<p>I got accepted into the Honors section of the (state) university I will be attending, but I'm not sure whether its worth joining. Other than smaller classes (20 people vs. 100 people) and a more discussion based curriculum, it doesn't offer much (and i do prefer non-discussion based vs. discussion if given the choice but i don't mind the latter either). The separate lounge they offer sounds tempting as does the fact that its easier to make friends, but the Honors college requires you to take 20 Lower level, and 20 upper level classes that are specifically for the honors college. The problem is that they are all humanities based (and some computer science related) and I will be a biochemistry major and do not need to take any of those classes, and would have to take them. I do not mind the extra work that the classes would require (as most kids going to the college have said that they receive), but I would like to know the importance of it (other than the fact that it will challenge you). Is it worth joining or not? (for undergrad) Does the fact that you graduated with "honors" really play any role when applying to graduate school?</p>
<p>someone reply! i want to know as well</p>
<p>anyone, please?</p>
<p>It was worth it in my case. State colleges have there share of idiots (from Arkansas U up to Berkeley), and being with the honors kids helps you avoid them. </p>
<p>As for helping with grad school, I believe it would. In addition to giving you some extra opportunities to take advantage of, research is easier with the honors tags, as professors seem more open to you.</p>
<p>k, thanks.</p>
<p>My D was interested in science and music. She was accepted into an honors program with minimal advantages: early registration, reserved dorm area, and lots of honors humanity courses that did not match her interests. She would have rejected the honors program, but went to a different college anyway. I doubt that honors humanities courses would make any difference if you apply to graduate school in the sciences. I do not understand why most honors programs focus on the humanities. What about the honors programs for science majors? I guess some colleges have them. A few honors classes are not likely to have much impact on your overall college experience.</p>
<p>My D will be looking at (2) state schools within Illinois. One is Illinois State. From the research that I have done, it appears as though the advantages of Honors is a. separate housing that may or may not include extra study areas, b. Early registration for classes ahead of the general school population, c. Smaller classes etc. I also think that if a student in high school took honors and AP classes, they may have an easier time if college if they also associated with students in the same academic level.</p>