Does an Honor Program help chances of acceptance?

[Narnian]

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I was invited to apply to an honors program at my University. It would require me to take a lot of extra classes and not all of them will count towards my degree. I would love to do the honors program but not if it would not help me that much, or delay my chances for applying sooner. I do have a less than perfect past transcript from a Tech School. Would this be worth it?

 

[ChairmanMao]

I was invited to apply to an honors program at my University. It would require me to take a lot of extra classes and not all of them will count towards my degree. I would love to do the honors program but not if it would not help me that much, or delay my chances for applying sooner. I do have a less than perfect past transcript from a Tech School. Would this be worth it?

It depends. What kind of honors program is it and at what school is it at? Does it require a senior thesis or provide for smaller classes (so that you have more interaction with the professors)? You should provide more information because not all honors classes are the same.

 

[Narnian]

It is the kind of honors program that requires a senior thesis. There is a core program and then a specialty you can pick. "Complex and Natural Systems" is the one I am considering. It is the kind with small classes with special professors specifically for the honors program.

 

[Stratego]

Having an honors designation (H) after some of the grades on your transcript really will not help you in the application process. An A in a regular class trumps a B in honors any day. Having to write a thesis is time consuming and you can't list it on your application unless you've completed it, which is usually after you apply (though if research is involved, that could be listed under "Research" as an ongoing activity if it's begun). You can't list "graduation with honors" either, unless you've already graduated.

On the plus side, depending on the school, smaller classes with PhDs instead of TAs is nice. The ability to register for classes before anyone else is great. Having an extra shoulder cord at graduation gives your photos some visual interest.

 

[sumstorm]

Do honors because you want to...otherwise it will just feel like extra requirements. I completed research honors with publication, and it opend up many other opportunities for me.

While an A in a regular class may trump a B in an honors class (that may depend on the school) an A in an honors class probably trumps an A in a regular class.

I attended school where all professors were PhD and involved in reearch...so the TA part wasn't relevant for me.

 

[ChairmanMao]

It is the kind of honors program that requires a senior thesis. There is a core program and then a specialty you can pick. "Complex and Natural Systems" is the one I am considering. It is the kind with small classes with special professors specifically for the honors program.

Yes, it sounds like a good idea. Some research oriented medical schools like people who've written thesis and who did research. Also the fact that you'll have more contact with Ph.D. titled professors and mentors makes it seem like you'll get a stronger recommendation letter. I think you should do it if it doesn't create more problems for you or if you don't have to take more than 6 classes per semester to get honors.

 

[Narnian]

Thanks for your input everyone! I just need to decide if I really want to. I think I will give it a shot 👍

 

[Premed Worrier]

I also think it could be useful in the fact that it shows you went above and beyond what is required. Might be a nice characteristic for a future physician.