hello. I’m writing to ask if a student could appeal his degree requirements (area requirements?)
I feel pretty upset that I’m having to take so many requirements about topics I’m not interested in. If I write a letter to the Dean or whoever would this have at least some consideration? I feel like it’s taking away from my UVA experience. I feel like I would grow academically if I just take classes that feeds my passion. i’m interested in one specific subject and would like to take time to enhance this subject and my abilities within it rather than waste time in other classes.
any thoughts?
The first question is if anyone has any experience successfully getting out of a requirement. I don’t know the answer. I think you may have a better chance if you propose an alternative that is close to a requirement, so that you are asking for broadening of a requirement in your case, not a complete removal of it. For example, there may be a course that does not officially meet a non-Western cultures requirement but could meet some of the same objectives.
It is possible for top students to be accepted into the Echols program during their 1st year student, which could release you of some requirements.
College Confidential can’t answer this. Try to make an appointment with you Association Dean. Keep in mind that the average student’s academic interests evolve and are requirements help expose them to options they didn’t explore in the past.
FWIW, I didn’t love every course I took in college. The common joke at my undergrad alma mater was that one series of courses was only useful if one aspired to be on Jeopardy. Though challenging and not in line with my major, I’m thankful for those courses now. A broad foundation allows for agility. Getting too narrow, too quickly can limit future options.