honors class

[jeejeejiji]

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Recently I got a admissions letter from the honors school to apply
but was wondering if it would be a good idea or not for dental school
I've never taken an honors class before so have no idea what it is like
Is it a lot more or slightly harder?
would you guys say that it would help give a good impression by taking honors class? or would it be better to just get a higher gap in regular classes?
I do have a 4.0 gpa but frankly I'm a type that has to work really hard rather than being naturally smart
in such a case would guys say that it would be better to take regular classes?
thanks ahead!

 

[divertete]

Well, I definitely can't speak for honors programs at other schools, but at my school (Univ of Washington) the honors courses are definitely challenging, but I tend to get much better grades than in non-honors courses. I think they are generally more fun, taught by better professors, and stimulate really great conversations. The profs don't tend to be really stingy with the grades -- they know that everyone there is smart and wants to learn. Our program has two components -- a departmental degree (I'm a bio major so I do extra papers in a few of my classes and I'm writing a research thesis) and a college honors degree (lots of liberal arts classes, through the honors department). I think that both the research component and the broad liberal arts background that I received helped me out a lot come admissions time. Actually, now I'm probably not going to finish my honors degree (I want to take a break my last quarter!) but the experiences I've had were definitely worthwhile. And hey, you can always just take a class or two and then drop the program if you think it's too tough! I would definitely find out the situation at your school though, and the requirements. I'm sure there are some very tough honors programs out there.

 

[excite4]

Well, I definitely can't speak for honors programs at other schools, but at my school (Univ of Washington) the honors courses are definitely challenging, but I tend to get much better grades than in non-honors courses. I think they are generally more fun, taught by better professors, and stimulate really great conversations. The profs don't tend to be really stingy with the grades -- they know that everyone there is smart and wants to learn. Our program has two components -- a departmental degree (I'm a bio major so I do extra papers in a few of my classes and I'm writing a research thesis) and a college honors degree (lots of liberal arts classes, through the honors department). I think that both the research component and the broad liberal arts background that I received helped me out a lot come admissions time. Actually, now I'm probably not going to finish my honors degree (I want to take a break my last quarter!) but the experiences I've had were definitely worthwhile. And hey, you can always just take a class or two and then drop the program if you think it's too tough! I would definitely find out the situation at your school though, and the requirements. I'm sure there are some very tough honors programs out there.

I agree. The honors classes may be more work but as in my situation they are usually more interesting, better professors, and create a good learning enviornment. You have to remember that more work doesn't necessarily mean harder...and I feel that professors in honors courses are less concerned with grades. They know that if they assign something everyone will do it and will actually put effort into it. They care more about hearing what you think. Also it allowed me to develop leadership skills and do independent projects which are definitely things dental schools look for. In my situation, being an honors student enhanced my application and was something I talked about at my interviews too. It does set you apart from others and I think that is one of the most important things you need on your application. And I am also not a naturally smart person. I have to put the work in to get my grades. If you are not bothered by doing the extra work then I say the honors program will definitely help you more than hurt you. But like divertete said, you should check out the program at your school and talk to current students. I have a feeling most of them will agree with most of what I just said.