<p>Actually, nw09, they ARE intentionally unhelpful. Unlike you, I’ve spent quite a while here to know that. They weed out anyone who’s not capable of getting a solid B or A. They try their best to do that. It’s moreso than any other introductory course–Chem 4A is a true weeder, arguably more of a weeder than a lot of the other signature weeder courses. CoC loses a large population of it’s students just because of Chem 4A. Moreover, GSI’s have full say over your lab grade which is a HUGE chunk of your overall grade. Therefore, if your GSI has reason to believe you’re not cut out for it–they’ll make it look apparent in your lab report scores.</p>
<p>The reality is, right now all you seniors THINK you’re prepared for Berkeley. You think you “know” it’s tough here. But you don’t even know the half of it until you actually experience it. You guys haven’t been here. That’s why we’re here to give you tips and warn you about what’s going on here. I’ve warned you, but you can see it for yourself.</p>
<p>The student learning center doesn’t cater to Chem 4A questions–there are no study groups you can join. It’s really difficult to make study groups with friends in Chem 4A because a lot of them don’t see the point of studying with someone else unless that person has an A. Most people have a “what’s in it for me” attitude. Freshmen often don’t see the purpose of studying with others. Sometimes, even if you do, it doesn’t matter.
Reality: You get left by yourself almost all the time and if you need help on labs…you’re screwed unless you’ve got SOLID experience. CoC is not someplace you can come with weak experience and try to tough it out.</p>
<p>CoC is tough, beware, if you didn’t have the SOLID experience pre-Berkeley, I’d say stay away.</p>