Early Decision (ED): Binding Commitment

• What it is: Students apply early (usually by November 1) and commit to attend if admitted.
• Pros: Higher acceptance rates at some schools, clear admission decision by December.
• Cons: Binding commitment limits the ability to compare financial aid offers. Not ideal for families who need to weigh costs.

Best for: Students who are 100% sure of their top choice and families who are comfortable with the likely financial commitment.

Early Action (EA): Non-Binding Flexibility

• What it is: Students apply early, receive an admission decision by December/January, but don’t have to commit until May 1.
• Pros: More time to compare colleges and financial aid, early peace of mind if admitted.
• Cons: Some selective schools (like Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford) offer Restrictive/Single-Choice EA, which limits applying early elsewhere.

Best for: Students who want the advantage of applying early but need flexibility to compare options. This is a popular option for many students.

Financial Aid Timing

Here’s where families can get tripped up: Financial aid deadlines often match or even come earlier than application deadlines.

• FAFSA and CSS Profile: Open in the fall; check each college’s priority deadline if applying for need-based aid (many align with Nov. 1 for ED/EA).
• Scholarships: To be eligible for merit aid consideration, applications are due early (often 11/1). Missing these deadlines can reduce available funds.
• ED families: Since ED is binding, request a financial aid “pre-read” if available. This can give you a realistic sense of affordability before committing.

Key Takeaways for Parents

1. Discuss priorities early. Is the student chasing a dream school, maximizing merit aid, or keeping options open until spring?
2. Mark every deadline. Track application, FAFSA, CSS, and scholarship deadlines together.
3. Run net price calculators. Get a preview of costs at each college before committing to ED.
4. Have a financial plan. Decide as a family how much you are willing and able to pay.

Final Thought

Early Decision and Early Action can give students a powerful head start in the college process—but only if families align on both academic and financial fit. The best applications happen when everyone understands the trade-offs and deadlines well before November arrives. And if you’re unsure how to guide your teen through that process—let’s talk.

The post A Parent’s Guide to Early Decision, Early Action, and Financial Aid appeared first on Matrix College Consulting.

1. Sticker Price vs. Net Price

The sticker price is the total cost of attendance before any financial aid is applied. This includes:

• Tuition and fees
• Room and board
• Books and supplies
• Transportation
• Personal expenses

But most students don’t pay the sticker price.

The net price is what your family will actually pay out of pocket after scholarships, grants, and other non-repayable aid are subtracted.

2. What Affects Net Price?

Many factors can influence what a college will really cost your family:

• Family income and assets (used in determining need-based aid)
• Merit-based aid (based on academics, test scores, or talents)
• Institutional aid policies (some colleges are more generous than others)
• State residency (for in-state vs. out-of-state tuition at public schools)

This means two students attending the same college could pay vastly different amounts.

3. Using Net Price Calculators

Every U.S. college has a Net Price Calculator on its website. It’s not perfect, but it can give you a customized estimate. To use it, you’ll need to input your family’s financial information. The more information you share, the better the estimate will be.

Tip: Try the calculator at a few schools early in the process to get a sense of what you’re dealing with.

4. Other Hidden or Overlooked Costs

Even after financial aid, there can be surprise expenses. Some common ones include:

• Cost of living differences between cities
• Travel expenses (especially for out-of-state or international schools)
• Health insurance
• Course-specific materials or lab fees
• Greek life or club fees

5. The Role of Loans

Sometimes financial aid packages include loans, which must be repaid with interest. While loans can help bridge the gap, they are not free money. Be sure to read the award letter carefully and distinguish between:

• Grants and scholarships (free money)
• Loans (must be repaid)
• Work-study (earned through part-time campus jobs)

6. Planning Ahead

The best way to reduce financial stress is to start planning early. Some strategies include:

• Saving with a 529 plan
• Applying to a balanced college list that includes financial safeties
• Understanding your Student Aid Index (SAI) (formerly called Expected Family Contribution (EFC))
• Researching colleges known for generous aid or merit scholarships

Final Thoughts

College is an investment — and like any investment, it requires thoughtful planning. The key is not to focus solely on the price tag, but to understand the value and the net cost of each option. With the right guidance, families can make smart, informed decisions that open doors without breaking the bank.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone — and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. A college consultant can help you navigate the financial aid landscape, compare offers, and build a smart, sustainable plan. If you have any questions, please reach out to me for a free consultation.

The post How Much Will College Really Cost? appeared first on Matrix College Consulting.

