When you're looking at college costs, you'll see two different numbers thrown around, and it's important to understand what each one means. Tuition Tuition is simply what the college charges for your classes and instruction. Think of it as the price tag for the academic experience itself. Tuition covers: Course instruction Access to academic facilities and resources Sometimes mandatory fees (technology, activity, health services) Cost of Attendance (COA) COA, on the other hand, is the college's estimate of what it will actually cost you to attend for one year, and it includes a lot more than just tuition. This is the number colleges use when calculating your financial aid package. Estimated Cost of Attendance (COA) includes: Tuition and fees Room and board (whether you live on or off campus) Books and supplies Transportation (getting to/from campus) Personal expenses (laundry, toiletries, entertainment) Important Notes about COA COA is an estimate - they are taking an average of the price of all of their dorms on campus, an average of the different meal plans available, etc. So know that your COA could be higher. COA estimates usually have lower-than-actual travel cost estimates if you will be at an out-of-state college. Often they estimate $1500 for travel, but if a student will be coming home several times throughout the year, if parents will be traveling to/from the college for move in and out, etc. that number can quickly add up. So be prepared! COA does NOT include Greek-life expenses and these can often add up quickly! It’s not unusual for the dues, new clothes, parties, etc. to cost an additional $5-10K that is rarely talked about. So it’s important to include that into your overall budget if sororities and fraternities are already under discussion! A word of caution: The difference can be significant. For example, a college might have $15,000 in tuition, but a total COA of $30,000 once you factor in housing, meals, books, and other living expenses. So be very careful when colleges advertise their costs. Marketing materials and headlines often highlight only the tuition because it looks much more affordable. Always dig deeper to find the full Cost of Attendance to get a realistic picture of what you'll actually need to budget for college. Important College Planning Tip It is critically important that parents and students are “on the same page” about the cost of college AND that you are communicating this with your college consultant! While we know it can be difficult to talk to your student about your finances, it is a waste of time, and potential heartache, to have a student put their heart and soul into applications for colleges to which there is very little (to no!) chance that as a family, you are willing to pay a certain amount. It is far better up front to set reasonable expectations about an upper limit on an annual cost for college! I cannot stress this enough - it’s important to have this figured out BEFORE students start working on their college lists!

What Classes Do I Need to Take to Graduate from College? Your roughly 125-135 credits break into three parts. 1. General Education (30-40 credits) Classes everyone at the university or college takes for a well-rounded education. Typical General Education (sometimes called Core Curriculum) requirements: English/Writing (6-9 credits) - Composition, sometimes literature Math (3-6 credits) - Algebra, statistics (varies by major) Science (6-9 credits) - At least one with lab Social Science (6-9 credits) - Psychology, sociology, economics, etc. Humanities (6-9 credits) - History, philosophy, literature Arts (3-6 credits) - Music, art, theater Sometimes: Foreign language (2 semesters) Example: Even Biology majors take English, and English majors take science with a lab. 2. Major Requirements (50-60 credits) Your primary field of study that will be listed on your diploma. Within your major, there will be two types of courses: Core Major Courses (required for everyone in the major) Example for Psychology: Intro to Psych, Research Methods, Statistics Major Electives (courses within your major that you choose based on interests) Example for Psychology: Choose from Cognitive Psych, Social Psych, Sports Psych, etc. 3. Electives (20-40 credits) Courses you choose! Use these to: Explore interests Build skills Add a minor Take prerequisites for grad school

