<p>RelaxedParent- I don’t believe that sample placement tests are made available for any language. As I recall from my German test, and have been assured that most languages (except unspoken languages) follow, she is most likely going to get a reading comprehension portion, a listening comprehension portion, and some grammar correction/principles of understanding of grammar and vocabulary (i.e. “which article belongs in the sentence above?” or “which of the following words best completes the sentence?”). If she places above the 3rd quarter of the 1st year sequence, she will be invited to have a short oral interview with a member of the department who will either agree (most times this is the case) or disagree that she may waive her language requirement.</p>
<p>Relaxedparent – Oh, no, he’s not taking five classes! He’s had analysis, comp sci and HUM all year, plus Core Bio last quarter and a phil class now. He only took three in the fall, as he thought the math and CS would be very intense and also wanted time to get involved and meet people on campus. Turns out to have been a good decision, as it got him off to a great start. He has taken four courses winter and spring quarters.</p>
<p>How many papers/quarter typically? And how long are they usually? I’m a bit slow with writing papers…</p>
<p>How much free time do students usually have?</p>
<p>Usually there are:
-Response papers due either once per week or every class meeting time (these range in length from a paragraph or two to 2-3 pages)
-Around 3 or 4 long papers per class (these range in length from 6-10 pages)
-Potentially 1 or 2 exams per class
-Potentially 2 or 3 quizzes </p>
<p>Permutations of these assignments vary from class to class. </p>
<p>Free time–
Depends on course load. I usually have around an hour free per night, sometimes more depending on if I get extra work done over the weekend for the week.</p>
<p>As for the papers, it really depends on what level of course you’re talking about. A core class is more likely to feature the type of response papers Cosmos mentions, often with a final paper or midterm and final paper too. Advanced level courses in the social sciences will often have just one or two papers for the entire quarter - considerably longer, but more time to complete them. I wouldn’t worry about your writing speed or ability going in, the writing tutor sections in the Hum sequence your first year and designed to teach you how to write by U of C standards, and you will get better and faster with practice and time.</p>
<p>“the writing tutor sections in the Hum sequence your first year and designed to teach you how to write by U of C standards, and you will get better and faster with practice and time.”</p>
<p>Oh, thank God. This makes me feel much better. Like Farro, I’m abysmally slow with papers. And as for my actual writing, it sucks. Aha.</p>
<p>There are honestly very few people who can write by U of C standards when they come in as first years. Even if you think you’re a good writer now, the reality is, you’re probably not. But, the U of C knows that, they don’t expect you to be cranking out theses during your first quarter. Not only that, but the profs you’ll have in most of your core classes (especially the early ones like the Hum / Sosc sequences) also are aware that you are a 1st year and that your writing ability isn’t quite up to snuff yet.</p>