The college application process is an exciting yet stressful journey for students and their families. One of the most crucial steps in this process is building a balanced college list—one that includes a mix of low-likelihood, medium-likelihood and high-likelihood schools. An unbalanced list can lead to unnecessary stress and disappointment, while a well-crafted one ensures students have viable options that align with their academic profile, interests, and financial considerations.

Understanding the Three Categories

1. Reach (Low-Likelihood) Schools – These are institutions where a student’s academic credentials (GPA, standardized test scores, coursework, etc.) are below the school’s average admitted student profile, or where a very low number of students are admitted generally. While acceptance is unlikely, applying to a few reach schools can provide students with the opportunity to aim high.
2. Target (Medium-Likelihood) Schools – These are colleges where the student’s academic profile closely aligns with the school’s average admitted student. While acceptance is not guaranteed, students have a strong chance of being admitted.
3. Safety (High-Likelihood) Schools – These are schools where the student’s credentials exceed the average admitted student profile, making acceptance highly likely. Safety schools should still be institutions the student is excited about attending.

Why a Balanced List Matters

• Reduces Stress and Uncertainty – Applying only to reach schools can result in multiple rejections, while applying only to safety schools may lead to a feeling of missed opportunities. A balanced list increases the likelihood of having choices when decisions are released.
• Maximizes Opportunities – By applying to a range of schools, students can compare financial aid offers, scholarships, and program strengths to make an informed decision.
• Ensures a Good Fit – A well-rounded list allows students to evaluate a variety of institutions in terms of academic programs, campus culture, and extracurricular opportunities.
• Protect Against Unknowns – Colleges adjust their admissions priorities each year based on institutional goals, which means what mattered most last cycle—like test scores or specific majors—might shift to focus on different majors, geographic balance, or first-generation students the next.

Tips for Creating a Balanced College List

• Research Extensively – Look beyond rankings and prestige to consider factors like location, campus life, available majors, and financial aid.
• Be Realistic and Reflective – Consider academic strengths, career goals, and personal preferences when selecting schools.
• Aim for a Mix – A good rule of thumb is applying to 2-3 safety schools, 3-5 match schools, and 2-3 reach schools.
• Consult Counselors and Mentors – Seeking guidance from college counselors, teachers, and family members can help refine choices and set realistic expectations.

Final Thoughts

A balanced college list is essential for a successful application journey. By ensuring students have a mix of reach, target, and safety schools, they can approach the admissions process with confidence and optimism. The goal is not just to get into college but to find a place where students will thrive academically, socially, and personally. If you have any questions on college guidance or admissions, please reach out to me for a free consultation.

The post The Importance of a Balanced College List appeared first on Matrix College Consulting.

1. Public vs. Private Colleges

Public Colleges: Funded by state governments, these colleges typically have lower tuition for in-state residents (e.g. The Ohio State University, University of Maryland).

Private Colleges: Rely on tuition, donations, and endowments, often smaller with a more personalized experience but usually higher tuition (e.g. Case Western Reserve University, Denison).

2. Community Colleges vs. Four-Year Colleges

Community Colleges: Offer two-year associate degrees and certificates, with lower tuition and transfer pathways to four-year universities.

Four-Year Colleges: Offer bachelor’s degrees and sometimes graduate programs, focusing on a broader educational experience. (Note: “Colleges” are usually smaller institutions, often with just undergraduate programs, whereas “Universities” are usually bigger with options for graduate-level coursework.)

3. Liberal Arts Colleges vs. Research Universities

Liberal Arts Colleges: Emphasize broad-based education in humanities, sciences, and social sciences (e.g. Amherst, Williams).

Research Universities: Focus on specialized programs, graduate studies, and research opportunities (e.g. MIT, Northeastern). (Note: Often research universities will have a Carnegie Research Classification, which classifies according to spending and doctorate production.)

4. For-Profit vs. Non-Profit Colleges

For-Profit Colleges: Operate as businesses, often with online or vocational programs, but may lack accreditation or job placement support (e.g. DeVry, Full Sail).

Non-Profit Colleges: Reinvest money into academics and student services rather than shareholders. Most of the colleges in the U.S. fall into this category.

5. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) & Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs)

HBCUs: Established to serve Black students, offering strong community and culture (e.g. Howard University, Spelman College).

HSIs: Serve a significant number of Hispanic students, often with programs tailored to their needs (e.g. Arizona State, UC Santa Barbara).