What Are the Different Types of Degrees? Associate Degree (typically about 2 years) Where: Community colleges, trade schools Types: A.A. (arts), A.S. (science), A.A.S. (applied/vocational) Then what: Enter workforce OR transfer to a four year college or university to complete a bachelor's degree Bachelor's Degree (typically about 4 years) The most common degree. Required for most professional careers like business or engineering. Types: B.A. (Bachelor of Arts) - humanities, social sciences, arts B.S. (Bachelor of Science) - sciences, math, technical fields Others: B.F.A. (fine arts), B.B.A. (business) What's in it: General education, sometimes called Core Curriculum (everyone takes these) Major courses (your specialization) Electives (your choices) Note on Minors: While earning your bachelor's, you can also add a minor (a secondary area of study, usually about 5 to 7 classes in a concentrated field of study). It's optional and can be in any field. More on this in Part 4 of our Understanding Colleges Series! Master's Degree (typically 1-3 years beyond bachelor's) Advanced study in a specific field. Required for some careers (counselor, social worker). Types: M.A./M.S. - academic fields M.B.A. - business M.Ed. - education M.S.W. - social work Accelerated option: Many schools offer 4+1 or 3+2 programs to earn both bachelor's and master's in a total of 5-6 years. Professional Degrees This is specific training for licensed professions. Bachelor's degree must be completed first, and then you go on to Law School, Med School, Vet School, MBA, etc. J.D. (law) - 3 years M.D. (medicine) - 4 years + residency Pharm.D. (pharmacy) - 4 years D.P.T. (physical therapy) - 3 years D.D.S./D.M.D. (dentistry) - 4 years D.V.M. (veterinary) - 4 years Doctoral Degree (Ph.D.) This is the highest academic degree, typically obtained for research careers and university professors. Takes 4-8+ years beyond bachelor's. Quick Timeline High School → 4 years Associates Degree → 2 more years Bachelors Degree → 2 more years if earned Associate or 4-5 years from High School Masters Degree → 2-4 more years Professional/Doctoral → 2-4 more years Key point: You don't need to know your entire path now. Most students figure it out as they go!

What's the Difference Between a College and a University? Generically, we often talk about “applying to college.” But it is important to note that some institutions of higher learning are called “colleges”, others are called “universities”, and still others are called “institutes.” So, what’s the difference? Universities vs. Colleges Universities typically: Offer numerous undergraduate AND graduate degrees Are larger institutions Are organized into multiple “schools” or “colleges” within them (College of Business, College of Engineering, College of Arts & Sciences, School of Management, etc.) Colleges can mean two things: Standalone undergraduate institution - smaller independent schools focusing primarily on bachelor's (undergraduate) degrees A division within a university - one of several colleges that make up the university (ex. University of Texas College of Business, College of Engineering, etc.) Here's the confusing part: When you apply to a large university, you often apply to a *specific college* within it. So you'd say "I'm applying to the College of Engineering at The Ohio State University." Note: Some schools are called "Institutes of Technology" (MIT, Rose Hulman, Georgia Tech, CalTech). These function like universities, and while historically focused on STEM, now often contain additional majors as well. What about Liberal Arts? “Liberal arts” is an educational philosophy, not a type of school. It means getting a broad education across humanities, sciences, social sciences, and arts—developing critical thinking and communication skills rather than training for one specific job. You'll find liberal arts education in two places: Standalone Liberal Arts Colleges Examples: Williams, Amherst, Swarthmore, Pomona Small (1,500-5,000 students) Undergraduate only (or primarily) Most do not have pre-professional programs like engineering or nursing Small classes, close professor relationships Most are actually "Liberal Arts and Sciences" colleges Within Universities: College of Liberal Arts of College of Arts & Sciences The liberal arts division within a larger university Sits alongside Engineering, Business, Nursing, etc. Note: Some universities split this into separate colleges (College of Liberal Arts AND College of Natural Sciences) Always check how your schools organize these! Key difference: Universities offer liberal arts PLUS pre-professional programs. Liberal arts colleges typically offer ONLY the liberal arts approach, although some re starting to offer business degrees or partnerships with other engineering colleges. 

