<p>But I look at y’alls science classes and it seemed as if many other upperlevels had requirements other than introductory courses. Or maybe that was the non-sciences(Actually I think this is right and lesser so for sciences). For example, for whatever reason, it seems that pre-reqs for many of the political science courses. It’s like you have have almost take them step wise as opposed to arbitrarily selecting courses through various sub-topics, Like, you have to have comp. gov, US. gov., international politics for the major or before upperlevels. Here, AP credit, pre-req, no pre-req, you can start at whatever level you want to. I haven’t touched an intro. political science or history for example. I went straight to 200 levels and special topics. Hardly none of these upperlevel classes had pre-reqs though a few recommended certain prep. courses, decision to enroll is left up to the student. It seems as if privates (or at least top ones) are more flexible/more trusting with ability of students to handle non-science courses w/little formal background. But then again, many of the courses are taught less formally and knowledge is obtain through lots of primary source readings, research, and writing moreso than textbook/normal lecture. </p>
<p>You’re certainly right in that Private Schools are tougher in the AP credit area (like we limit ours to 6 courses now). They want more money and they don’t trust the rigor of AP vs. equivalent courses (unfortunately they are often right, but most students end up okay). Most Emory students come in w/sophomore standing (or become it by second semester, and can’t go as high as junior standing) If anything, If I were the OP: I would look at the biology course offerings and decide what they like. It seems all will be solid in the research realm (though as vigs indicate, others will make it easier to get your research some exposure).
vig: Is it hard to take grad. school classes there? Maybe that can be an opportunity afforded to the OP if they come in with a high class standing. They can start w/upper levels and develop the background necessary for the grad. school to allow her to take grad. level courses. It’s what I’m currently doing (I don’t intend to write an honors thesis, but wanted to explore some topics in organic chem. and biology further as it is my current and future area of research). Perhaps they can start it much earlier via UGA honors. Grad. classes are awesome! The one I’m taking at least on par with my best undergrad. courses, though it is hard as hell as expected (Luckily, my freshmen orgo. class was really tough and had already exposed me to some complex topics in bio-organic). Most of the whiney pre-meds are gone and only those who want learn (grad. students and motivated Ugrads) are in it. Makes it a much better environment. It’s much like my physical biology class last semester which was 1/2 grad. students (though technically an undergrad. course. The grad. students were actually really useful).</p>