Freshman Classes

cheerleader · 10-21-2009, 11:22 AM

I am excited that I have been accepted to UA. I really liked the campus on my visit. I have applied to the Honors College and also to the CBH as well. I was wondering about freshman classes. For instance how large are classes like Organic Chemistry or Calc II? If they are very large how is access to smaller study or review sessions? I have APed out of Calc II but most of my friends at other Colleges say to take it anyway to reinforce the material before Cals III what do you think? Does anyone have suggestions to strengthen application for CBH or possible consideration for University Fellows?

mom2collegekids · 10-21-2009, 12:12 PM

Cal II has an honors version that is limited to 30 students. But, even if you have to select a regular Cal II class, then those classes have "labs" that are limited to something like 25 kids each. The same lab deal goes with Organic Chem (my younger son is currently taking Organic Chem. Personally, I would not recommend taking OC first semester as a freshman.

)

BTW...UA does not use TAs to teach. TAs just help with labs, proctor exams, and do other non teaching tasks (with the exception of tutoring).

I asked my older son (math major and in CBHP) your Calc question, and here's his text response:

"I don't know if Calc BC is an appropriate substitute for cal II unless the student in question is very strong in math."

Since we've been thru the CBHP process, we can help you with ideas/suggestions. BTW...when you visited, did you meet with Dr. Sharpe with CBH?

What are your stats? What will you major in? What kind of research do you want to do with CBH?

momreads · 10-21-2009, 01:02 PM

If you feel you are not ready for Calculus II but think your background is at least decent, you could audit the subject. You still go to the classes, do the work, take the tests, but receive no grade. It's a great refresher and still prepares you for higher level math.

mom2collegekids · 10-21-2009, 04:15 PM

I think Cheerleader is more concerned that she's not ready for Cal III. I think she's wondering if she should take Cal II (even though her AP score gives her Cal II credit), or should she skip Cal II and go right to Cal III.

Also...My DS1 says that Cal III doesn't have a lot to do with Cal II.

So...I guess if Cheerleader didn't get a 5 in AP Cal BC and/or doesn't feel super strong in math, she should take Cal II.

uaprophet · 10-21-2009, 05:23 PM

Organic chemistry is a large class (100+) students in one section. Most of the time there are 2 sections. Calculus II is big (35-40) students when I took it I believe. If you take the honors section of Cal II then there will be less students.

It has been my experience that the more general classes with large students or students from all majors do not have set study sessions per se. However, the great thing about the general classes is that there are plenty of tutors available for them at the Center for Teaching and Learning which offers free tutors to students.

Since you've already applied to both programs there is really nothing else you can do at this point to strengthen it. If you are selected for an interview for CBHP BE GENUINE. We can see right through students who try to give us a cookie cutter answer. There are many students with top stats who come in with an arrogant demeanor about them who get denied to CBHP.

mom2collegekids · 10-21-2009, 07:12 PM

>>>>
do not have set study sessions per se. However, the great thing about the general classes is that there are plenty of tutors available for them at the Center for Teaching and Learning which offers free tutors to students.
<<<<

Actually, some math classes do have such sessions. It's a new thing this year. They've hired some of their best upper division students to lead these lower division study/group tutor sessions. I imagine other dept have done the same.

And, as uaprophet writes, CTL provides free individual tutoring. It's great.

cheerleader · 10-21-2009, 07:17 PM

Mom2collegekids you are correct I am asking about the readiness for Calc 111.

uaprophet I hope I did not appear to have an arrogant demeanor that is the last thing I would want. I will think about your advice if I am given an interview especially the cookie cutter answers.

Mom2collegekids my testing stats are I think competitive:
SAT
scores CR 790, Math 720 writing 740
SAT II
Math II 770
English 770

APs from 11th grade Calc 5, English Lit 5, Euro History 4

My GPA is not awesome it is 4.1 weighted 3.4 unweighted so that is where I think I will not be competitive. I would really appreciate any advice your son may have about gaining admission to these competitive programs thanks. At this point I am thinking about medicine eventually and so research that would allow me to work toward that goal would be awesome.

mom2collegekids · 10-21-2009, 08:01 PM

^^^

Cheerleader...

Don't worry about "looking arrogant," I'm sure you won't do that.

Have you submitted your CBHP apps, essays, and resume already?

Your stats are fine...test scores outstanding

....