You've probably heard someone say "be careful what you post online." But did you know that college admissions officers are actually looking? According to recent surveys, 28% of admissions officers review applicants' social media profiles , and even more striking— 67% believe it's fair game to check out your online presence when making decisions. Before you panic and delete everything, take a breath. Social media isn't just a potential minefield—it can actually help your application when used thoughtfully. The key is understanding what helps, what hurts, and how to put your best foot forward online. The Good News: Social Media Can Help You Stand Out  When done right, your online presence can reinforce what colleges see in your application and give them a more complete picture of who you are. DO: ✓ Showcase your passions and achievements Share posts about projects you're proud of, volunteer work, awards, or activities that matter to you Use Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube to highlight creative work, research, community service, or leadership roles Think of it as a dynamic portfolio that brings your application to life ✓ Demonstrate genuine interests Follow and engage with accounts related to your academic interests, hobbies, or career goals Share thoughtful articles or content that shows your intellectual curiosity Comment intelligently on topics you care about ✓ Keep it professional and authentic Use a clear profile photo and professional username (ideally your actual name) Make sure your bio accurately represents you Show the real you—just the version you'd be comfortable with a college admissions officer (or future employer) seeing ✓ Consider a separate "professional" account Many students create a public account specifically for achievements, college-related content, and professional networking This lets you share your Eagle Scout award, debate tournament wins, or community service projects without worrying about your friends thinking you're bragging Use this account for LinkedIn, a professional Instagram, or a portfolio website Keep your personal account private for friends and family Think of it like having "work clothes" and "weekend clothes"—different contexts, different presentations ✓ Engage with colleges you're interested in Follow schools on Instagram, TikTok, and other platforms Like and comment on their posts to learn more about campus life This can help you gauge fit and demonstrate genuine interest [Link to your article about using college social media for research] ✓ Set a Google Alert for your name This helps you stay on top of what others might find when they search for you Check what comes up when you Google yourself—and address anything problematic The Reality Check: What Can Hurt You Here's what you need to know: 38% of admissions officers who check social media say they found something that positively impacted a student's application, but 32% found something that hurt an applicant's chances. And yes, students have actually had acceptances rescinded because of social media posts. DON'T: ✗ Post anything illegal or inappropriate No photos or references to underage drinking, drugs, or illegal activities Avoid offensive language, bullying, or hateful content of any kind Even if you think it's funny or ironic—admissions officers won't ✗ Share content that contradicts your application Don't claim to be passionate about community service if your feed is entirely selfies Make sure your online persona aligns with what you've written in your essays ✗ Leave old embarrassing posts up Go back through your timeline (yes, even from 9th grade) Delete anything you wouldn't want your grandmother—or a college admissions officer—to see Remember: screenshots can resurface even if you delete something later ✗ Forget about tagged photos and comments You might not have posted it, but if you're tagged in inappropriate content, it still reflects on you Review tags and untag yourself from anything questionable Check not just photos but also comments you've left on others' posts ✗ Assume privacy settings make you invisible Even "private" groups aren't truly private Settings can change or be bypassed The safest approach: don't post anything you'd be embarrassed to have go public ✗ Ignore other platforms It's not just Instagram—admissions officers check TikTok, YouTube, Twitter/X, Snapchat, LinkedIn, and more Even your old Pinterest boards or Reddit comments could be discovered Quick Action Plan Right now: Google yourself and see what comes up Review all your social media accounts (yes, ALL of them) Delete or make private anything questionable Update profile photos and bios to be more professional Adjust privacy settings on personal accounts Going forward: Before you post, ask yourself: "Would I be okay with this showing up in a presentation about me?" Think of social media as part of your college application portfolio Use it intentionally to show your interests, character, and achievements The Bigger Picture Here's the truth: this isn't just about college admissions. 70% of employers also check social media during hiring processes. Learning to manage your digital footprint now is a life skill that will serve you well beyond getting into college. Your social media presence is an extension of you. With a little thought and intentionality, you can make sure it's showing colleges (and future employers) exactly who you want them to see. Want to Learn More? The Social Institute - Walking the social media tightrope

