I plan to transfer to LSA from a local CC and will major in Computer Science. I realize, socially, the differences are vast. But what about academically? What are some of the biggest academic differences a CC transfer would experience coming to UM?
Here are some of my experiences that really frustrate me about CC:
Most of my classes have not been intellectually stimulating, and in most of them I've learned nothing interesting and/or useful to the subject. In contrast, I remember taking AP classes back when I was at a good high school and they were SO much more stimulating/interesting thanks to how intelligent my teachers and peers were.
I'm usually one of the top students in my classes and it feels boring. But I know once I transfer, I'll likely be one of the less intelligent students at UM considering my GPA/scores in high school were below average.
Some of my professors have been very incompetent (except for math and science) and have taught NOTHING useful that pertains to the subject. For example, I remember one professor teaching C++ and he made several syntax errors, didn't describe how things worked, and really confused my peers and I. So instead, I just read tutorials online and made my own projects outside of class (most classes weren't time-consuming, so there wasn't a problem making time for this).
So will any of my experiences above stay the same even after I transfer? How are UM classes like in comparison? Have most of your classes at UM felt interesting or boring? How were your professors? How’s the workload or competition for grades?
It’s an order of magnitude difference, also because you will be in upper level classes. Workloads will be much greater. On the good side there are lots of resources for help ; department labs, office hours, forums, other students. There is a lot of team work too.
Many students at UMich went to WCC to take the Physics 2 in the summer as it is much easier there. That is one example of academic difference between the two.
I four pointed every class I ever tried at community college, half asleep, while multi-tasking. Many of the teachers were dreadful. (and a couple were exceptional).
At UMich you will be challenged with academic rigor that will leave you mumbling in a stupor…“wait…no…I’m a smart kid…I, um, I’m not supposed to feel this hopelessly overwhelmed. Why is EVERYONE smarter than me!!! Was I abducted by aliens? Who the hell are these people? I’m supposed to be smart, REALLY…I was…once”. LOL.
You may not have time to poop, let alone remember what your social life was like, or what it was like to sleep for six hours in a row. Five becomes a luxury.
On the plus side…the teachers are legendary. You will NEVER lack challenge and stimulation again, dear traveler! And there will be many many people to help you. Groups to join, office hours, people…fighting to survive. People who are traumatized by working harder than they’ve ever worked before to get the C+ necessary to keep going. LOL
Am I being dramatic? A little bit…but I assure you…UMich will test your metal in ways you never saw comin’