<p>So, one thing that I constantly hear is the knock on UMDCP is that professors don't put a lot of time into their intro classes with 300 plus students. My question is, with TAs doing so much of the work, how hard is it to get As in classes like that?</p>
<p>It just depends. I had a couple of classes where the prof didn’t really do anything but lecture because the class was so big. The TA’s were the ones that actually taught us, answered our questions, prepared us for tests, graded all the papers, etc. I didn’t even know why the professor was there to be honest. For these classes it was pretty easy to get an A if you put in the work and studied.</p>
<p>I did have one class (econ201) where the TA’s weren’t even helpful because the discussions were huge just like the lectures were. Luckily this class is curved, but it was significantly harder to do well for me because we didn’t have that small discussion. I think these classes are the minority however.</p>
<p>If you need help, go look for it. Go to professors, TA’s, or tutors.(and nt at the last minute) This will help you significantly.</p>
<p>hth</p>
<p>Even if you don’t need help, go to office hours and introduce yourself early on in the semester. Make sure the professor and TA’s know you are a conscientious good student (if you plan to be one!). Go for help/clarification BEFORE exams. TA’s and professors are required to have office hours, and for most of the semester, never have anyone come see them. Your professor can/will know your name and it can make a big difference. My oldest daughter was a TA as an undergrad, and at the end of the semester when people may have been on the borderline between grades, those who attended classes, discussion sections, and made a point to seek out/meet the professor and the TA would always get the nod over someone who was completely anonymous (or who never showed up for discussions, slept during lectures, etc.) It can, and does, make a difference!</p>
<p>It depends on the subject more than anything else. I got As in classes that had 200+ students and Bs in classes with only 100 students.</p>