6. Religious vs. Secular Colleges

Religious Colleges: Have affiliations with specific faiths and may integrate religion into the curriculum (e.g. Notre Dame, Brigham Young University). (Note: Many colleges that are faith-based welcome students of all faiths as well as non-believers.)

Secular Colleges: No religious affiliation.

7. Specialized Colleges

Technical & Trade Schools: Focus on career-specific skills in areas like mechanics, healthcare, or IT (e.g. cosmetology schools, culinary institutes). These are often much shorter than a 4-year institution.

Art & Design Colleges: Specialize in visual arts, performing arts, or design (e.g., Rhode Island School of Design, Juilliard).

Military Colleges: Prepare students for careers in the military and can lead to a commission as an officer (e.g. West Point, The Citadel).

If you have any questions on college guidance or would like recommendations based on your interests or career goals, please reach out to me for a free consultation.

The post Exploring the differences between types of colleges appeared first on Matrix College Consulting.

Academic Preparation

1. Time Management: Does your child have the skills to balance classes, homework, and extracurricular activities? This will probably be the first time that they are not in school for about eight hours a day. If they have had success managing their time in high school, talk about how this might differ with their new college schedule.
2. Study Skills: Has your child developed effective study habits and techniques? For some students, college courses will be the first time they will be challenged in their thinking, and they might not be used to the workload. Their new courses might be more demanding and require more independent study.
3. Utilize Resources: Has your child taken advantage of learning labs and libraries in high school? There are many amazing resources for getting help with classes in college. Have your child look into academic resources available such as tutoring centers, libraries, and office hours. They can do this online during the summer, then familiarize themselves with the resources again once on campus.

Personal Responsibility

1. Self-Discipline: College requires a higher level of personal responsibility. They won’t have you to help in person, and they will need to manage their own schedule and priorities, perhaps for the first time.
2. Financial Management: Have the conversations now about budgeting, understanding financial aid, and managing expenses. Determine who is paying for what expenses (food within the meal plan and outside of the plan, clothing, entertainment, travel-related expenses, room decor, school supplies, technology, etc.). Also, consider if your child should apply for a credit card.
3. Health and Wellness: Your child will need to take care of their physical and mental health. They should know where to find campus health services. You might also check to see if they can waive the university health insurance if they are still covered under your policy.

Social Life and Campus Life

1. Building Relationships: Will your child be open to meeting new people and making friends? Often colleges have a lot of fun activities for move-in week. Encourage your child to look into clubs and organizations to help build their social network. They should be prepared to engage with people from diverse backgrounds and learn from different perspectives.
2. Roommate Dynamics: Whether your child knows their roommate or not, it will be important to communicate clearly, set boundaries and address issues. Talk to your child about issues that you had when you went to college, or things that might arise for your child in particular.
3. Campus Safety: Encourage your child to make themselves aware of campus safety resources and protocols. For example, most campuses have free security escorts to make sure students safely arrive at their residence halls after hours.

Practical Skills

1. Cooking and Nutrition: Does your child know how to make any recipes? Even if it’s just spaghetti or scrambled eggs, learning basic cooking skills can be really helpful, and knowing how to maintain a balanced diet will help them in the long run.
2. Laundry: Does your child know how to do their own laundry? If not, they should start now. This includes using washing machines and dryers, sorting clothes, folding them, and even how to iron (for job interviews or Greek formals).

Career and Future Planning

1. Career Services: Have a conversation with your child on how to take advantage of career counseling and job placement services offered by the college. This can start as soon as they arrive on campus.
2. Internships and Networking: Depending on your child’s major, they might want to start thinking about internships and networking opportunities early. There will be events on campus often to support these endeavors.

Legal and Technology

1. Understanding Policies: Have your child familiarize themselves with the college’s academic and conduct policies. These are often overlooked.
2. Forms: Consider the forms your child might need for college. These include medical power of attorney and FERPA waiver.
3. Tech Savvy: Is your child comfortable with using different kinds of computers, software, and online platforms for coursework and communication? If not, there will be campus resources to help, which usually include an IT support center.

Emotional Preparedness

1. Handling Stress: Talk to your child about developing strategies for coping with stress and seek help if needed. Establish a plan for weekly check-ins with you to talk about how the workload and other aspects of college life are going.
2. Independence: Your child is heading to a new environment on their own, and it might be scary for both of you, but it’s the right time for them to embrace the independence and responsibility that come with college life.

Entering college is a big step, and being prepared can help make the transition smoother and more enjoyable. Diane helps high schoolers prepare for college. Reach out if you’d like to set up a free consultation!