How Do College Credits Work? What Are Credits? Credits measure how much work a course requires. The typical formula: 1 credit = 1 hour in class per week So a typical 3-credit course = 3 hours in class per week Typical courses: 1 credit: Labs, seminars 3 credits: Most standard classes 4-5 credits: Language, science with lab Credits needed to graduate: Associate: ~60 credits Bachelor's: ~125 - 135 credits , so that means around 43 classes, or 5 - 6 each semester Master's: ~30-60 credits Time Commitment Most colleges will tell you that, depending on the major, for every one hour spent in class per week you will need to spend 2 - 3 hours doing homework or studying. Example: 15 credits per semester (5 classes) 15 hours in class 30-45 hours homework/study = 45-60 hours per week (like a full-time job!) Pro tip: Balance easy and hard courses so you don't overload yourself. Semesters vs. Quarters Many universities and colleges (90%+) are on a semester schedule. Some use a quarter system. There are also a handful of other schedules used, like ones that do intensive classes on 1-2 subjects only for 3.5 weeks and then move onto another one. Semester System 2 terms per year (Fall, Spring) + optional summer 15 weeks each Take 4-6 classes per term (12-18 credits) 8-10 classes per year Schedule: Aug-Dec, Jan-May Quarter System 3-4 terms per year (Fall, Winter, Spring, + optional summer) 10 weeks each Take 3-4 classes per term (9-12 credits) 12 classes per year (more variety!) Schedule: Sept-Dec, Jan-March, April-June Schools using quarters: Stanford, most UCs, Northwestern, Drexel, Rose-Hulman, and more

College Interview Tips: What to Know & How to Prepare College interviews aren’t designed to trick you - they’re simply conversations that help schools understand who you are beyond your application. And while an interview rarely makes or breaks an admission decision, a strong one can make your file more compelling, especially if you’re in the “middle” of the applicant pool. Here’s a simplified guide to help you prepare with confidence. Why Colleges Offer Interviews 1. Demonstrated interest. Some schools track how engaged you seem: visiting campus, opening emails, and even choosing to interview. Even doing the interview can work in your favor. 2. Sharing more about yourself. Interviews are a chance to highlight achievements, updates, personality, or context that didn’t fully fit in your application. If you shine more in conversation, this is the moment to show it. What Interviewers Are Looking For Across colleges, interviewers generally look for: Curiosity Articulation Authenticity Enthusiasm Integrity The ability to reflect on your experiences They’re not looking for perfect answers. They’re looking for a real person. How to Prepare (Without Overpreparing) 1. Know the college you will be interviewing with. You should be able to speak intelligently about: Your intended major Freshman curriculum Traditions, programs, or opportunities at the school that genuinely interest you When asked “Why our school?” have 2–3 specific reasons that show you’ve done your homework. 2. Know your story. Remember that personal brand you worked on in your Personal Brand Workbook in your Application Preparation folder? Now is the time to pull it back out and use it! Look at Step 6 and identify the most important elements you want to share. This includes your quick “Tell me about yourself” introduction: a 20–30 second snapshot that reflects your personality, passions, quirks, or experiences. Keep it natural and true to you. You should practice this! Until it is second nature to you! Identify 3–4 key elements of your brand, along with stories you want the interviewer to remember. Think about your experiences that best represent these and prepare to talk about them. You might include what motivates you, your favorite and least favorite classes, strengths and weaknesses, family influences, extracurriculars (and why you do them), challenges, proud moments, and personal interests. But everything should tie back to your personal brand! Tip: If you are doing a virtual interview, you can have a high level page of notes. You wouldn’t want to read from it at all, but you could certainly refer to it to make sure you’ve covered everything important to you! 3. Use the “Q = A + 1” formula. Strengthen any answer by adding one piece of evidence : a story, example, or anecdote that shows why something matters to you. Example: Basic: “My favorite class is physics.” Better: “My favorite class is physics because I love studying motion.” Best: Add a quick example that makes it memorable. Evidence = impact. 