Distribution Requirements at Duke

<p>So say we earn 5s on AP Chem, bio, BC Calc, English language, and other similar courses. Do we have to use the credits and start taking harder courses, or can we retake them all (introductory classes even though we did well on AP's). In other words, can we not use our AP credits?</p>

<p>You can retake classes that you've already placed out of with AP's. Word of caution though, college classes will be tougher than AP classes. I had AP credit for BC Calc and thought I knew it really well but decided to take it here as well freshman year just as a refresher. That ended up being my worst grade at Duke.</p>

<p>Hm... If a class can double count, can it triple count? For example if a certain class can count towards Econ, PP, and M&M? (Lol. That would be killing 4 birds with 1 stone.)</p>

<p>The problem is that certificates are annoyingly set up. A class certainly could double count towards Econ/PPS, but certificates explicitly place limits on the overlap with a major. Majors are fine; minors are fine; those are very cooperative. Certificates, however, are very annoying in this regard. You can take all the coursework, but if it happens to be in your major, they'll deny you the certificate.</p>

<p>This is one of the most annoying things about Duke, in my opinion.</p>

<p>Personally, I'd say that Duke is very flexible. You need 34 to graduate (that includes all the ALP... CZ... and what not). You have 4 years x 2 semesters x 4 classes (assuming no overloading) = 32 credits. So all you need to do is come in with 2 AP credits (which it seems like everyone on CC has) and you're set with a normal semester every year assuming you don't mess up your plan horribly. Although it might seem daunting, the people at Duke make it very reasonable, and there are advisors (sometimes more than one) each step of the way to make sure you don't need 7 classes the last semester to graduate.</p>

<p>Oh and a quick thing for those of you who want to double major as an engineer (not just dual):
I first thought it migh be really hard, but with enough AP credits (msg me for details), its definitely possible with only overloading in 2-3 semesters. I'm going for BME/Econ/Premed and so far it doesn't look like its going to be killer. So if this is your thing, go for it!</p>

<p>My impression is that if you're an engineer of any kind, engineering has to be your first major. That would mean that you fall under Pratt, not Trinity's, distribution requirements, which are substantially easier to fill.</p>

<p>True - anyone going for a degree in engineering has to be in Pratt. The two Pratt-run programs that Trinity students can engage with are the International Honors Program (Miguel Medina in Civil) and the Architecture Certificate (Chris Brasier in Civil). Anyone wanting a major in engineering must be going for the BSE but can satisfy the major, minor, or certificate program requirements in Trinity, Nicholas, or eventually Sanford.</p>

<p>Requirements aren't a big deal for A&S. The chances are you will want to take a variety of courses in your first two years to get an idea what you want to major in anyway (often not the same as your original intended major). Most classes will have requirements and as long as you make sure you get at least a little science, math, lit, foreign language, etc. you will be fine - just try to diversify your courses in the beginning and the requirements generally take care of themselves. </p>

<p>If you are doing a single major there will be plenty of time to make up any extra requirements you still have in your last year or two so it's not a big deal at all. For a double major you might want to be more careful from the start. Also as someone else said you have advisors (pre-major and then a prof. in your major) who will help you with scheduling to make sure there are no problems.</p>

<p>Duke limits to 2 majors and a minor/certificate right? So even if you have the required classes for, let's say, another minor - you can't receive it?</p>

<p>Bumping. Anyone?</p>

<p>1.) Duke limits you to no more than two majors
2.) Duke limits you to no more than three "things"
3.) You are permitted to tell employers and such that you completed the coursework for a "Minor Equivalent" or a "Major Equivalent", and then upon questioning explain to them exactly what that means.
4.) In practice, it would be pretty hard to fulfill anyway, especially given the annoyances that are placed on certificates.
5.) This is Trinity only. Pratt students are allowed to complete whatever they can complete (right?).</p>

<p>This might be a dumb question but if I have one 4 on an AP exam, does that count as a B at Duke transcript?</p>

<p>btw, I am going to Pratt.</p>

<p>What? No. It's counted as an "AP".</p>

<p>BDM - correct - that is Trinity only. Pratt folks can do whatever they can in Pratt and Trinity though, again, the logistics generally puts a "cap" at about three majors. Just remember - you <em>only</em> get one degree no matter what you do.</p>

<p>Oregon kid - generally the only time there is a difference between a 4 and a 5 is with the occasional placement in the next class (for example, in German). The whole Pratt table is on</a> the policies page.</p>

<p>Also, be sure to meet Dr. Laursen - he's from Oregon too.</p>

<p>Sorry if this has been addressed already, but: say that someone got 5s on 10 AP exams...how many of those 5s could be applied to Duke course placement? (ie, is there a limit to the number of classes you can place out of with 5s?)</p>

<p>Nevermind, just found the answer to my question on this thread. Ignore it. Thanks bluedevilmike.</p>

<p>
[quote]
is there a limit

[/quote]
No, although the number might of course be more or less than ten, depending on what Duke has decided to let you place out of in the specific situations.</p>

<p>Again, they only give you two "credits", but they'll allow you to place into higher courses.</p>

<p>^Ahem. "They" = TRINITY. (Yes, I am on a campaign to make sure it is clear that Duke is one thing, and Trinity and Pratt are two parts of it with different requirements, permissions, etc.)</p>

<p>Sorry... point well taken.</p>