The post Heading to College? What Your Teen Should Know appeared first on Matrix College Consulting.

But wait! What did your child learn? Does she know that she is ready to apply to this college? Why?

This is the way I think about it: you (the parent) have likely made a significant investment of time and possibly money (flights, hotel stays) to head to this college tour. So have a plan. This college might be one of the biggest investments you’ll make for your child. Let’s not leave it to chance that you’ll have the perfect tour guide on a sunny day who says all the right things. Here is what you can do to make the most of your visits:

• Plan it out. Why does your child want to go to college? What do they want to study? What is important to them about their college experience? These are hard questions. so guiding your child in thinking about their answers before they go to campuses is beneficial. Help them to create a list of what’s most important. (Example: 1. Academic supports 2. Nice dorms 3. Supportive peers/community) That way, they’re looking for specific things, not just enjoying the scenery.
• Have your child come up with questions in advance. Is it important to them to be able to easily walk from their dorm to class? Do they have to be able to have a parking spot on campus? Do they want lots of weekend activities? Does the cafeteria have options to support their dietary restrictions? Have your child, with your help, come up with a list of 10 to 15 questions that they can ask the tour guide or other students they encounter while on campus. They should bring a notebook and take notes. Trust me, it will help.
• Let your child be in charge. Your child is the one that is heading to college, not you. She needs to ask the questions, not you. Don’t be that parent who dominates each stop on tour! This is a time for your child to get the information pertinent to her. If you have questions, there are lots of opportunities to ask them (after the tour, email follow up, you get the idea). Give your child her time to shine!

• Observe the students as they walk past you. What’s the vibe you are getting about who is on campus? Do students look happy? In a rush? Stressed? Are they having conversations with each other, or looking down at their phones? Are any students talking to faculty members? Are there activities that you notice – tables with groups promoting events, frisbee, classes being held outside?
• Talk with your child after the tour. Listen to him. What did he think? What were his most significant impressions? What about the tour might be different if you went on a different day or had a different tour guide? If the time is right, it might even be a good moment for you to learn more about and connect with your child. Your goal in this conversation is to determine if he thinks this college is a good fit for him in ways that are meaningful to him. Some kids will open up and share, some won’t talk much, and that’s okay. If all else fails, try stopping close to campus for ice cream.

Need guidance on the college journey? Reach out to schedule a no-pressure consultation here.

The post How to Visit a College appeared first on Matrix College Consulting.

When to Begin:

1. Early Exploration: Start the college research journey as early as sophomore or junior year.
2. Understanding Personal Values: Encourage your child to reflect on their aspirations, interests, and values as a foundation for their search.
3. Summer Programs and Tours: Utilize summer breaks for campus visits and college tours to get a feel for different environments.
4. College Tours Close to Home: If your child hasn’t visited any campuses yet, take a day trip and check out a college nearby. Have a conversation with your child about how the campus feels and the different things they notice.

Tools for Effective Research:

1. College Websites: Directly visit college websites to gather authentic information about programs, culture, and admission requirements.
2. Virtual Tours and Webinars: Take advantage of virtual tours and webinars offered by colleges to gain insights into campus life.
3. Attend College Fairs: Attend local or regional college fairs to interact with representatives and gather information firsthand..
4. Other Resources: There are some great resources online that students seem to enjoy using, and they aren’t the typical ranking websites. Have them check out niche.com, nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator, collegescorecard.com or collegedata.com.

Building a Balanced College List:

1. Diverse Factors to Consider: Emphasize the importance of considering factors beyond prestige, such as academic programs, campus culture, location, and extracurricular opportunities.
2. Fit Over Rank: Encourage students to prioritize ‘fit’ over rankings, focusing on finding the right environment where they can thrive academically and personally.
3. Low Likelihood, Medium Likelihood and High Likelihood Schools: Explain the concept of creating a balanced list that includes reach, match, and safety schools based on individual preferences and qualifications.

Supplementing Research:

1. Informational Interviews: Encourage students to conduct informational interviews with current students or admissions officers.
2. Exploring Resources Beyond Rankings: Highlight resources like niche-specific forums and academic department websites for deeper insights.
3. Connect with Alumni and Students: Engage with current students or alumni through social media or networking platforms for genuine perspectives
4. Seeking Outside Guidance: If extra help is desired, there are college admissions consultants and advisors who can provide personalized support.

