honors

[777]

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I was wondering if med schools look highly upon applicants who have completed an honors program at the applicant's school, or if they even care?

Thank you

 

[imtiaz]

I only have one thing to say: "Duh!"

Thanks
Imtiaz

 

[Djanaba]

Come on now. A little respect on the boards goes a long ways.

Successfully completed honors programs show schools that you are willing to work harder and learn more than your non-hononrs track classmates. If you do well, your GPA will be looked at and smiled upon more than the identical GPA from a non-honors student at the same school. So yes, it does matter, but if that track isn't open to a student (due to previous poor grades or what have you), it's also not the end of the world. There are lots of things that factor into medical school admissions.

[This message has been edited by Djanaba (edited 09-27-2000).]

 

[baylor21]

Its definitely a plus, but there is a huge variety of views on how much it will help you.

Not all honors programs are created equally of course, either. For mine, 2 independent research projects are required (along with honors courses) as well as a masters level thesis; but some schools only have a few extra "honors" courses that you have to take. One excellent side effect about the honors programs is that usually they foster a much closer relationship between you and the professors in your major, so that should help when asking for recommendations later.

In the end, the only honors programs worth joining are the ones that tend to have fewer people in them (usually indicative of a higher level of difficulty); the rest don't really let you have a chance to shine.

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"There is nothing more powerful on this Earth as a man who has nothing to lose. It does not take ten such men to change the world--one will do." Elijah Mohammed

 

[moo]

This is a question that I posted about before on the other board. The (honors) program I'm in is highly rigorous (in terms of math and physics), almost all our exams are of the "proof" variety but the problem is, I don't have space to take a lot of electives. Hence, as a result, I may be looked upon as "less balanced" as someone who did the non-honors physics program. And this could be a problem, but I really enjoy what I'm doing: I love the rigorous aspects of math and physics because I think it provides an intellectually stimulating and challenging experience. So I don't really care... I'd much rather stay in my program than switch to a non-rigorous (i.e., boring) non-honors program.

 

[Djanaba]

Then perhaps one of the best things you could do would be to figure out which route appeals to you more and WHY -- and the write it down. You can choose honors because it is more challenging, you believe it will prepare you for medical school coursework more rigorously, you enjoy research. You can choose non-honors because you want the balance of a varied curriculum, because it gives you time to volunteer and do really well in your classes, because you believe there is more to life and medicine than the basic sciences. Whichever path you choose, figure out how to sell it best, and use that in interviews/personal statement. While honors *may* edge out on top in the minds of some adcom members, I think you could work either to your advantage with good planning and commitment.