<p>While I acknowledge most of Zephyr15’s points, I need to put in a plug for honors colleges at lesser known schools. I was on the faculty at Western Michigan U for several years and I quickly became a big fan of the Lee Honors College at that instutition. These schools, while serving a diverse representation of the state’s population, do tend to put a lot of emphasis AND resources into these special Honors programs. The classes are typically smaller and taught at a higher level by the best, most engaged faculty. The students usually have a place where they can congregate, or in some schools, live with their peers. They have their own advisor and may have greater access to research opportunities and internships, which can give them better preparation for medical school, grad school or jobs. I agree totally that you have to visit and also check the common data set - ask lots of questions about where their students end up.</p>
<p>I guess I’m just saying…don’t write these programs off. They can be a great option for the right student, and some have incredible merit award programs that make them even more desirable.</p>