4. Ask thoughtful questions. When they ask, “Do you have any questions for me?” the answer is always yes . Ask about: Your major or academic interests Freshman experience Campus culture Opportunities that matter to you If your interviewer is an alumni (they attended that college), ask about their favorite parts of their college experience. Tip: It is perfectly acceptable, whether doing a virtual or in-person interview to have a list of questions and refer to them. And even take notes! 5. Be open, warm, and yourself. You don’t need to be bubbly if that’s not your personality, but you should: Make eye contact Speak with clarity Share short stories Smile Show genuine interest Interviewers are trained to “honor the introverts.” Authenticity matters more than volume. 6. If you’re stuck, pause. It’s completely okay to say: “That’s a great question. Let me think for a moment.” Or even, “I’m not sure, but here’s how I would approach something like that…” Never fake an answer! Tip: I recommend that you have a glass of water with you. If you need to take a moment to think through an answer, get a sip of water. It gives you time to think and you won’t feel like there is an awkward pause. 7. Bring a résumé (just in case). You worked hard to create it, it shows all you’ve accomplished, and it is a great way for the interviewer to ask questions, as well as for you to refer to it to remind you of things you might want to talk about. Just remember that they are NEVER looking for you to simply read the resume to them. They want to understand the WHY behind your resume - what motivated you to do the things you did, what did you learn from them, how did you grow. 8. Follow up with a thank-you. Send a short thank-you email within 24 hours. It shows maturity and helps your interviewer remember you positively when writing their report. And include your resume (again)! That way they have a soft copy of it to put with your file. Questions You Should Be Ready For Why this school? Why your major? What do you do outside of school? And more importantly - why and what have you learned? What’s something not in your application? This might be something as simple as Sunday dinner with your grandparents or the summer vacation you always take. But be prepared to talk about something personal that is meaningful to you. A challenge, meaningful experience, or proud moment “What have you done, read, or seen recently?” If asked, “Where else are you applying? ” you can redirect by focusing on what you’re looking for in a college rather than listing schools. Try saying “I’m looking at colleges that have a strong XXX program, will allow me to gain experience in XXX, and have a XXX atmosphere. That’s why your college is so appealing to me.” The Bottom Line  A college interview is simply a conversation and a chance to share who you are, what matters to you, and why the school might be a great match. It won’t make or break your application, but a thoughtful, prepared interview can make your file stronger and more memorable.

Demonstrated Interest: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Show It (Without Overdoing It) You've probably heard the term "demonstrated interest," but what does it actually mean, and should you even care? The short answer: it depends on where you're applying. For some schools, showing interest can give you a real boost. For others, it doesn't matter at all. Let's break it down. What Is Demonstrated Interest? Demonstrated interest is exactly what it sounds like: colleges tracking how much you've engaged with them throughout the admissions process. They're paying attention to things like: Did you visit campus? Did you do an online virtual info session? Did you attend their info session at your high school or a local college fair? Did you open their emails? Did you ask thoughtful questions? Did you apply Early Decision or Early Action? Some colleges use this data to figure out whether you're genuinely interested in attending, or if they're just a backup option. Who Actually Cares About Demonstrated Interest? Not all colleges track it. Here's the general breakdown: Schools that typically DON'T track demonstrated interest: Ivies and other ultra-selective schools (Stanford, MIT, etc.) - they know if you get in, you'll probably come Large public universities