I graduated from a New England State Flagship honors program more than 30 years ago. Back then we didn't have our own dorms, but kids who started as freshman got to take two small seminar classes each semester, some of which were alternatives to the comparable large lectures. These are opportunities that at large schools many students don't get to experience until junior or senior year. I had to write an original senior thesis with an advisor, and defend it orally before a panel of three other professors. Obviously, you got to know some other honors program kids well -- it was an extra cohort. There was an extra advisor (mostly for the science kids back then.) Fast forward to today. The honors programs are far more advanced. There are special opportunities that are made available to them. In the past decade or so, the school has also gotten more active in engaging alums in the DC area. That last part may prove to be the most enduring benefit -- expanding the alumni connection network out of state. If my kids were in a large state university, I would definitely want them to explore the honors program options.

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.

This is us too. Our child had a perfect SAT as a a junior, and has an unweighted 4.0. We won't qualify for any financial aid, but can't afford the top schools (which don't offer any merit aid) and grad school -which is pretty much a given. Honors colleges are looking like a great option.

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?

Because these honors programs give substantial merit scholarships. $10K to full rides depending on your test scores and GPA.
A family making $150K or more may have to pay 40K or more a year for Ivy vs a free ride to an honor program.

Plus many kids want to remove themselves from the intense competitive atmosphere at rigorous colleges and enjoy life.

Some kids enjoy the high spirit colleges with great sports teams and 300+ clubs

Some enjoy the location as many rigorous colleges are in cold weather states.

Some like perks of honors college (better dorms, first pick of classes, free designated tutors/editors, requested research positions etc...) Its a nice way to start college.

My DC and DCs honors cohorts are highly active in the University and have many leadership positions which are highly competitive. Despite small numbers, honors students are well represented across club and organizational leadership roles on top of their high likelihood to intern and receive scholarship money if their grades remain strong. It makes it seem there is an advantage even within the University system for not only internships but all other leadership roles. For such a small population this group really shines.

Anonymous wrote:

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.

This is a really good thing to keep in mind.