<p>Some of my peers tell me that it’s easier to acquire an A in major-specific courses because some of the introductory courses are designed to weed you out. Apparently, the work is supposed to get more intensive, but A’s are a lot easier to come by. I’m a bit skeptical, so is this true at all?</p>
<p>I would say both. The classes are more challenging but by then you have developed yourstudy skills to manage the workload better.</p>
<p>In my experience, the hardest courses tend to be the 4th-6th semesters. Before that you are taking general education classes just like everything else, then somewhere in the 4th to 6th semesters you take your major’s “core courses” - these are the ones that people often refer to as “weeders” and are usually very tough. After this you usually start taking specializations or technical electives, and while these courses are tough they are also courses that you have selected as matching your strengths, so they feel easier.</p>
<p>I’ve taken classes in 2 different engineering departments where I go:</p>
<p>EECS introductory classes are harder than the general (math, physics, chemistry, intro programming) engineering classes - though this is reputed to be a very difficult major here so it’s not surprising
IOE (Industrial Engineering) introductory classes are easier than the general engineering classes - though this is reputed to be a very easy major here so it’s not surprising</p>
<p>As far as curves, generally the curve for all those classes (the engineering prerequisites and introductory engineering classes in all departments) is the same. Where I go 400 level classes have a slightly more generous curve, 500+ level classes have a significantly more generous curve.</p>
<p>That’s all I can really say at this point.</p>
<p>So if I got A’s in all of my major’s “core courses”, there’s little reason why I shouldn’t do well later? I guess that’s my real concern. Just want to make sure there aren’t any curveballs coming at me later that I’ll need to brace myself for.</p>
<p>Well, you might consider how many people drop out of the major. If half of the people who start in your major end up switching to a different major, than you’re (likely) removing most of the bottom half of the curve.</p>
<p>Just stop worrying and do your best. Remember, you don’t need a 4.0 to be successful. If you are doing okay now, chances are you can keep it up.</p>