<p>The Honors program looks for students that not only have high GPA/SAT scores but also considerable extracurricular activities where the student has had significant input. Every year there are some applicants that wonder why they weren’t selected when they had grades/scores in the OP’s range.</p>
<p>The Honors program is designed IMO to enrich the learning experience for over achievers. Everything about it is extra or over and above the regular program. Son #2 is a CS major in the Honors program. An honors student has some priority in getting classes and can take honors versions of certain classes. You have to take some honors activities that are required for the honors diploma but don’t really count toward your degree. Most Honors students are taking heavy course loads and the honors version of classes may require several times the work as a non-honors class. It really depends upon the professor. As an honors student you may find it easier to have access to certain research labs or projects. But the labs require a ton of work. So be prepared for a much heavier work load than the rest of the students. It is still possible to do side projects and attend Hack-a-thons. But you will be a busy beaver. If you are an over achiever you might thrive in an environment with like minded students. Certainly Son #2 has thrived. However, while he will stay in the Honors program he may opt out eventually from the Honors diploma. He’s found that it won’t matter for him in CS and he doesn’t want the extra work while trying to graduate in 3 years. </p>