We are very confused about the honors program at TCNJ.
Doesit offer meaningful differences with the regular classes? The class size at the college is already small, and most students are involved with research (at least in the science majors). So what are the real benefits, other than leaving in the same dorm and going on field trips?
I know there are some courses that are designated as honors courses. But what is the difference between a regular general Chem course and an honors Chem course?
Thank you!
Here’s a response from my son, a Comp Sci freshman who is in the honors program:
"In my experience, besides living in centennial, there are no real perks or differenes to being in the honors program besides being surrounded by a more academically competitive peer group.
"They say that honors courses are 20% tougher, more work, and fast paced, but the only real perk is that you’re surrounded by smarter people. And even that is only true to an extent because the two smartest programmers/CS majors I know of aren’t in the honors program.
"So ultimately, I can say that the only perks are
- Smarter peer group
- Prestige on resume (which ultimately isn’t that big a deal)
- Centennial living rather than towers"
By the way, my son is very happy with virtually all other aspects of his TCNJ experience.
mtown27 - Thank you so much for your feedback. We visited the college on accepted students day, and I found
that everyone was friendly and willing to help. I am sure my daughter will be very happy too.
Funny story … my son’s final two choices were UD and TCNJ. I follow the UD Admissions twitter account because UD is also a “finalist” for my daughter (who just put down her deposit on Rutgers last night). They tweeted the following earlier tonight:
@UDAdmissions: UD is still accepting transfer applications for Fall 2017. Learn more about our requirements and apply today.
When I forwarded this to him, his response: “Haha good one.”
@mtown27 , Glad to read your comment above. My DD18 visiting Rutgers and TCNJ over the past 2 weeks…loved them both. Next year I will be anxious to hear thoughts from your DD and DS!! Also, could you tell me if the Honors Program at TCNJ is a separate application process? My DS had to apply for the Rowan Honors program back in 2014. Thanks!
@tpcrd66 , My daughter will be a freshman in the honors program in the fall. After acceptance, select applicants will receive either an invitation to join the honors program, or an invitation to apply to the honors program, writing an essay.
@mariboc, thank you! Best of luck to your daughter! May I ask, what sealed the deal for her to choose TCNJ and what will she be studying? 
@tpcrd66 My daughter is studying Mathematics Secondary Education. After talking to many teachers in our school district, all of them said that TCNJ would be the best choice for education majors. But the biggest factor was also just feeling at home on the campus during our visits. Although the excitement of the big stadium football games was something she originally was looking forward to, she realizes that deciding on a school for 5 days a year (home football games) makes no sense. She has no more doubts, and can’t wait until the fall.
@mariboc, It sounds like your DD has a great head on her shoulders! I’m sure she will have a great experience and much success at TCNJ! Will be looking for your reviews next year! Enjoy graduation and all the excitement!