Rather than relying memorization or basic proficiency in the subject, honors college courses encourage students to think originally when analyzing a problem. College honors courses are usually smaller, more intimate classes focused on student input and thought. Readings are specialized, and coursework has a larger writing component to foster higher-level logic and diction skills. College honors courses that do not depend on greater workload and faster work speed can disrupt students' study skills. Seeking help from the college academic skills office or maintaining an academic assignment schedule can help improve your college study skills.
First-time honors course students sometimes find student-directed learning confusing and the material difficult to understand. Smaller class size allows students to feel more comfortable around their professor and classmates, making them more willing to ask questions when they are struggling. Larger universities commonly use teaching assistants -- postgraduate students in the field who are knowledgeable about the classwork. Tutoring is another option colleges and universities support, giving students one-on-one time each week with a knowledgeable classmate. Overall, open discussion with others in the field provides the best method of reaching understanding.
Colleges and universities maintain a standard minimum grade point average (GPA) for acceptance into their honors colleges or courses. A standard example is Towson University's 3.3 GPA requirement for the honors college. Students who fall below this level receive a grace period, usually one semester, during which they can work to raise their GPA. If they fail to raise their GPA to the minimum standard, the university deems them ineligible to remain in the honors college and moves them to ordinary college-level courses. Most college honors courses also negate the option of taking a class with a pass/fail marking. Academic standing and GPA play important roles in how students handle the course.
Selecting which honors courses to take is another important factor in whether a student will succeed. Students taking honors courses within their major will usually have the most success, as they will already have the necessary foundation for more in-depth study. Sample classes during the first few weeks of the term; if a class seems too challenging, you can drop it for an ordinary-level course during this grace period. Avoid honors lecture courses with larger numbers of students as well. These classes lack the personal interaction of small seminars, making it harder to ask for help.