him about whether Athens is too small for him, but he hasn't felt that yet.</p>

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<p>freespiritgirl, </p>

<p>CONGRATULATIONS! where do you live? I still haven't heard but I live in Massachusetts. I am anxiously checking the every day anyway.</p>

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<p>Freespirit: Congrats!!! Send in your housing money!</p>

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<p>JaneGalt, I live up in northeast Ohio near Cleveland. A good friend of mine from up here is still waiting too so I hope both of your agony ends soon! I committed to attending the HTC last night, and I am really happy with my decision. I will say hi to digmedia's son as soon as I go for my orientation in June!! I also hope to live in Hoover in a single, like him, so thanks for that advice. It sounds perfect for my weird schedule. I might drive a roommate crazy.</p>

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<p>I just got the letter Monday, I'm IN ! I'm accepting today.</p>

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<p>As a former HTC student, I sometimes feel compelled to temper the enthusiasm for the program that pervades these forums.</p>

<p>I'm sure that anyone who has considered the college has been told of all the "personal attention" that students there get, and that if you don't pull your weight, i.e., get a B or above in every class, the attention "may not be welcomed." For me, and for many other former students, the attention, good or bad, never was welcomed because it was rarely substantive, genuine, or helpful. For example, I was heartily praised by the dean (gasp) one quarter after getting a hyperbolic (and suspect) evaluation from a tutor ("brilliant, writing well enough for top grad programs already") and subsequently harangued for a hard-earned B- in a Russian class. </p>

<p>So, unless every ten weeks you need someone to convince you that you're God's gift to the world, the attention is useless, and actually somewhat annoying. It encourages you to get wrapped up in what others think and discourages the intellectual risk-taking and experimentation that ought to characterize your undergraduate experience. (The first couple of years, at least.)</p>

<p>Three of the tutors I had at OU were very good. The other three weren't, and I was stuck trying to figure out what they wanted so that I could earn a grade that accounted for more than half of my credit hours. The majority of my classmates in the English program rarely participated in discussions, and I was stuck with them for the whole year (some of them for two years).</p>

<p>The institution I now attend has no tutorial program. It is a medium-sized state-related (not fully public) university in an urban environment. The academic profile of the student body is relatively high, and what I like about it is that it's diffuse enough that people here don't have to define themselves by their roles as students, as I found was too often the case at OU. And while one can easily fade into the background (and it's nice to have that option) I've had TAs who have been more eager to help and more in touch with the best scholarship than some of my better tenured tutors at OU. Research opportunities are even more plentiful here; all you have to do is pursue them.</p>

<p>When I was in HTC the dean reminded everyone that being in the college is a "privilege, not a right." Maybe she was speaking mainly to the half of the students who felt entitled to everything. But what bothers me most about that statement is that it implies that HTC is somehow unique in that respect, when the truth is that any kind of institutional education ought to be considered a privilege -- ask anyone who doesn't have the money for it or who has suffered a health problem or another precluding circumstance. I find it a bit ironic, too, considering that the college sustains itself by taking for granted professors who are barely compensated (if they are at all) for their duties as tutors. </p>

<p>As much as it would like to have you believe, the HTC is NOT an institution in its own right -- it is merely a means for the university to try to improve its academic profile. You ought to be flattered that they're courting you, but seriously consider whether you want to be part of Ohio University's quest for an ideal. I was recruited aggressively in the spring of '03 when the college was engaged in the ethically dubious practice of setting the matriculation decision deadline 15 days before everyone else's. Without that pressure (though of course it's impossible to say) I might have saved myself some tuition money and a year and a half or so of anguish.</p>

<p>Being a "big fish in a small pond" -- their words, not mine -- is not all it's cracked up to be.</p>

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<p>And I should note here too that the talk of HTC's academics being particularly challenging is very suspect -- of course the administration wants you to think that, and current HTC students, unless they have studied elsewhere (and few have), have little to compare it to. But I and other former students have found that typical, run-of-the-mill undergraduate courses are much more challenging -- partly because no one is holding your hand (though help is available) and partly because professors in these classes can evaluate you more honestly than tutors can (because of the "B-" rule in HTC).</p>

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<p>Man, I didn't want to rain on anyone's parade in here, but you just took the words right out of my mouth, particularly with the phrase "Wouldn't have had to spend a year and a half in anguish" haha. I couldn't have phrased it better myself! </p>

<p>I spent the last year and a half in HTC and am more than thrilled to say that I'm transferring to Vanderbilt in the fall. I hated the program, and echo your statements completely. Especially when you talked about how it affects you when you're constantly needing approval from other people and even worse, when they won't give it. I'd also like to say that for all practical purposes, you spend MUCH more time with "regular OU students" in your classes than HTC students, and that's really difficult if you're not a big drinker or more academically motivated than them.</p>

<p>Thanks so much for making this post. My advice to those people looking to apply is to REALLY think about it, and feel free to message me if you have concerns. Just remember that you're getting like...10% HTC and 90% OU when you choose the program, so really make sure that OU is the right school for you, not just HTC.</p>

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<p>Thanks for your advice. I'm not in HTC. I applied but it was definitely on a whim and that was probably very noticeable. I'll still be headed to OU though due to finances more than anything else. I do remember thinking the program did sound kind of strange but I also remember being a little hurt when I found out I wasn't going to get an interview. It was my only rejection in the college process and I applied to the best state schools and top LACs. I really do hope I can enjoy myself at OU, find my niche, and all that jazz, but if not, I'll just study for free my first year or two! :)</p>

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<p>potemkin and transfermal--</p>

<p>May I ask what your majors are (were)?
We are going to be visiting OU in a couple of weeks, looking at Scripps J-school with our son. I thought the HTC <em>sounded</em> wonderful....</p>

<p>Thanks for your input.</p>