Anonymous
Post 10/29/2025 20:59     Subject: What are the best Honors colleges at large schools
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:One of my kids started out in the Honors College at a large state university, but after the first year decided to drop it. It was really just a lot of extra busy work (required classes) that had nothing to do with her major but was mandatory for the HC. In addition, the diploma doesn't make any mention of HC, so she ultimately decided it wasn't worth her time and we agreed. She had a fantastic four years and took advantage of so many opportunities - but HC simply wasn't the advantage a lot of people paint it to be.


I had a similar experience - granted it was years ago. Biggest perks were getting early registration for classes my freshman and sophomore years. Should have dropped it after that.


+1
And many Honors colleges require a senior project that also has nothing to do with one's major. Just a big waste of time.
Anonymous
Post 10/29/2025 20:56     Subject: What are the best Honors colleges at large schools
Anonymous wrote:One of my kids started out in the Honors College at a large state university, but after the first year decided to drop it. It was really just a lot of extra busy work (required classes) that had nothing to do with her major but was mandatory for the HC. In addition, the diploma doesn't make any mention of HC, so she ultimately decided it wasn't worth her time and we agreed. She had a fantastic four years and took advantage of so many opportunities - but HC simply wasn't the advantage a lot of people paint it to be.


I had a similar experience - granted it was years ago. Biggest perks were getting early registration for classes my freshman and sophomore years. Should have dropped it after that.
Anonymous
Post 10/29/2025 20:56     Subject: What are the best Honors colleges at large schools
Anonymous wrote:One of my kids started out in the Honors College at a large state university, but after the first year decided to drop it. It was really just a lot of extra busy work (required classes) that had nothing to do with her major but was mandatory for the HC. In addition, the diploma doesn't make any mention of HC, so she ultimately decided it wasn't worth her time and we agreed. She had a fantastic four years and took advantage of so many opportunities - but HC simply wasn't the advantage a lot of people paint it to be.


Penn State?
Anonymous
Post 10/29/2025 20:55     Subject: Re:What are the best Honors colleges at large schools
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
What is UNV?


UNV is likely UNC. V and C are next to each other on the keyboard.



If UNC, that is one tough admit at only 8% OOS.


Go back and read the original post. That’s the whole point - why OP is asking for recommendations for OTHER schools. 🙄

“She will apply to Michigan and UNV [sic] and UVA but you all know how hard those are to get into.”
Anonymous
Post 10/29/2025 20:54     Subject: What are the best Honors colleges at large schools
One of my kids started out in the Honors College at a large state university, but after the first year decided to drop it. It was really just a lot of extra busy work (required classes) that had nothing to do with her major but was mandatory for the HC. In addition, the diploma doesn't make any mention of HC, so she ultimately decided it wasn't worth her time and we agreed. She had a fantastic four years and took advantage of so many opportunities - but HC simply wasn't the advantage a lot of people paint it to be.
Anonymous
Post 10/29/2025 20:52     Subject: What are the best Honors colleges at large schools
My best friend’s son got into the honors program at GMU. Lots of perks. Through the professorial connections of the program he landed several internships on the Hill and is now finishing law school.
Anonymous
Post 10/29/2025 20:51     Subject: What are the best Honors colleges at large schools
Barrett at ASU is the best!
Anonymous
Post 10/29/2025 20:50     Subject: Re:What are the best Honors colleges at large schools
Anonymous wrote:
What is UNV?


UNV is likely UNC. V and C are next to each other on the keyboard.



If UNC, that is one tough admit at only 8% OOS.
Anonymous
Post 10/29/2025 20:49     Subject: Re:What are the best Honors colleges at large schools
Anonymous wrote:
What is UNV?


UNV is likely UNC. V and C are next to each other on the keyboard.


UNLV is good, too.
Anonymous
Post 10/29/2025 20:48     Subject: What are the best Honors colleges at large schools
UvA doesn’t have honors but has the Jefferson Scholarship program ( must be nominated by your high school - you need to be a top student) and Echols, which is decided by admissions but has no monetary perks
Anonymous
Post 10/29/2025 20:47     Subject: Re:What are the best Honors colleges at large schools
What is UNV?


UNV is likely UNC. V and C are next to each other on the keyboard.
Anonymous
Post 10/29/2025 20:47     Subject: What are the best Honors colleges at large schools
DS is applying to honors program at Purdue and Penn State for similar reasons as your DC
Anonymous
Post 10/29/2025 20:46     Subject: What are the best Honors colleges at large schools
Anonymous wrote:My DD wants to go to a big school with school spirit but also wants to go to a strong, rigorous academic school. She will apply to Michigan and UNV and UVA but you all know how hard those are to get into.

She has a high SAT, strong grades with lots of APs, good ECs but nothing at a national level or anything.

Any recommendations for schools that have a great Honors College where she’d have a good chance getting in and a strong college experience? Ideally one that the kids live together and have access to smaller classes.



What is UNV? UNLV is University of Nevada Las Vegas. What is her rigor?
Anonymous
Post 10/29/2025 20:44     Subject: What are the best Honors colleges at large schools
Our counselor told us Georgia and South Carolina has some of the best honors programs.

Neither felt like a good culture fit, so DC only applied to EA to Wisconsin and Maryland (both OOS).
Anonymous
Post 10/29/2025 20:28     Subject: What are the best Honors colleges at large schools
My DD wants to go to a big school with school spirit but also wants to go to a strong, rigorous academic school. She will apply to Michigan and UNV and UVA but you all know how hard those are to get into.

She has a high SAT, strong grades with lots of APs, good ECs but nothing at a national level or anything.

Any recommendations for schools that have a great Honors College where she’d have a good chance getting in and a strong college experience? Ideally one that the kids live together and have access to smaller classes.