<p>Do I need to specify on my college applications that I would want to get into honors college if I was accepted and qualified for it? Or is there a separate application for that? </p>
<p>Also, I know that every college has a different list of clubs and activities on campus. But are there any specific ones that anyone has joined that they found was a good experience?</p>
<p>I think it says on the application and you opt in to be considered. If not, then you get chosen without opting in, but can opt out. Sorry I don’t remember! It probably depends on the school. Come to think of it, I think my son was picked for honors then could opt out. He didn’t choose which honors program he got, but then got rushed to say yes. Other schools were dangling honors in front of him in their “please apply” letters, so I assume they were opt in. </p>
<p>As far as clubs go, I’d join one you know you like from high school, and one new one to broaden your horizons. If there is some activity your campus is known for, try that one. When I was in college, lots of folks did Freshman Singers because it was large, coed, and no cut. It was a good way to meet people.</p>
<p>Check the websites of the school about the honors.</p>
<p>Volunteering off campus can be a good experience. Follow your own interests.</p>
<p>Yes, some colleges require a second application for honors programs, or a check-off box on the application, while others automatically consider you. </p>
<p>Some honors programs require that you take more difficult courses or have an extra thesis, while others simply give you more flexibility in requirements and/or give you the choice of taking honors courses. Some honors programs offer merit money, while others don’t. Some honors programs offer other benefits, such as access to some funds to go abroad. Honors programs can particularly be a benefit if you will be attending a large university and are seeking small freshman classes. Many of the most competitive colleges don’t have honors programs, because all of their students are considered “way above average.” </p>
<p>Most colleges provide a list of their activities and clubs online. Some require try-outs (such as singing groups), while others are open to everyone. Some require a major time commitment, while others are very flexible. At the beginning of your freshman year, I would suggest not joining more than one club, sport or organization that requires a major time commitment, until you get adjusted to the college work load.</p>
<p>One of the best perks of honors programs is being allowed to register early for your next-semester classes. At many schools, honors freshmen get to choose classes before “regular” seniors.</p>
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Okay, just wanted to make sure. I guess I’ll just decide after I get in. That way, no headaches for nothing.</p>
<p>As for everyone else, thanks for the club advice! I’ll look into what seems interesting.</p>
<p>Make sure you join a club or two that have something to do with your field of study. My son says when you submit your resume, employers look at internships you’ve had and clubs/organizations you belong to. Also, Honors College looks good on the resume, and getting to register early when signing up for classes is my son’s favorite part about the honors program.</p>
<p>I would think any college would have honors college information on their website.</p>
<p>At my son’s college, the honors program students gets to select courses before the other students in their year (such as sophomore year). However, it wouldn’t be fair to let freshman honors pick courses before seniors because the seniors need certain classes to graduate on time.</p>
<p>Sometimes honors students get to live in a higher quality dorm, with other honors students.</p>
<p>Honors and clubs differ from school to school. If needed the application should have space for an Honors application. Be sure to check on how they do their version of Honors. Some have an Honors College with specific courses and separate dorms. Others have an Honors Program with various courses, sections et al. Some seem to only offer junky survey courses and nothing beyond the first two years. Some have flexibility for entering/leaving the program. </p>
<p>One example is the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Honors program. Even if you are not interested in UW you might check out the L&S Honors Program website for its excellent program (only good changes since my day). Check out you own flagship’s version and several others that pique your interest. See which courses are involved. Having a separate dorm is not necessarily the best- students come in with many different interests and personalities as well as intelligence. Being able to take a rigorous math, science or other course is more important than “bonding” with others in a survey course all Honors majors would take.</p>
<p>Yes, my son had the option to room in the dorm which was for honor students. He chose to stay there as it had a reputation for being quieter. He likes to have fun, but is also a good student, and he was surrounded by others with similar goals. He made some very good friends in that dorm. Yes, there were a few kids that partied harder than the others in that building, but it was a lot worse elsewhere on campus. </p>
<p>My son transferred to a nicer dorm the next semester and then this year moved to an apartment off campus and the friendships he’s developed from the honors dorm continue.</p>
<p>Son was the type that chose not to even consider party schools when making a college selection. I’m saying West Virginia University and Ohio University, which are both in our area.</p>
<p>“Party” schools may also have an excellent academic reputation and be large enough to avoid the party scene. Wisconsin makes the lists but is an excellent choice for the serious student.</p>
<p>Oh, I don’t disagree, wis75. Because both schools are within a 3 hour drive from where I live, I know plenty of people who’ve graduated from WVU and OU, including relatives and people I work with, who weren’t part of the party scene and got great educations. A number of kids my son was friends with in high school ended up going to one or the other of the universities. It was just part of the particular criteria, rightly or wrongly, my son had that he crossed both of them off his list.</p>