The Value of an Honors College
I often research schools for specific students, focusing on finding the right 'fit'; sometimes the best option is to suggest applying to a school's honors college.
The common misconception in higher education is that honors colleges are for students seeking ‘a more prestigious version of the same school.’ The perks of priority registration, a more modern dorm, and a special certification, or resume boost. The bottom line is that honors colleges are not all the same. Each school my students apply to offers differentiated programming tailored to a specific type of learner.
For example, a common safety option for many students in the Mountain West is the University of Utah. The school provides a discounted rate to students with residency located in the West, through the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE). The University of Utah also offers highly motivated, academically talented students the opportunity to be part of the school's honors college.
The Honors College at the University of Utah provides students with the opportunity to engage in in-depth research or creative work, with assistance from a faculty advisor, and to submit a thesis project in their senior year. The program values life skills, speciality advising perks, and the opportunity for students to engage in research to further their interest in a particular area that’s associated with their major.
Here is a list of different types of honors college offerings:
Interdisciplinary learning: (combining a major or focusing on a broader liberal arts curriculum).
Academic flexibility: (ability to drop general requirement courses)
Access, advising, mentorship: (Individualized attention, internship opportunities, and research).
Specialized pathways: (technology/business blend in your major or special distinction - UT-Austin Computer Science & Business).
The value of selecting an honors college at a large university compared to attending a private liberal arts school has created a massive shift in the college admissions landscape. You can find out more through this Forbes article, ‘University Honors Colleges – Providing Excellence Within Scale.’
It’s also important to note that an honors college is not for everyone. Ask yourself:
What do I want in my college experience?
What kind of experience is each honors college offering, and for whom does it work best?
Where you end up attending college, the major you pick, and the right environment are all important factors. Pick the route that is best for you, grow from your experiences, and learn skills that bring you fulfillment in your life and future career.