and state flagships - they use standardized formulas for admissions - but there are some exceptions so we need to check! Schools with sky-high yield rates (percentage of people who enroll if accepted) - they don't need to worry about it Schools that typically DO track demonstrated interest: Small liberal arts colleges (LACs) - they're building tight-knit communities Private regional universities competing with bigger-name schools Colleges with lower yield rates who want to avoid being used as a safety school Pro tip: CounselMore tracks whether colleges track demonstrated interest so if you’d like to look at it, we can add a column to your college list or you can switch to the college tile view, click on the specific college tile and scroll down to the bottom and you’ll see it on the left. Why Does It Matter? Colleges care about demonstrated interest for a few reasons: Yield rates matter. If a school accepts 1,000 students but only 250 enroll, that's a 25% yield rate. Higher yield rates look better in rankings and help colleges plan their incoming class. They want students who actually want to be there. A student who's genuinely excited about attending is more likely to be engaged, stay enrolled, and eventually become an enthusiastic alum. Yield protection is real. Some schools will reject or waitlist overqualified students who show zero interest—because they assume the student is using them as a backup. How to Show Demonstrated Interest (The Right Way) You don't need to stalk admissions offices or send weekly emails. Here's what actually works: High-Value Activities: Visit campus and register officially. Just showing up doesn't count, so make sure you sign in for the tour or info session. Attend local or virtual info sessions. When an admissions rep visits your high school or hosts a virtual event, show up. Write a specific, genuine "Why Us?" essay. Don't just name-drop the school. Mention specific programs, professors, opportunities, or aspects of campus culture that genuinely appeal to you. Apply Early Decision (if it's your top choice) or Early Action. These application rounds send a strong signal. Ask thoughtful questions via email. Make sure they're questions you can't easily find on the website. Medium-Value Activities: Open and engage with emails from the college. Yes, many schools track this. Connect with current students or alumni if opportunities come up naturally (not forced). Attend college fairs and stop by their booth. And make sure to register your name! Follow the school on social media and occasionally engage with their content. Lower-Stress Ways to Stay on Their Radar: If you're interviewing with an alum, show genuine enthusiasm and preparation. If a college offers optional interviews or portfolio reviews, take advantage. What NOT to Do Avoid these common mistakes that can backfire: Don't visit campus without registering. If you tour unofficially or just walk around, it doesn't count. Don't ask questions answered on the website. "What majors do you offer?" or "What's your application deadline?" makes you look unprepared. Don't send generic, copy-paste emails. Admissions officers can tell. Don't contact them excessively. Quality over quantity. One thoughtful email beats five pointless ones. Don't mention the wrong school name in your essay. It happens more than you'd think, and it's an instant red flag. Don't ignore all communication and then suddenly show interest senior spring. If a school matters to you, engage earlier in the process. Regional Considerations Geography can play a role too: If you're a California student applying to a Midwest college, your interest matters more - they want to know you'll actually move there. If you're a local student applying to the local university, your demonstrated interest is less critical - they assume you already know the school well. Keep Track of What You're Doing If you are interested in purposefully demonstrating interest, I’ve created a spreadsheet for you to keep track of your interactions with each school. This helps you stay organized and ensures you're not accidentally ignoring a school that cares about engagement. Let me know if this is something you want to do! The Bottom Line Demonstrated interest isn't about gaming the system. It's about being intentional with schools that genuinely appeal to you. If you love a college, show it! Visit if you can. Ask questions. Write a thoughtful essay. Engage authentically. But don't stress about performing interest for every single school on your list. Focus your energy where it matters most, and where your enthusiasm is real. Need help figuring out which schools on your list track demonstrated interest or how to build an engagement plan that feels authentic? Let's talk. I'm here to help you create a strategy that works for you.

