<p>Can anyone tell me if there is any way to make sure that you get into the honors program? Is there at least some way to increase your chances? HELP, need advice.</p>
<p>Honors is by invitation only. I don't think there is any way to make sure you are invited. The best you can do is work hard and try to achieve the grades and stats that are given for the honors program. (These are at the website) . However keep in mind that some kids will be invited who may have higher or lower stats. And some may not be invited. Answering the essay questions carefully is important also. That is one way they decide who is invited to Gemstone which is research oriented.
My D. is in the honors program at UMD and loves it!</p>
<p>In your opinion would a math major benefit from being in Honors?</p>
<p>The honors program is really nice to be in for a number of reasons. There are honors seminars and classes that are smaller in size than many of the regular classes - a really nice variety to select from, including special discussion groups.
I recall there were some special honors activities when my D. was a freshman to help the kids meet and greet each other..(not sure what activities there are after freshman year).
You will be put in honors dorms which are nicer than the regular dorms especially, Anne Arundel and Queen Annes (mostly for upper classmen though a few freshmen get in each year ) The other honors dorms according to my D. are nicer than the regular UMD dorms also.
You will end up meeting a lot of other honors kids because of the housing situation, classes and activities and thus be in with a fairly brainy bunch (not to say the other kids aren't brainy - but here you will find UMD's cream of the crop).
There are special honors advisors who really try to help you get the classes you need and assist you in other ways.
So I personally feel that being in honors is great, and I know my D. is very happy with the school and the program!
However I know a few students who are not in honors and they also love the school. I also know a few in gemstones (which is more reseach oriented) and there are mixed feelings there.</p>
<p>yes, I met someone who was unhappy with gemstone and dropped out. I'm not sure of the exact reason, however. Do you have more info on that situation?</p>
<p>From my understanding the Gemstone is a group research project. I have heard it is quite a bit of work and not a lot of credit. Several of my D's friends were in it and one dropped out. Another said it was more work than most of his classes!
The selection for that seems to be in addition to grades and stats the answers you give on your application. Some of the questions ask if you like to work in groups, do research that type of thing.</p>
<p>credit as in recognition or course credit?</p>
<p>Sorry I didn't answer sooner. I was waiting to ask my D. this weekend. (We went and visited her and attended the MD vs WVA football game).
Anyway she said college credit is given and the amount varies..but she did not know alot about it as she is not in the program. So you may want to call the school and ask.</p>