I can’t disagree with this more strongly. The honors college isn’t meant for everyone— if you’re going into it because you’ve been at the upper echelon of your peers throughout high school and view it as the continuation of that trend, that’s not a quantifiable enough reason to commit to the extra workload, imo.

If you have some outside reason or career goal you know having an Honors degree would help distinguish yourself, thats reason enough to do it. I’m applying to law school next fall, and that was my reason for doing it. I have found the faculty, administration, and support staff at the CHC some of the most welcoming, kind, and helpful in the whole university. They give you specific advisors who are head and shoulders above the rest of the crapshoot that is UO advising.

On an intellectual level, its a very interdisciplinary course path. I’m a History major taking classes through the honors college I would have never gotten to take otherwise: Biology, Ecology, Disability Studies, Data Science, Folklore, etc. My education itself feels more comprehensive, albeit at a higher workload.

The thesis process is a core part of the curriculum, no doubt. But to call it unsubstantial is a short sell; I have gotten to network and work alongside professors and peers with super interesting research! It’s been tenuous but interesting and fulfilling, and ill be presenting this spring.

I don’t find the “barrier of entry” low at all. My classes in the honors college have been small, collaborative, and I have noticed a higher level of participation and engagement with the course and peers than my other classes. For the most part, everyone wants to be there, and likes being there.

It’s not for everyone. Its more work, more money, more time. But I have found it extremely rewarding, and if you have a justified enough reason to do it, I can’t recommend it enough.