<p>Can any current students/parents provide some additional insight into the New Century Scholars Program? I know it started last year and have read all the information provided online and with the letter. Did you or your student find it beneficial? Was it difficult or a chore to complete the monthly community service hours component while balancing classes and other commitments/activities? What is the criteria for being selected for this program? What benefits are there for the student other than having different English classes and living with other members of the program?</p>
<p>I am a prospective student also and i had a lot of similar questions, so when i was at SMU this pas weekend I got in contact with Marta Harvell and she introduced me to a couple New Century Scholars. At first when i received the letter i was skeptical too. To answer your questions, The community service as far as i understand is done together with the other Scholars, The criteria is “almost made it into the honors program” and had some experience with community service. the benefits are having an “honors-type” english class, not a lecture, more a discussion type class, and also they host an event every year on the SMU campus to raise money for the boys and girls club. New century scholars live on the 2nd floor of maklevaney (the only quiet floor in the “loud” dorm)and as far as i am concerned none had problems balancing school work community service and a social life (especially because the program rolls all 3 into 1) Im definitely considering it! hope that helped!</p>
<p>Thanks for sharing what you’ve learned UUUUURKAA, it is helpful. Did any of the current scholars or anyone else say if this led to Honors entry (and possibly more merit scholarship) for next year? Did they like this dorm? Did they really have 5 hours per month of service hours? Also, what degree program are you going into? </p>
<p>My D is strongly considering SMU School of Dance and another 2nd major but is concerned with rehearsal time interfering with charity requirements.</p>
<p>thanks!</p>
<p>Hi uuuuurkaa,</p>
<p>Did you join the New Century Scholars Program? If so, how is it? Do you like it? My son is admit to SMU. He also got BBA Scholar invitation. Last week, he received NCSP invitation. He is interested in the NCSP but concerned about the time and “loud” dorm. We’d appreciated to know your experience. </p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>I am confused by all of the different programs available. Can someone please clarify them for me. There is the University Honors Program, the Hilltop Scholars, the Second Century Scholars, the New Century Scholars, the BB Scholars…and are there housing requirements for all of them?
Thanks!!</p>
<p>Oh, I did find a page on the Honors Program website that explains these. Thanks</p>
<p>The Honors programs are a bit confusing, at first, and it seems they are also tied into dorm assignments, but it is not binding, you can still request a different dorm. This is the best year to attend SMU as a Freshman bc we are going to get first choice into the new dorms next year!!!</p>
<p>The different scholars programs encompass different aspects of academic life. UHP focuses strongly on academics, Hilltop focuses strongly on community and leadership, BBA Scholars are business oriented, et cetera. Most of their respective websites have lots of information about the different programs. Some have housing assignments, some do not. However, most of that is changing since SMU is moving to a residential commons model, which will mean students are more intermingled across programs!</p>