<p>Son got accepted (yay!). Just wondering if they have an honors program, which would be helpful if attending any state funded school. Thanks!</p>
<p>Yes, they have a honors program. However, unless he wants to be challenge, or his major is not as challenging as engineering. I’d say it doesn’t make a big difference. Basically you have “honor classes” to attend, and there will be some extra things you need to do other than your major or support classes. you can almost always get a class, because you will be in class with the other honor students.</p>
<p>If someone is in the honors program do they get priority registration for classes? Also, how are honors students selected and when?</p>
<p>No priority registration but a few class sections “hold seats for honors students.”</p>
<p>My older daughter got into the Honors Program as a freshman (Fall 2010) and one of the biggest perks we found was priority in Housing. The freshman Honors students live together in the Cerro Vista on-campus apartments which was definitely my daughter’s first-choice for housing. They are apartment-style suites, 4 private bedrooms, 2 baths, and a common kitchen and living room. She is in a rigorous engineering program, so after taking a few Honors courses she isn’t sure she’ll be able to stay in the program (I think the requirement is at least 8 Honors courses over the course of 4 years). But I recommend applying as a freshman - I am encouraging my younger daughter, who just got accepted to Cal Poly, to apply. The deadline is sometime in May and the notifications come out a month or so later.</p>
<p>Thank you. I didn’t know the student has to apply - thought it would be automatic like many other schools. Great to know!</p>
<p>I believe the “perks” of being an honor student, such as priority housing, priorty registration, living in an honors dorm make it worthwhile. That’s what I was looking for; not necessarily different, more challenging, classes. He got accepted into Biology, so I think that will be challenging enough!</p>
<p>Well, honors will look good on paper when you are applying for jobs, internships, even some leadership positions at school. You can choose to live in honors housing (cerro) or not. If you choose to live in cerro, it does not necessarily mean your roommates will be honors students as well. As an honors student, there are some GE honors classes you are required to take (for example, public speaking). For the most part, being in honors does not make it easier to get classes though. You also have to take some honors contract courses, but I don’t know much about those. I don’t think they’re very time consuming though.</p>
<p>And “Honors Classes” dont count for any more points on your GPA. An “A” in an Honors Class counts the same as an “A” in an non-Honors class. No priority rgistration for Honors students. Football players get a better break on registration priority than Honors Students. Go Figure ! The only thing about the Honors Program is it looks good on your transcript/resume. Otherwise…not a big deal. There are a lot of “leadership” things you need to do also. I say unless you are really committed, just take the regular program, work hard, and get good grades.</p>