taking an easier class to boost GPA？

newmassdad
Fri, 02 Jan 2009 13:37:48 +0000

unalove,

Few schools have an official shopping period, so let’s not get hung up on terminology. But every school recognizes that kids need an opportunity to see what classes are like and whether they fit. And faculty everywhere, not just Chicago, reward persistence, so someone that really wants into a class will probably get in, unless it is just wanting into the section of a favored, popular prof when there are alternatives.

Another hint: pre-requisites are guidelines, not binding. If you think a class may be interesting and you think you can handle the work, talk to the prof. The prof can tell you the real story. On the same note, course catalog descriptions may or may not adequately describe a class, hence the value of (a) “shopping” (b) reading an up to date syllabus, reading list etc and (c) talking to the prof if you still have questions.

CD, your kid does not really need “permission” to explore options. And “checking out” hardly deprives anyone else of something, don’t you think?