<p>My son is a junior this year, but we are planning ahead. He knows that fall admission is probably out of reach, but still has hopes for January. He is also hoping that the intro classes in January will be a little less competitive, because the better students took them in the fall. Does anyone know whether this is true or false, or have an opinion? Many of his friends are taking the Montgomery College to Maryland route, but he does not want to spend one or two years at MC. A semester is acceptable.</p>
<p>Well, I am no expert but that sounds a bit off-base. Some intro classes may only be offered in the fall, if they build to a specific track. Also, some kids who are accepted in the fall will take intro courses in the spring that are filled up in the fall or while they are still trying to meet the CORE requirements. So no I don’t think that is a valid assumption.</p>
<p>On the upside, I don’t think he should look at his courses as competitive against other students. Sure, there is a grading curve but he needs to go in and do the best job he can. I know lots of kids (my DD is one) who were not top students in HS but are much better students in college because they choose what they study and are more invested in their own success.</p>
<p>Double post! Ah.</p>
<p>Edited.</p>
<p>10 chars.</p>
<p>You are right- he needs to be more serious rather than continuing to just get by. Otherwise, he will not survive at Maryland.</p>