I just wanted to clear up some points made in the post above me that are incorrect.
The Honors College scholarship gives you $250 per Honors course taken. Don’t take an honors course, you don’t the money. It is misleading, but the money is there along with access to scholarships and targeted study abroad programs which have their special scholarships, as well.
This is incorrect. The Honors College does not require their Honors students to reside in the Honors dorms. It is encouraged just as every Living Learning Community is encouraged. Honor students can live in any dorm that is open to freshmen. The university requires the student to reside on campus unless their family lives in the trip-county area.
Two semesters of thesis, which is more more semester than required by the university, is required for all Honors students. The thesis requirement generally does not add a strenuous amount of work to a senior’s load; therefore, the concern between the conflicts of entrance exams and a student’s thesis is not there.
Pre-med is extremely popular at USF. There are great opportunities for those intending to go into medical school as it is a top research university. The Honors College has a strong opportunities and resources for their pre-med students. The Honors pre-med students that I know of have had no more problems balancing their regular classes with there Honors classes than any other student would have with their regular load.
It depends what you’re shooting for and what you hope to gain out of your college experience. If you choose to not enter the Honors College you can still receive internships, you can still develop of strong foundation needed for medical school, and you can still have a great experience in college.