So, if your teen is a high achiever and is looking at schools with an Honors College, he or she should definitely consider applying. Academic benefits can include smaller class sizes with more meaningful discussions and interaction with their professors. Access to professors is limited in a larger lecture setting, and office hours may be inconvenient. Other benefits include priority class registration, nicer dorms, or a dedicated space where honors students can study and hang out. Sometimes, honors students take a series of classes together, so faces become familiar more quickly in the smaller-group setting. Honors programs can have professional benefits as well. If your teen plans to pursue a higher degree, master’s programs will look favorably on an honors program’s rigorous course of study. Similarly, potential employers recruit graduates who have critical thinking skills.
Now let’s consider the possible challenges of an Honors College program…
First and foremost, there’s no getting around the fact that an honors program is extra work. The classes are smaller and require more participation, which makes it more difficult to “coast.” If your teen hates public speaking, he or she might prefer to be in a large lecture hall where there’s less chance of being singled out. Often, there’s a required GPA to maintain Honors College standing or housing, and some schools may ask students to attend several Honors College events.
Honors College isn’t for everyone, but the benefits are undeniable for motivated students who are accustomed to a challenging workload and high achievement. At Test Preps, we excel at helping students achieve their goals. Contact us today if you’d like to learn how your teen can improve their ACT/SAT score for any program!