Honors College programs: what's the point?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There's a lot to like about Honors programs.

In my view, it allows big state colleges to compete with the offering of private colleges (smaller classes, easier registration, specialized classes, advising, mentorship with professors) while still offering the advantages of a large research university (research opportunities).

This is what schools want you to believe. In large research Unis, however, this is really hard to implement due to lack of funding (in most cases). Schools may offer honors seminars and such but most of the courses you need for your degree are outside of "honors" program.

That’s a big generalization. You really have to research individual programs. Some well known ones: Clemson’s Calhoun, ASU’s Barrett, UMD, VaTech.

[Anonymous]

Friend's DD who is in an honors college says that the priority registration for certain in-demand classes really does help. There are courses in some majors where students might spend several semesters trying to get in. Getting priority to register means getting in sooner, on the schedule that works better for you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There's a lot to like about Honors programs.

In my view, it allows big state colleges to compete with the offering of private colleges (smaller classes, easier registration, specialized classes, advising, mentorship with professors) while still offering the advantages of a large research university (research opportunities).

This is what schools want you to believe. In large research Unis, however, this is really hard to implement due to lack of funding (in most cases). Schools may offer honors seminars and such but most of the courses you need for your degree are outside of "honors" program.

That’s a big generalization. You really have to research individual programs. Some well known ones: Clemson’s Calhoun, ASU’s Barrett, UMD, VaTech.

UMD is not well known or has that much to offer

[Anonymous]

At my state school honors college, the differences were somewhat like being in a magnet high school class. Better classes, better teachers, more advanced cohort of students so the class was taught at a higher level. Also, honors housing meant that you lived with a cohort of more serious students, and ones that were closer to your ability level. And it fostered more community - a way to make a big place smaller.

[Anonymous]

One thing to look for in terms of quality is a recognized honors college vs. an honors program. This ensures that the program is distinctive and rigorous enough to award its own “honors degree” upon graduation. There are many perks in DCs honors college which is small - about 4 percent of all students or 1 percent per class. DC started receiving special invitations to interview and meet firm/agency representatives (starting as a sophomore), invitations to submit conference papers and professors have reached out for internships. So far an excellent experience.

[Anonymous]

Barrett has over 6K students. Whoa

[Anonymous]

One thing to look for in terms of quality is a recognized honors college vs. an honors program. This ensures that the program is distinctive and rigorous enough to award its own “honors degree” upon graduation. There are many perks in DCs honors college which is small - about 4 percent of all students or 1 percent per class. DC started receiving special invitations to interview and meet firm/agency representatives (starting as a sophomore), invitations to submit conference papers and professors have reached out for internships. So far an excellent experience.

But will most employers know or appreciate this? It doesn't sound worth all this extra trouble, unless employers and/or graduate schools are in the know, and it sounds like the waters have been muddied with so many different types of programs. Lastly, if the student belongs in a more rigorous program, why aren't they attending a more rigorous college?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

One thing to look for in terms of quality is a recognized honors college vs. an honors program. This ensures that the program is distinctive and rigorous enough to award its own “honors degree” upon graduation. There are many perks in DCs honors college which is small - about 4 percent of all students or 1 percent per class. DC started receiving special invitations to interview and meet firm/agency representatives (starting as a sophomore), invitations to submit conference papers and professors have reached out for internships. So far an excellent experience.

But will most employers know or appreciate this? It doesn't sound worth all this extra trouble, unless employers and/or graduate schools are in the know, and it sounds like the waters have been muddied with so many different types of programs. Lastly, if the student belongs in a more rigorous program, why aren't they attending a more rigorous college?

Most employers don't care. A non honors student with 3.5 GPA, good LOR will top a 3.1 GPA honors kid.

For your second question, a lot of times kids/families follow the money trail. If UMD is willing to give you a full ride, many will go there vs higher ranked schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Lastly, if the student belongs in a more rigorous program, why aren't they attending a more rigorous college?

