<p>This link shows the percentage of Honors program grads each year since 1970.</p>
<p><a href=“Institutional Effectiveness, Research & Assessment :: Swarthmore College”>Institutional Effectiveness, Research & Assessment :: Swarthmore College;
<p>There is a second column “Distinction in Course”. In course is Swat-speak for regular courses, not the honors program. The distinction in course was dropped in the mid-90s, along with a fairly significant update to the Honors Program in response to declining participation. </p>
<p>You’d have to look up the details, but basically they cut back the number of honors “preparations”, giving honors students a little more time to dabble outside their major. Also, honors students started receiving grades on the transcripts for the first time.</p>
<p>Swatties are split on the honors program. My sense is that it is cool if you want to do it; cool if you you don’t. There are pros and cons. You get very in-depth study and independent research in the honors program. You get broader exposure to more courses in the regular program. The honors program is definitely a real kick in the seat of the pants in terms of senior workload. Final semester, preparing for the outside examinations is pretty much hibernate in McCabe Library for the duration. </p>
<p>The honors percentage currently stands at about 35%.</p>