UCLA parents: Student services cut

FindAPlace
Thu, 21 Apr 2011 12:28:03 +0000

Integrated science at the HS level is probably not the best way to prepare students interested in STEM at a competitive university. My S is a freshman at Northwestern, and was admitted to their honors Integrated Science Program. They admit about 30 students a year, and most double major, in ISP and then another science.

In order just to be considered for this program, a student must have completed/taken tests in AP Chemistry, AP Physics, AP Bio (at least 2 of 3) AP Calculus and/or subject tests related to same. Many students admitted to the program come with more than these requirements. For example, by the time he entered NU, my S had completed Linear Algebra and Multivariable Calculus. As is his custom, carried over from HS days, he’s quite willing to be an ad hoc peer tutor in math.

Relevant to this discussion about UCLA, we are aware (as S was accepted to UCLA) that they have special honors level classes for high powered math students. So they are still catering to this end of the specturm of ability.

I believe the UCs are going to have a harder time determining in the future how many of their admitees may need remedial education and/or tutoring of any kind, now that they are removing the subject test requirement for applicants starting next year. I think, especially for the upper tier of UCs, this requirement should not only remain, but UC should specify what subject tests need to be taken.