Parents of Honor Program Students

<p>I attend a small sized liberal arts Christian university. It's a very academically oriented place and in our region is well known for producing some of the best undergraduate students in the area; this called my attention since in our immediate area there are a few good law schools I wouldn't mind attending. A lot of our alumni have great jobs in my specific area (politics, law) and I love it, it was the perfect fit for me.</p>

<p>I have a 3.8 GPA and though a freshman by year, I'm a sophomore by credits and have been offered the opportunity of joining the Honors program. </p>

<p>If you keep a 3.5 or higher you can take honors classes without having to join the actual program--I registered for two honors classes for next semester to check them out and see how I like the setting. </p>

<p>I'm seriously considering joining after some of my friends explained that the work wasn't necessarily harder just more of a "harkness" method/socratic approach. This part really caught my eye, I spent my childhood in a different country at an international school with harkness tables and it was the most academically stimulating setting for me. Also as a philosophy major, I know I'd enjoy this aspect.</p>

<p>I've heard of the benefits of "registering early/smaller classes" but since I go to a relatively smaller-sized school not getting my classes hasn't really occurred and my classes are no more than 30 kids at most (school policy).</p>

<p>I posted this on the College Life thread but I haven't gotten any responses just yet. But I figured it'd be helpful if parents gave me some of their perspectives (and their kid's) of various honors programs. A broad perspective would really help me decide what the best choice is for me.</p>

<p>Thank you!</p>

<p>Could you be a little more clear as to what you are asking? I think you are asking opinions on honor programs…Am I correct?</p>

<p>Honors programs vary significantly by school. They can include separate housing, special sessions with faculty, senior administrators or significant visitors, informal gatherings with the same, significant research opportunities, and special degree designations upon graduation. In addition to “harkness” classes, special projects (senior honors thesis) may also be required.
A question I have for you is how do the non-honors students view the honors students at your school?</p>