<p>At this point, I think the honors program should be the least of your and your son’s concerns. And it’s fortunate that he can continue at his current college even if he loses his scholarship.</p>
<p>It’s more important for him to figure out whether he wants to continue in computer science or switch to a different major and to figure out what’s keeping his GPA below 3.0 (which I consider the cutoff for “doing OK” in technical fields like CS). </p>
<p>My son was a CS undergrad. His grades were not always as high as he would have liked. One problem was the math, which was difficult for him. There’s an awful lot of math in CS, and you have to do it even if your particular interest within the CS field is one of the less math-intensive ones. Another challenge was the projects, which ALWAYS take longer than you think they will, and may even take longer than that if you’re working with a partner or team (as is sometimes required). My son stayed in CS and adjusted to it, but for other people, it’s simply the wrong major, and a change of direction may be in order.</p>
<p>It’s also possible, though, that your son’s problems are not specific to CS. Many kids don’t really learn to study in high school because they don’t have to, and then college comes as a shock. Also, many kids don’t take advantage of the help available to them at college – such as office hours. And many of them don’t plan their time well. </p>
<p>I don’t think “tough love” – as in “do better or we’ll cut off your money” is the answer – at least, not this early. Problem-solving may be more appropriate, and you and your husband may be able to help out there by drawing on your own experiences as students as well as the experiences shared on this board.</p>