Honors College & Living Learning Programs at University of Maryland

Colleges & Universities University of Maryland - College Park
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What are the pros and cons of joining the Honors College and participating in one of the living learning programs at UMD?

Do some students get overwhelmed with the extra requirements of an LLP in addition to fulfilling the obligations within their major?

My child was invited to join the Honors College. The application requires students to pick the top 5 LLPs that interest them, but my child can only pick two that he is remotely interested in. He likes the option of joining the Honors College, but the majority of LLPs do not appeal to him.

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I think the school does a good job outlining the Pros on their website (opportunity for research, seminars, intellectually curious etc). My son is a freshman and placed in his 3rd choice. Hasnt found it overwhelming but as of now, not particularly interested. Hes going to give it a full year and decide whether or not to drop out.

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Well, your student can decide not to participate. However, each Honors LLP has a specific associated dorm. If the student likes a particular dorm, they could pick an Honors program for that reason alone.

It was my D’s experience, when she was in the Honors College, that the LLP academic requirements were not really any additional work.

Ecery UMD student has to complete a certain number of GenEd courses. These are requirements for Graduation. The Honors College classes that my D took to earn her citation also satisfied some GenEd requirement. There was no actual addition to her overall academic work load.

If your student starts one of the Honors programs and does not like it, they can simply drop it. There is no penalty.

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This is a great thread. It highlight that Honors should not make or break your decision.

Too many say I’m not going because I didn’t get into Honors.

At many schools it’s no big deal.

At my son’s he got nicer housing and early registration. And he dropped last semester.

It sounds like at UMD it’s not even that.

Choose UMD if you love it.

But don’t not because you’re offended that you didn’t get a desired program. Many don’t take advantage anyway - at any school.

And if one wants research - they’ll find it - regardless of program.

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