I have already posted upthread. Many of my peers were in the program because it combined a more rigorous experience with both the lower tuition cost and the research opportunities of a state university. The landscape of financial aid has changed in the past generation so perhaps the need for low-cost alternatives is less than when I went. I don't yet have experience sending my children to college so other posters would need to speak to that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Lastly, if the student belongs in a more rigorous program, why aren't they attending a more rigorous college?

I have already posted upthread. Many of my peers were in the program because it combined a more rigorous experience with both the lower tuition cost and the research opportunities of a state university. The landscape of financial aid has changed in the past generation so perhaps the need for low-cost alternatives is less than when I went. I don't yet have experience sending my children to college so other posters would need to speak to that.

We are in the midst of this.

Parents in the $130k-$200k hhi are not getting financial aid or enough FA.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Lastly, if the student belongs in a more rigorous program, why aren't they attending a more rigorous college?

I have already posted upthread. Many of my peers were in the program because it combined a more rigorous experience with both the lower tuition cost and the research opportunities of a state university. The landscape of financial aid has changed in the past generation so perhaps the need for low-cost alternatives is less than when I went. I don't yet have experience sending my children to college so other posters would need to speak to that.

My high stats student is looking at honors colleges at state colleges that carry her major. For her, she can get tuition waved, honors college admittance (and all the perks included) and money for grad school in the bank.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Lastly, if the student belongs in a more rigorous program, why aren't they attending a more rigorous college?

I have already posted upthread. Many of my peers were in the program because it combined a more rigorous experience with both the lower tuition cost and the research opportunities of a state university. The landscape of financial aid has changed in the past generation so perhaps the need for low-cost alternatives is less than when I went. I don't yet have experience sending my children to college so other posters would need to speak to that.

My high stats student is looking at honors colleges at state colleges that carry her major. For her, she can get tuition waved, honors college admittance (and all the perks included) and money for grad school in the bank.

+1 here plus ability to attend a college that is not in New England.

[Anonymous]

Professor who works mostly with graduate students here:
I'm more likely to speak to honors college sessions--or send out invites to honors college lists for opportunities to participate in research as an undergraduate. I know other faculty are similar. It's not that we wouldn't let other undergrads not participate in research, it's just that honors colleges represent a concentrated way to engage with undergraduates who are more likely to participate in research. So any motivated undergraduate can find opportunities to participate in research, but honors college students may be more likely to hear about them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Lastly, if the student belongs in a more rigorous program, why aren't they attending a more rigorous college?

I have already posted upthread. Many of my peers were in the program because it combined a more rigorous experience with both the lower tuition cost and the research opportunities of a state university. The landscape of financial aid has changed in the past generation so perhaps the need for low-cost alternatives is less than when I went. I don't yet have experience sending my children to college so other posters would need to speak to that.

My high stats student is looking at honors colleges at state colleges that carry her major. For her, she can get tuition waved, honors college admittance (and all the perks included) and money for grad school in the bank.

+1 here plus ability to attend a college that is not in New England.

Lol, yes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

One thing to look for in terms of quality is a recognized honors college vs. an honors program. This ensures that the program is distinctive and rigorous enough to award its own “honors degree” upon graduation. There are many perks in DCs honors college which is small - about 4 percent of all students or 1 percent per class. DC started receiving special invitations to interview and meet firm/agency representatives (starting as a sophomore), invitations to submit conference papers and professors have reached out for internships. So far an excellent experience.

But will most employers know or appreciate this? It doesn't sound worth all this extra trouble, unless employers and/or graduate schools are in the know, and it sounds like the waters have been muddied with so many different types of programs. Lastly, if the student belongs in a more rigorous program, why aren't they attending a more rigorous college?

The employer may not know or care about the honors designation, but a student who participates in the program will be able to have more experiences to put on their resume. As someone who regularly hires interns, a 3.1 gpa with some really interesting research experience outweighs a 3 5 without that experience.