Embarking on the college research journey is an adventure that demands a thoughtful and personalized approach. By starting early, using diverse resources, and prioritizing personal fit, students can navigate this process with confidence and find the college that best aligns with their goals and aspirations. Diane can help with this process. Learn about College Admission Packages, click here. Let’s chat, schedule your free consultation here!

The post College Research 101 appeared first on Matrix College Consulting.

But while it can be tempting to use these lists to guide your choices, doing so has its risks. It’s important to use college ranking websites as just one small factor in decision making. There are several reasons why college rankings may be considered unreliable or questionable:

1. They often rely on subjective criteria: Many college rankings are based on subjective criteria such as the reputation of the school or the opinions of educators and professionals. These criteria can vary widely, are often non-transparent, and may not accurately reflect the quality of education at a particular school.
2. They do not take into account the specific needs of your child: College rankings are often based on a one-size-fits-all approach, which may not take into account the needs and goals of individual students. For example, a school that ranks highly for a major your child is interested in pursuing will not consider your child’s learning needs, environmental preferences (things like cooperative learning groups, first year acclimation opportunities, and professor accessibility), or social fit.
3. They may not consider the overall cost of attendance: College rankings often do not take into account the overall cost of attending, including tuition, fees, and living expenses. This can make it difficult for students and their families to make informed decisions about which school is the most affordable option.
4. They may not be updated frequently enough: College rankings are typically based on data that is several years old, which means they may not accurately reflect the current state of a particular school. This can make it difficult for students to get an accurate picture of what a school is really like.
5. Rankings are money-makers. Lists of “best” colleges are highly clickable, and this means they are also lucrative. Colleges know this, and many will do whatever it takes to raise their status within the big-name rankings. It’s a shady part of college admissions.

Overall, while college rankings can be a useful resource for students and their families, it is important to carefully consider the limitations of these rankings and to use them as just one factor in the college selection process. There are many great resources other than rankings to help your child select colleges. If you’d like to know how your child can find a college that’s just right for them, please reach out. I’d love to talk to you!

The post Are College Rankings Reliable? appeared first on Matrix College Consulting.

BOWLING GREEN STATE UNIVERSITY

Bowling Green State University is one of the best schools for sports management. The school has 12,000 students and an average net price of $17,000. Other popular majors include Special Education and Teaching, Education, and Psychology.

CENTRAL STATE UNIVERSITY

Central State University is one of the nation’s premier historically black universities. CSU is a small school, with only 2,000 students. The School of Agriculture Education and Food Science has a new botanical garden. The average cost after aid is $12K.

CLEVELAND STATE UNIVERSITY

Cleveland State University was established in 1964. CSU absorbed the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law in 1969. The school, located in the heart of Cleveland, has over 200 majors, 1,000 courses, and 17,000 students.

UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI

UC was the first university in the country to offer coops for students. Neil Armstrong and President William Howard Taft graduated from UC. The school is the largest employer in the Cincinnati region, with an economic impact of more than $3 billion.

KENT STATE UNIVERSITY

Kent State has a new $150 million Design and Innovation hub. This “idea-generation, innovation accelerating” environment is at the center of campus, with other makerspaces and resource labs supporting the Design Innovation initiative across campus.  They recently constructed an entrepreneurial lab for student teams working on innovation ventures.

MIAMI UNIVERSITY

Home to over 16,000 undergraduates, Miami has competitive Business, Nursing and Creative Arts programs. A new Health Sciences building will be opening in 2023.  Over 59% of Miami students graduate with at least one minor or additional major. About half of the students study abroad.

NORTHEAST OHIO MEDICAL UNIVERSITY

The school has a small graduate student body with an enrollment of only 942 graduate students. The most popular programs are Medicine, Pharmacy Studies, and Healthcare Management.

THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY

OSU has the fifth largest undergraduate population in the U.S at just over 47,000. In 2021, 70,000 students applied for just 7,000 spots. They have over 1,000 clubs and 30 dining halls. It is the only school in the nation that has the word “The” as an official part of the school name.

OHIO UNIVERSITY

OU was established in 1804, making it the oldest public institution of higher learning in Ohio. OU is located in Athens, Ohio. They have a unique Honors Tutorial College modeled after Oxford University, in which admitted students earn a full tuition scholarship.

SHAWNEE STATE UNIVERSITY

Shawnee State University is an open enrollment institution making college possible for all. The average cost after aid is only $9K. The most popular majors are Nursing, Business Administration, Sociology, Early Education Studio Art, Biology, Fitness Administration, and Psychology.

