Academically Challenging

<p>How challenging is Furman academically? I know it has a high acceptance rate, but is it a lot of work once you get in?</p>

<p>Like anywhere, it depends on what you are taking. I know someone at NCState who is not working hard and is in fact taking Bowling this semester. Another kid there is working his tail off in engineering.</p>

<p>Furman is on the unique trimester plan, sort of like Dartmouth's D plan. Shorter term, but you only take 3 classes instead of the normal 5.</p>

<p>Depending on what you take makes a big difference.</p>

<p>As a general rule, Furman students work hard, study hard and play hard.</p>

<p>There are exceptions even at Harvard.</p>

<p>50% is a high acceptance rate? Furman students self-select. 64% are top 10% in their graduating class. A's are not easy to come by. Small class sizes means you can't hide. No TA's. In general students are serious and very goal oriented.</p>

<p>D just arrived for her freshman year at FU. This is the last year for trimesters, so that's not really relevant for anyone looking at the school. Next year, they will be on the traditional semester system with a May-mester (similar to Rhodes). No grade inflation there ... president told us only a couple graduate with 4.0's in a given year. D's advisor encouraged her to take a class from a particular prof, but warned her that she needs to realize an A is hard to come by in his class ... but also that what she learns is far more important than the letter grade. I happen to agree with that.</p>

<p>Like at any school, some will be brilliant and some will just put in their time. Because the required curriculum covers several different disciplines, some students may find that they must take classes out of their comfort zones ... and they may struggle as a result ... if you don't want that, don't look for a liberal arts school. I can't imagine my engineer H & friends would have wanted to attend a liberal arts school!</p>

<p>I am impressed with the campus, the staff & faculty, and the students. College is not "easy" --- if it is, you are wasting your money. If you like a certain school & you are accepted, you can handle the workload. If you don't want to work, though, save your money & go to a school that costs your parents less!</p>