<p>UMBCs honors college (requires 2 extra essays to apply to) prompted my thoughts on what is the point? So I did some research as to how college GPA effects getting a job, which seem to split 50/50 on whether it is needed or not.</p>
<p>Now, if this most important factor coming out of college with your diploma is very variable in necessity - what good could possibly having some little certificate attached about "honors college" completion. If nothing else it would lower my GPA with its slightly more difficult classes.</p>
<p>So is it worth it or no? Not only at UMBC, but at other "advanced" student streams programs which I sometimes see on common app supplementarys.</p>
<p>Well I am looking at some honor’s colleges and I am doing it purely for the extra attention and learning opportunities. Depending on your path, you may be able to do undergraduate research or write papers you could use later on; for example, my intended path of art may be benefited by an honors program that requires a broader portfolio show. I mean, did you take advanced courses in high school? Was that purely to look good on apps, or did you have a desire to learn more, to be challenged, to think critically, to discuss with your peers? A good honor’s program will do all that and more.</p>
<p>At the University of Arizona, you need to write an extra essay when applying to the honors college. I’ve heard mixed reviews, but the honors college does have some benefits, including smaller class size, undergraduate research opportunities, and a brand-new honors college dorm (however it’s expensive). UA honors students also have to write an additional thesis before graduation.</p>
<p>All in all, it may or may not be worth it, depending on whether you want to do research, if you can handle it, and if it’s a good “fit” for you.</p>
<p>With honors college (from the ones i applied to and got in) you generally get</p>
<p>-special housing, either in slightly newer dorms or with students specifically in the honors college.</p>
<p>-Faculty adviser for all 4 years</p>
<p>-seminars with other honors college students</p>
<p>-Preferred course scheduling which means you register first and will almost certainly get all the courses you originally sign up for.</p>
<p>For some schools, you also get scholarships and research stipends for being in the honors college.</p>
<p>If you are competitive but cant get into highly reputable yet extremely expensive top tier schools, then honors college in your states school or others is a great way to go.</p>
<p>Iv got 7 APs so yeah I guess I do take rigorous courses. Im going for a comp sci major so I wont particularly need research money, but I see what everyone is getting at - having a bunch of extra perks.</p>
<p>Don’t know how much difference it will make after a few years into the workforce, but you should do it for yourself if it is what you want. Don’t worry about what some future employer might care.</p>