I know that you're concerned about your UW GPA....
Does your transcript provide your weighted? If so, that is what UA will use. Also, are you including all of your electives and such? UA will include all of those grades, too.

Do your grades have an upwards trend? (such as lower grades in 9th grade, but higher in later years). What were some of your lower grades?

Anyway...I think your GPA is fine...It may just suggest that your school doesn't grade inflate. Your scores tell a lot.

PM me..I have more to tell you.

cheerleader · 10-21-2009, 08:10 PM

Momof2collegekids I send you a PM. Thanks for your advice

feenotype · 10-22-2009, 12:43 AM

Take it from somebody who learned it the hard way: don't bite off more than you can chew. Nothing will screw you over more than starting off your college career with a low GPA.

mom2collegekids · 10-22-2009, 01:12 AM

^^^^

What!!!???? This young lady does NOT have a "low GPA" ....that is insulting! Frankly, it looks to me that this student comes from a school that doesn't practice grade inflation. I'm more bothered by seeing high A+ GPA's wtih SATs in the low/mid 500 range or ACT 22 range.

And, someone with her SAT stats and her motivation will certainly be a success!

navarre1 · 10-22-2009, 01:43 AM

^^^^I may be wrong, but I think the poster is trying to say, if she bites off more than she can chew, she may hurt her GPA. Her college GPA.

SEA_tide · 10-22-2009, 02:34 AM

Since the OP hasn't taken calculus since the 11th grade, I would suggest taking Calculus II (MATH 126). I don't know the status of calculus being a "weed-out" course, but remembering some of the material should make a good grade easier to get. Note that this is a 4 credit class and since you will be on the 16 credit max, take that into account.

momsDS1 · 10-22-2009, 02:50 AM

Well, cheerleader, you wanted to talk to the son of mom2collegekids, and here he is! My mom doesn't know that I'm doing this. Surprise mom!

While the answer that I gave my mom up there is what I said -- that I feel that Cal BC is not an entirely adequate substitute for Cal II -- I think I'm going to rescind my answer in your case. You got a 5 on the exam. Your test scores are great. I think you'll be just fine. Also, having taken both Cal II and Cal III, I can tell you that there really isn't much of an overlap at all, and certainly not enough of one to warrant any worry about taking Cal III. Cal III, interestingly, is a lot more like Cal I (except expanded into three dimensions). If I were worried about reviewing for Cal III, I'd gloss over the Cal I material instead. By the way, if you get the chance to take Cecelia Laurie for Cal III, do it. She's absolutely terrific. If you're still set on taking Cal II, I can tell you that my class was about 12 people (but it was also the honors version; it's possible that the non-honors version is bigger.)

By the way, when I need a refresher for math, Paul's Online Math Notes is truly an excellent site.

http://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/Class...II/CalcII.aspx

Seeing as I'm in CBH, I can give you a little insight about the interviews and your chances. Your test scores are excellent. Your grades...well... Ok, if I'm being honest, your grades are going to hurt you some. Having helped sort the applications for incoming CBH freshmen before (and even having participated in an interview of potential CBH candidates), I know for a fact that Dr. Sharpe raises an eyebrow when he sees a student with high test scores that doesn't have the grades to back them up. It might just be that you attend a very difficult school, but to Dr. Sharpe it looks like a case of an unmotivated student. I think you have a good chance of being asked for an interview, but if you do, do everything you can to make a positive impression on Dr. Sharpe. He has told me personally that he rejected a student with a 36 ACT because of a poor interview.

By the way mom, I've looked through the old threads. Stop talking about me so much. What does DS1 stand for anyway? I've read enough to ascertain it refers to me. My guess is "Something son".

cheerleader · 10-22-2009, 08:48 AM

Wow thank you for all the information. I think I will look at the web site and do some review then think about what courses to take. Great to have an insiders view on this.

I agree that the GPA will hurt a lot and that is my own fault. I have spent too much time on other things than school work as you might guess I am a cheerleader for football, basketball and competition. I am also on an all star team that travels around the country competing then in the spring I pole vault. I have taken hard classes and earned B's like in Calc, but I did understand the material and was able to get a 5 on the test. I also know there are plenty of kids who have worked much harder and will benefit from their effort in situations like this. I think I have learned somethings along the way about commitment to what is important.
Sounds like you are having a great experience at UA I hope if things work out and I get to attend UA I would like to meet and get your advice when scheduling

Thank again for the information and support.