<p>I would like to ask any current Ephs for some advice about course load/place-
ment in the sciences. In a way, the question is how much is too much? ....
though I understand that the answer would vary with the individual and that the question might be, in any case, overly broad. Nonetheless, maybe I could break it down:
1)In math they tell you to enroll in the most advanced course for which you are qualified. OK, fine.... then it's 106.
2)In Biology a 5AP/800 Subj. Test would seem to indicate "skipping" 101/102, but is this really a good idea?... straight to something like Genetics without the Williams grounding of Cell and Organism?
3)In Chem. the same #'s would seem to put you in 155 (w./156 in the spring anyway)... which is alright since you're not skipping anything.
4)Physics would look like 151.
5)And that would make 3 science courses with a 10 hour lab total in the fall. A lot, I would think.... but what I don't know is how common is this? Or is it kind of necessary to get on to the higher levels sophomore year? Might it be better to hold off, say, Physics until 2nd year and do a Philosophy first sem.? I don't know..... any help is much appreciated.</p>
<p>I'm not a current student, but the parent of one, so I'll answer to give you some idea since the Ephs are in the middle of classes/work, etc.</p>
<p>Your idea about math sounds right. In the sciences, some (if not all ) of the departments give their own tests for placement during pre-semester orientation days. I've heard that Bio is very demanding, and that it's not an especially good idea to place out -- and that permission to do so is rarely given. I'm not at all sure about Chem, but your supposition about Physics also sounds right -- in combination with your scores and department exam. You're restricted to no more than two lab courses per semester, if they will fit into your schedule. Some students who feel sure that they will be math/science majors take classes in other departments as first-years and end up finding other subjects they fall in love with, and consider as a different or second major. Then again, there are the two writing-intensive, one "People and Cultures" (non-Western) and total of six "other" (than your major) divisional requirements that need to be satisfied, so it's best to get a start on those in your first year. A major isn't declared till second semester sophomore year.</p>
<p>Unless you're gonna triple major in physics, chem, and bio, I wouldn't try to do them all in your freshman fall (and if you are planning on a triple major, you're insane). That's just asking for burnout. Pick one or two that you know you want to do, and fill out the rest of your schedule with arts/humanities/social sciences. The whole purpose of a liberal arts education is to broaden your horizons; if you just want to kill yourself studying math/science you might as well go to MIT.</p>
<p>Yeah, that. I would definitely advise agains more than one lab course. Take some non-science/math oriented courses you might find interesting. Williams has alot to offer besides sciences. And you only need at most 10 or so courses in any one department to get a major in it, so you definitely have time to take some classes that you might not have thought about previously.</p>
<p>Just to restate the sentiments above-- please, don't consider specializing so quickly and so heavily. It's a huge mistake; Williams has far too many courses and departments that one can really only explore freshman/sophomore year for you to narrow your sights on just the lab sciences from the get-go. Moreover, I would point out that even just one lab session a week is a significant commitment when one considers that the standard weekly course-time amounts to about 10 hours of class a week without any labs or intro language classes. Taking two lab sciences freshman year is just asking for trouble.</p>
<p>Also, don't forget other things you're probably going to want to be doing, such as athletics, clubs, or spending time with friends.</p>
<p>wow...... this is very, very helpful information. Thanks guys, so many good points. I guess such thoughtful and instructive responses exemplify a part of what must make Williams such a wonderful place to be ...........</p>