Freshman Honors Program

ss1202 · May 2010

Hello, does anyone know how competitive honors program is and if anyone is in the program what are the pros/cons? S got e-mail offering application to be considered, Thanks

2Leashes · May 2010

^ My daughter just got that, but she said she's not really interested. She's been that way with every college she's applied to that had an honors program that she qualified for. And, yet at her h.s. she was in their Honors Academy and took intensive classes all along. Not sure why she's not interested in it for college. Well, her classes are going to be intense enough as it is (a lot of chemistry and biology), so I'm not worried that she won't be challenged. I do like the idea of smaller classes and closer interaction with the professors. Oh, well. It's not my decision in the end.

I have a feeling that my daughter is one of those students who might be classified at "bright" (as all of our students here are). However, that doesn't mean she wants to be singled out in a group of kids who are consistent "over-achievers". And, I'm sure there's some concern about taking "harder" classes.

Who knows. I could be speculating. Maybe she thinks the students won't be as much 'fun'. But, again, she's been on the honors track ever since middle school and there are definitely kids who are fun-loving in that group!

riverrunner · May 2010

I'd love to know more about this program as well, preferably from students (or their parents) who are a part of it. Help!

2Leashes · May 2010

^^ I would love to hear from other parents or students who have been part of this program, as well. I can share the information with my daughter and maybe she'll reconsider applying for it.

123321 · May 2010

the honors program is not accredited and it won't show up on your diploma. i've only taken one honors class because i was interested in doing the honors program and i actually really liked it, but i will not be doing the honors program because i don't feel its worth it to be honest.

2Leashes · May 2010

I read where it does show up on your diploma:

Honors students who complete the Program requirements earn a "with Honors"
distinction on their diploma and are awarded a special sash to wear during graduation ceremonies. The Honors Program holds an Honors Recognition Day event each spring for the students, their families, and the Cal Poly community to celebrate the achievements of the Honors students, and to award various distinctions to particularly outstanding students.

About - University Honors Program - Cal Poly

123321 · May 2010

damn lol okay never mind. i remember when i went to open house just last year, they told me it wouldn't appear on the diploma, so this is a new change! anyways the honors program counselors are very nice and helpful every time i have met with them, you can call them and they are happy to answer any questions.

momofmv · May 2010

My son has decided to wait until he gets going at Cal Poly. You can always join the Honors Program later. We haven't really heard too many positive comments or real reasons for joining. He would rather join a club in his major and focus on his classes. It will certainly be challenging enough already.

Mariner116 · May 2010

My daughter went back and forth on the Honors Program and finally decided to apply last month. We have not heard back. She was torn on one hand because she liked the idea of smaller classes for GE classes, on the other hand she felt she'd been in a school for 6 years with lots of honors-type students and wanted more diversity. I think she is feeling more comfortable that she will meet lots of people at CP and therefore decided to apply. I'll make a post if we hear anything back on her application.

2Leashes · May 2010

Very good point, momofmv. My daughter has so many clubs and activities just related to her major that she wants to join! And, her coursework will keep her busy as it is.

But, as you mentioned, there's always the possibility of applying or being invited to join later.

momofmv wrote:

My son has decided to wait until he gets going at Cal Poly. You can always join the Honors Program later. We haven't really heard too many positive comments or real reasons for joining. He would rather join a club in his major and focus on his classes. It will certainly be challenging enough already

ss1202 · May 2010

It seems as if the Honors Program puts you into a separate catagory of GE classes? Or are these classes in addition to the ones already required? S is going in the Engineering program which seems like there are many "set" requirements. Very little wiggle room. Thanks for any info out there. I have read the web site page describing the program, but it was not clear to me. Thanks for any info.

Mariner116 · May 2010

My understanding is that there are honors versions for many GE course categories which offer small classes and senior professors. The classes are alternatives to meeting GE requirements. One other advantage is that these classes open up some additional options for getting GE requirements completed in time to graduate in 4 years.

NTKS17 · May 2010

As far as I know (after one year here) there are only a few classes that are separate for honors, and even then you are not guaranteed a spot because they usually only offer a couple sections. The classes are the same classes everyone else takes, just at an honors level I guess. Also, small class sizes really isn't an issue here because there are very few large lecture classes. All labs are capped at about 25, english and public speaking at about 24, and there are plenty of other GE's with 30-35 or fewer students. I actually felt like even my classes with with 50-60 people didn't feel very big at all. The teachers still got to know your name and were always available.

Freshman Honors Program

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