franglish

I posted this question in the "Questions" thread, but I don't know if anyone will see it, so I apologize for posting it again, but I really am curious...

What is the best advice for taking classes for grades vs. taking them S/NC? How many students take ALL their classes S/NC, and what is the thinking in this? It seems radical, but pretty terrific, and very trusting. Another of the many reasons why I like Brown so much, as a parent...

dcircle

the conventional wisdom is that one class a term S/NC is reasonable but there are many variations. some never use the option. some only when taking an "adventurous" class (an upper level class an area outside of their primary interest). others use it more liberally. most do not use it for courses inside of their concentration. still, there are rumors of people who have taken every class at brown S/NC and still got into Harvard Medical School.

as a side note, students who take a class S/NC have the option of getting a detailed course evaluation from the professor in writing that does not include a letter grade

ClaySoul

i'd say few take all their classes s/nc, but many take at least one each semester s/nc. i took all my classes s/nc last semester because i was returning from a medical leave and wanted the pressure off. ironically i got 2 a's and a b... so there are pros and cons to the situation.

i think that graduate schools understand that doing s/nc at brown isn't a cop out. it's a way to explore different academic fields when you might not otherwise do so for fear of doing poorly.

iheartbrown89

i have a question myself, is there a lot of inflation at brown or is it more deflation?

ClaySoul

it's all relative. compared to MIT, Cornell, or Harvey Mudd? Inflation. Compared to most state schools and many private schools, or in my specific experience, Tulane? Deflation.

Bottom line is that the classes are hard...but good grades aren't impossible to get