American University Honors Program

[Anonymous]

Does anyone have a child who has looked at this closely? I'm wondering how competitive it might be and if kids like the approach. They only take a small number each year so I'm sure it's hard to get into but having an idea of the stats of kids who have would help. DD would be well qualified (over qualified) for AU given grades and scores and their programs seem to line up with her interests so I wanted to learn more about this program from an insiders standpoint if anyone could share.

[Anonymous]

I don't think the AU program will be too challenging.

My child attends a very competitive college but struggles to maintain a 3.0. He took one summer classes at AU and was maintaining an A+. (Then his dad forgot to pick him up for the final.) His advisor allowed him to take a difficult class in his major because he broke his leg last May and wanted to come home for the summer. Bottom line he wasn't going to earn the final grade of A- at his college.

[Anonymous]

Good to know. She's at a top private now and very accustomed to challenge so that's what I was worried about. But I was hopeful the honors might be different. And it comes with Merit Aid so that was tempting.

[Anonymous]

You know what OP? AU is not a top-ranked college by any means, but they have a great Career Center so kids get top jobs w/ a lot less stress and brains.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't base too much on one summer class, which may not have been taught by regular faculty. Visit, sit in on a class, draw your own conclusions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You know what OP? AU is not a top-ranked college by any means, but they have a great Career Center so kids get top jobs w/ a lot less stress and brains.

Good point. Since we live pretty close by it's easy to visit and check out a class and hear about their placement.

[Anonymous]

I was in this program 30 years ago. Interesting to read that it is still there. Pros, for what they are worth after all this time, were a good peer group (all overqualified for AU), generous merit aid, the Career Center, and great internship and job opportunities in DC. AU also has an excellent reputation in International Studies and Political Science. Worth considering if DD is interested in those fields.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was in this program 30 years ago. Interesting to read that it is still there. Pros, for what they are worth after all this time, were a good peer group (all overqualified for AU), generous merit aid, the Career Center, and great internship and job opportunities in DC. AU also has an excellent reputation in International Studies and Political Science. Worth considering if DD is interested in those fields.

I graduated about 10 years ago and would say the same. The academics are not so challenging, but there's great opportunity for engagement and discourse with classmates and profs if you seek it out. There's a strong professional push and what goes on inside the classroom is really secondary to what students pursue off campus. That's a great environment for some - your daughter probably knows which way she is leaning. The merit aid is also a great plus.