How to Choose an Honors College or Program that’s Right for YOU

by | Jan 23, 2021 | Uncategorized | 0 comments

The honors college or honors program is an exciting opportunity that can enrich your college life. 

It can help you create a smaller and more intimate college experience while still being part of a larger university. 

But not all honors colleges are the same at every school.

That’s why it’s so important to think about what YOU want out of your college experience, education and environment. 

In my most recent Coffee with Kim, representatives from three universities shared their insights on the honors college experience, how to apply and scholarships. Click here to watch the recording.

For now, here are a few ways an honors college or program can open up opportunities for students to be engaged in their college experience at a deeper level, academically and socially. 

With a stronger emphasis on mentorship, an honors college community can help you:

  • find your footing as a freshman a little more easily
  • develop greater networking opportunities  
  • access additional support if you’re struggling in a specific area

Another major draw of honors programs is: 

Honors Housing. 

If you choose to live on campus, the residential living environment of an honors college can have faculty, staff and students living in the same community for a true living and learning experience. 

The specifics are a little different at each institution and one size does not fit all. 

Do your research. Reach out to the honors college staff, students or alumni, and ask questions about the things that are important to YOU! 

Having this conversation with yourself, your parents, and others will guide how you choose from the many opportunities open to you. 

For a deeper discussion on how to choose an honors college that’s right for you, watch the full Coffee with Kim webinar here.

Let Stodghill College Consulting be your partner in this journey. 

Unsure about the process or what you need?

Let’s set up an intake session to evaluate and determine what is needed to help your student in the college planning process. 

Click here to get started

What people are saying about us…

“I’ve worked with Kim for the past five years in helping students gain admission to their dream colleges and universities, and I’ve always found Kim to be a deeply knowledgeable and compassionate counselor. She has a knack for understanding precisely what each of her students needs to succeed, and she goes the extra mile to help her students achieve their college admission goals.”

~ Al Benthall | Benthall Test Prep

“Kim has already helped me and my children and they are only sophomores. She has helped us to understand the aspects of certain career fields they might enjoy because of their natural tendencies and abilities. She has helped them think through their interest outside of school and how that feeds into their college career and their lives. I am encouraged that they are being set up to be successful in their college aspirations.”

~ Class of 2023 Parent

“Kim has already helped me and my children and they are only sophomores. She has helped us to understand the aspects of certain career fields they might enjoy because of their natural tendencies and abilities. She has helped them think through their interest outside of school and how that feeds into their college career and their lives. I am encouraged that they are being set up to be successful in their college aspirations.”

~ Class of 2023 Parent

“My twins started working with Kim the start of their junior year. What impressed me most was her ability to immediately pick up on their differences and create specific plans for both on their college choices. I was also comforted with Kim’s ability to provide critical information during the middle of a pandemic via her “Coffee with Kim” sessions.”

~ Class of 2021 Parent

“Kim has been invaluable during the college search and admission process. She has helped flesh out our college list, guided my daughter in producing a resume, provided support through the process of asking for teacher recommendations and more. When our stress levels start rising, we just schedule an hour with Kim and bring her our questions and concerns. We always leave with answers and a renewed sense of perspective. Her regular “Coffee with Kim” zoom sessions have also been helpful and informative. We are grateful to have her guidance and expertise through this journey!”

~ Class of 2021 Parent

“Kim has been invaluable during the college search and admission process. She has helped flesh out our college list, guided my daughter in producing a resume, provided support through the process of asking for teacher recommendations and more. When our stress levels start rising, we just schedule an hour with Kim and bring her our questions and concerns. We always leave with answers and a renewed sense of perspective. Her regular “Coffee with Kim” zoom sessions have also been helpful and informative. We are grateful to have her guidance and expertise through this journey!”

~ Class of 2021 Parent

“With nearly 20 years of experience in the admissions process and being on all sides of it–-from high school guidance, to private guidance, to behind closed doors reading applications––Kim is the person you want with your student during their college process. As parents, my husband and I felt completely comfortable taking our hands off the “admissions wheel” and had full confidence our daughter was submitting strong applications to colleges that fit her to a tee.”

~– Rachelle McClintock, Class of 2021 Parent

“Mrs. Stodghill was my college guidance counselor throughout my high school career, and I could not have asked for a better one! I am a first generation college student, so going into the process of applying to colleges I was unsure and afraid. Mrs. Stodghill welcomed me with open arms, seeing my potential and inspiring me to accomplish whatever I set my mind to. She carefully critiqued essay after essay, gave me her full attention during meetings, and answered every question I had to the best of her ability. It is truly evident that she has a passion for helping students succeed and loves her work more than anything. I am now able to attend the college of my dreams and feel more prepared than ever.”

~Emma, Class of 2020, Wofford College

“My son and I first met with Kim Stodghill in May of his Junior year of high school. At the initial meeting Kim asked excellent questions, was a great listener, offered helpful guidance and established a trusting rapport with my son. Having gone through the college search process with an older child, what my family valued most was allowing the child to own and guide the process. I knew from the initial meeting that Kim would be a great fit for us, and from there on out, I confidently stepped away! Kim provided a clear path forward with timelines and reminders along the way, supplemented by regular face-to-face meetings and positive encouragement. Kim puts the student and their goals in the center of the process, fully aware of their responsibilities and the independent thinking required to make good decisions for their future. In the end, my son felt very good about the fact that he researched, visited and applied to multiple schools and stayed ahead of all of the deadlines while managing his senior year academics and a varsity sport.”

~ Class of 2020 Parent, UNC

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