THE UNIVERSITY OF TOLEDO

Celebrating it’s 150^th year in 2022, UToledo is a public research institution known for solar energy and sustainability research. They offer degrees across many disciplines. The university has a 94.7% acceptance rate, and the average cost after aid is $17K.

THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON

The University of Akron has a globally recognized business school. They also established the world’s first College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering in 1988, and it is still the largest academic program of its kind.

WRIGHT STATE UNIVERSITY

Wright State was named after the Wright brothers. 315 degree programs are offered to the population of over 10,000 students in the Colleges of Business, Engineering and Computer Science, Liberal Arts, Science and Mathematics, and Health, Education and Human Services.

YOUNGSTOWN STATE UNIVERSITY

Youngstown State University is a mid-size institution with an enrollment of 8,175 undergraduate students. There is an acceptance rate of 70%. Popular majors include Liberal Arts and Humanities, Criminal Justice and Safety Studies, and Nursing.

Matrix College Consulting helps students explore and find colleges and programs that fit them academically, socially, and financially. Do you have a college-bound high schooler? Schedule your free consultation to talk about options!

The post Ohio Public Universities at a Glance appeared first on Matrix College Consulting.

How can honors programs at state universities benefit you?

1.  Cost.  Attending an in-state public school can save over 75% on tuition.  (Example: full-time tuition for two semesters at Columbia University is $61,000, whereas full-time in-state tuition at Ohio State is $12,000 for two semesters.)  Additionally, merit aid is widely available to top students at public universities, but very hard to come by – or sometimes simply not offered – at highly selective universities.  Using the same comparisons, Columbia offers no merit scholarships, and Ohio State offers five different types of merit aid, ranging from a couple thousand dollars to full tuition annually.

2.  Priority course registration.  Students enrolled in honors colleges or honors programs at universities are often given the opportunity to register for classes ahead of the rest of the students.  Not only can you get into the classes you need for your program, this often helps you graduate on-time, since you’re not having to cobble together a schedule of second choice classes each semester.

3.  Strong peer cohort.  Your peers in the honors program are there for similar reasons as you; they want to learn and are willing to work hard.  The atmosphere may not be as competitive as the elite schools.  If you are at the top of your class at your high school, you may feel right at home in a university honors program and enjoy meeting like-minded students.  At the same time, there are lots of other students on campus not participating in honors courses that you can connect with.

4.  Small class sizes.  Oftentimes, students and families are concerned about the large class sizes at state schools.  This can be particularly true in first-year seminar classes, where students can number in the hundreds.  However, honors classes are usually smaller than non-honors classes.  As an honors student, you may have a mix of larger classes and smaller classes, depending on your program.  Typically, the student-faculty ratio is smaller in an honors program than for the overall student population.  At Arizona State University, for example, Barrett honors classes have an average student-faculty ratio of 15:1, whereas their regular classes have a ratio of 20:1.

5.  Dedicated faculty.  Most honors programs and honors colleges have faculty dedicated to the program.  You’ll have access to professors that are experienced in working with students like you, who are committed to their coursework and looking to be challenged.  You may have more opportunities to engage in faculty-mentored research as an undergraduate.

6.  A place for intellectual growth.  Honors courses in college are similar to high school honors courses in that they encourage students to learn deeply about a subject.  Be ready to dig into your program of study with your peers.  These courses will be rigorous and expectations will be high.  You can expect a robust curriculum with homework, research, projects, and assessments that challenge you.

7.  Unique opportunities.  As an honors student, you are at the university to get the most out of your academic experiences.  And they are yours for the taking: mentorships, seminars, research placement, study abroad, senior thesis or capstone project, internships, and separate living communities/dorms.  At Ohio State, for example, there are over 350 sections of honors classes, with class sizes of less than 25 students.  Honors students write a thesis under the guidance of a selected faculty member.  Honors students get university-level priority scheduling.  There are three designated honors learning communities. 

8.  Diploma designation. You will graduate with an honors seal on your diploma, and you may get to wear a special medal or cord at your graduation ceremony.  Your transcript will show your honors courses.  Having an honors distinction will be incredibly useful when you are applying for a job or going onto graduate or professional school, and something to talk about in interviews. 

There are plenty of resources to investigate when considering honors programs at universities.  Click here for a free consultation to see how Matrix College Consulting can help guide you in your search!

The post Discover these Hidden Gems: University Honors Programs appeared first on Matrix College Consulting.