<p>We just returned from Pittstart. My son went prepared with a list of 10 potential courses, his AP test results and his language placement test results from the on line testing. He met with his advisor and had no trouble scheduling the classes he wanted. We did learn something about honors courses at the open session with a senior advisor. She cautioned those of us that were still in high school mode of thinking. Honors classes should only be taken if the student is extremely interested in the subject and therefore ready and willing to do the extra work required. Honors classes are not weighted like in high school and to professional schools and graduate schools, which are GPA driven, an A in a standard course trumps a B+ in an honors course. First cut is GPA before anything else is normally considered.</p>
<p>I guess I knew this but mentioned it to my son to keep in mind when working with his advisor and scheduling courses. Sometimes I think we get trapped into thinking that honors means more than just a greater challenge.</p>