Honors colleges and programs aren't just about taking harder classes. They're about finding your people at a big university - students who share your curiosity and want to engage in their classes. Plus, you get some pretty great perks along the way. Understanding the Different Types of Honors Experiences Here's where it gets confusing: every university structures their honors experience differently. There's no standard model, so you really need to understand what you're getting at each school. Some universities have university-wide honors colleges that overlay your regular major (like Arizona State's Barrett Honors College or Penn State's Schreyer Honors College). You're still majoring in biology or engineering or whatever, but the honors college provides additional seminars, research opportunities, special housing, priority registration, and other experiences on top of your regular coursework. You complete the same degree requirements as other students in your major, but you will also complete honors requirements like an honors thesis. Other universities have honors programs within specific colleges or departments (like UT-Austin, where there are separate honors programs in Engineering, Business, Liberal Arts, Computer Science, and other individual colleges). Each has its own requirements and benefits, and they're tied to specific majors or areas of study. Some honors programs are actually a major themselves These are less common, but at some schools the honors program itself is what you major in, often with an interdisciplinary liberal arts focus. The key is that there's no one-size-fits-all definition. The structure varies widely from school to school. Why Consider an Honors College or Program? Despite the structural differences, most honors experiences share at least some of these common benefits: Academic Benefits: Some smaller, seminar-style classes with more discussion and interaction, often specialized offerings Priority course registration - this is a game-changer at large universities where getting into the classes you need can be a nightmare Access to undergraduate research opportunities, sometimes with specialized grants and funding Opportunity to participate in special study and research abroad experiences, sometimes with scholarships Faculty mentorship Residential and Social Benefits: Built-in community - opportunity to meet students and build relationships with others who share your intellectual curiosity and commitment to learning Honors housing, often in newer dorms with better amenities Special programming like guest speakers and networking events Leadership and team-building programs Social and service-oriented outings to build connections Long-Term Benefits: Enhanced career guidance services Faculty who know you well enough to write strong recommendation letters for grad school or jobs In some cases, guaranteed admission to competitive majors An honors thesis or capstone project that showcases your abilities How to Apply to Honors Colleges and Programs The application process varies from school to school. Here are the most common approaches: Automatic consideration based on your regular application - Some schools automatically review all applicants for honors admission. If your grades, test scores (when required), and application are strong enough, you'll receive an invitation to join the honors program. No extra work required. Additional essay as part of your main application - Many schools ask you to check a box indicating interest in the honors program and then write one or more additional essays. These essays are submitted along with your regular college application and are often due at the same time, or through their college portal shortly after submitting the main application. Separate honors application - Some universities require you to submit a completely separate application to the honors college after (or alongside) your regular university application. These often have their own deadlines, essays, and requirements. Make sure you're paying attention to both sets of deadlines. The bottom line: You must check each school's honors website carefully to understand their specific process and deadlines. Questions to Ask About Any Honors Program You're Considering: Because every honors program is structured differently, you need to dig into the specifics at each school. Schedule an honors college/program tour separately from the general campus tour, and ask these questions: About the Structure: How is this honors program organized? Is it a university-wide college that works with any major, or is it tied to specific departments? If I want to major in [your intended major], how does the honors program work with that? Can I be in the honors program regardless of my major, or is it only for certain majors? About Requirements: How many honors courses do I need to take per semester? What's the workload like in honors courses compared to regular courses? What are the GPA requirements to stay in the program? Do I need to write an honors thesis or complete a capstone project? What percentage of students who start the program actually complete it? (Some programs have completion rates as low as 25%!) About the Benefits: Is there separate housing for honors students? What are the amenities and location like? Do I get priority course registration? How does that work? What special programs, speakers, or events are available to honors students? Is there funding available beyond tuition scholarships - for study abroad, conferences, or research? What kind of advising and mentorship do honors students receive? About Flexibility: What happens if I change my mind after starting the program? Are there additional fees for the honors program? If it's a self-contained honors college, how does that affect my ability to get involved with the broader campus? The Bottom Line  Honors colleges and programs aren't for everyone, and that's okay. But if you want to build a community with students who share your intellectual curiosity, get access to special opportunities and perks, and create a tight-knit community at a large university, they're definitely worth investigating. Just remember: every program is different. Don't assume that what's true at one school applies to another. Ask lots of questions and make sure you understand exactly what you're signing up for.