How hard is it transitioning to the quarter system from semester system? Is it really that fast paced is it hard getting used too?
My son considered WPI in MA which is on the quarter system. Classes last for 7 weeks and then is done. They only cover three classes during this time. So they cover 12 classes a year instead of the normal 10 classes a year.
We too questioned whether or not the accelerated pace would be problematic with STEM classes since they tend to build on each other. From all the students we spoke to on campus, it was not a problem. You just need to stay up on top of it. Many in fact liked it because the classes ended so quickly. Today’s kids get bored easier and are not able to think for long periods of time. They thrive on the quick pace.
The WPI scheme is not the norm for quarter system schools. At other schools the quarter consists of 10 weeks of classes and a week of exams followed by a one week break.
You need to have really good discipline in time management-balancing all of your activities. It can be done. You get 10 weeks to prove yourself with tests and knowledge of the material.
It means that a sequence of courses will be divided differently. E.g. 30 weeks’ worth of material will be in three 10-week quarters instead of two 15-week semesters. Splitting sequences across semester and quarter system schools may be problematic because the breaks are not in the same places.
@“aunt bea” and @ucbalumnus " I am just was curious because the quarter lecture times are not necessarily longer when compared to my current lecture times. So i was wondering how they even fit that much information into 10 weeks.
@ucbalumnus The only sequenced being split is my chemistry sequence I would be taking general chem at my community college and orangic chemistry at my transfer school. All my maths would be done.