<p>Is there a Honors program at Emory for incoming freshmen? I know some state school that do have honors program, the classes are usually more rigorous, and intellectual.</p>
<p>I’ve heard from a university rep that they are going to start it this year with a few students. I don’t know what the selection process is though…</p>
<p>Such a program is less necessary for Emory or many top schools. For example, regular courses at Emory are probably handled in a similar manner to those in an honors program at some state schools like say, UGA. The classes will of course be larger, but will be the same rigor or still harder than said counterpart. I mean, think about it, if everyone here is essentially what are considered to be high achievers, there’s no reason to segregate some out who scored slightly higher than those with already high scores. If we get some courses I imagine the courses will simply be reserved for those who care to take them, there will hardly be a selection process. Most will probably be in the sciences and will probably require some AP credit. At most private schools, honors programs are reserved for those that maintain a high GPA while at said school, and for those who are also willing to do research. Basically, Emory expects all the students to be able to perform at a high level. The main option reserved for those who want a challenge in the sciences when they get here is the ORDER seminar and the freshmen organic chemistry course. No need for them in the humanities and social science courses usually don’t have rigid pre-reqs, so if a freshmen feels confident taking a 300-level, they can do so (and most are already very small). It isn’t like state school where there are 1 million pre-reqs. for everything. Emory/top schools, especially private schools, don’t hold your hand as much. There used to be special sections for gen. chem and bio for those who wanted it and the person above indicates that they may be bringing them back. Point is, you will not be pre-selected for “an” honors program, but you may choose to take honors/upperlevel courses if you qualify. But trust me, some of the teachers who teach the regular courses are tough enough and teach well enough so that they can introduce innovative methods to larger classes. Like Eisen and Passalauqua’s bio 141/142 course is case study based (in and outside of class). You will hardly see this at any school, not even within an honors program at some state schools. The only true advantage afforded is the smaller classroom environment.
If you want to be in an honors “program”, you’ll have to earn it while here. HS stats. provide no reason to shuttle people into such a thing. Most people here would qualify for honors program at some (or many) state schools.</p>
<p>i agree with bernie</p>
<p>Some of the nations and the worlds smartest kids come to Emory and other top schools…where is the need for “honors” programs like those in public and lower ranked schools when almost everyone is similar in academic performance. The thought process for those public universities is 1) to offer a more academically intense environment for those students who are able to thrive in such scenarios 2) to boost the universities prestige factor.
Top universities like Emory have no need to institute such practices when already its “Regular” courses are very rigorous. Those “honor programs” of public universities only match the skill level of the top universities, its not aimed to outperform them.
And like bernie said if students want to feel more challenged, then they are free to take higher level courses.
We already have a program called Emory Scholars that distinguishes the most accomplished students…i doubt we’ll need an honors program to further distinguish such people.</p>
<p>Okay, thank you all for the responds. I was just wondering if there was a honors program to resort to if I didn’t feel like I was being challenged enough, or wanted to be in a more intellectually encouraging atmosphere. But as you said I’ll probably find those qualities in the regular classes since all of the students are indeed accomplished.
I know they have a “honors program” for seniors at Emory, I hope I can maintain a 3.5 GPA to join that. The basically give special recognition on diploma for that, as far as I know.</p>
<p>Again, not needed. Simply choose your professors wisely if you want an even bigger challenge. There is so much variation in rigor/challenge across professors, that you have a choice. Also, rigor normally correlates well with teacher quality at Emory. Such professors have quite a reputation here, so you’ll hear about them when you are considering a course with several profs./sections. Depending on your intended/prospective major, I have some recommendations.</p>
<p>I am leaning towards Bio not sure, but I think I will almost certainly pick on of the sciences. Any specific teachers I should try to take for bio?</p>
<p>For intro.: Spell or Eisen first semester. Spell, Campbell, or Passalauqua (if she does it again). Passalauqua is a noob, but I hear good reviews. Apparently her test aren’t as challenging as the material/case studies done in and out of class (probably b/c she’s a noob that does need a good evaluation to keep teaching), but the fact that she is like Eisen using the case study method is good for those involved, you learn a lot more and actually learn how to think like a scientist. Spell is the traditional bio prof. (no case based learning in class) with a twist. She often assigns additional HW assignments that range from somewhat challenging worksheets (that may require research if the material hasn’t been covered yet) and being held accountable for the reading primary literature. Her exams are actually challenging multiple choice style (you will have to think). Campbell is simply challenging by virtue of offering hybrid MC/short answer exams. Eisen will be the toughest for most. He is a respected and very active prof. at Emory, so has no reason to water down his exams. He simply makes challenging exams along with a heavy case-study load, and curves the grades at the end. The highest quality people in terms of teaching are indeed Spell, Eisen (only Bio 1), and Passalauqua. Campbell is perhaps mediocre compared to these 3.
Upperlevel: I definitely recommend people like Beck, Starnes, and Eisen (Call bio), and perhaps some people who cross-list with psyche/anthro (like Frans de waal who is also a famous primate behavior researcher).</p>