<p>Would someone tell me what a typical first year course load contains?</p>
<p>Sure, here’s a typical first semester schedule:</p>
<p>Calculus (1st quarter) and linear algebra (2nd)
Special relativity and quantum mechanics
General chemistry w/ lab
Intro to computer science
Some kind of humanities course
Some kind of PE class (usually)
Sometimes a small elective (there’s usually no room for a big one)</p>
<p>Thanks - that’s really helpful. I assume there’s no ‘testing out’ because all the students at HMC must have taken AP Calc and AP Comp Sci. Is that right?</p>
<p>That’s right. Although there are some kids who test out (there are placement tests they can take), someone with AP Calculus is unlikely to test out. For the Intro Computer Science class, I recall that there were two levels for that class depending upon the experience level.</p>
<p>Thanks for the info. Also, I was wondering, do you know anyone who turned down MIT to go to Harvey Mudd?</p>
<p>I remember that at the reception for admitted students in our area, at least one of the kids mentioned turning down MIT (this wasn’t bragging, he was explaining his own decision process to my son who had not yet made his mind up where to go). I am sure that there are others out there. This group was fairly small, maybe 15 kids. If you extrapolate that over the whole school of 800 … (Son has to do the math, not me) :-)</p>
<p>Actually, there is quite a bit of opportunity to place out. Most students do not, but we had optional placement tests all throughout orientation for chemistry, many math courses, and physics. We were also given the chance to choose our CS class based on our background, with the option to place out of the intro classes, and we’ll have a bio placement exam later on. So there are definite opportunities, just there aren’t a lot of people that can pass the tests.</p>
<p>It’s possible to place out of Math, Chemistry, CS, Biology (usually taken in Spring) and Physics (the mechanics course offered in Spring)</p>
<p>MATH: AP Calc wouldn’t be sufficient to place out of Math 11M because that class covers some multivariable. College-level linear algebra (or equivalent HS class) would be sufficient for Math 12. Lots of people placed into higher-level math classes.</p>
<p>CHEMISTRY: About 5 people placed out of Chem 21 (Intro Chem I), but very few people place out of Chem 22 (Intro Chem II). It’s near impossible to place out of Chem 25 (Intro Chem Lab I) without both a college transcript and supporting documentation (e.g. laboratory notebook).</p>
<p>CS: Placement is based on answers to a survey on previous CS experience.</p>
<p>PHYSICS: Noone placed out of Physics 23 cuz it’s just something that few HSers would cover. Placement out of Physics 24 (Spring; Mechanics) is based on placement test. I think it covers a little more than Physics C. </p>
<p>In general, to place out: Provide transcript or take placement test. If you genuinely have the experience, the professors will be very happy to let you take a higher level course.</p>
<p>waitttt, am I totally screwed if I haven’t taken AP Computer Science?? My school doesn’t offer it. 
</p>
<p>Also, if I get in am I going to be considered stupid there? I’ll have only completed BC by the time I get there… Do you need 5s on the APs to pass out? Can you get AP credit for stuff like Psychology and Literature?</p>
<p>Thanks. : )</p>
<p>Dont worry. You don’t need to have taken AP Computer Science. My son’s school didn’t have it either. HMC doesn’t give credit for any AP, regardless of the score. To place out, you have to take the Harvey Mudd placement test. One thing that a good AP score may get you on the humanities side, however, is that they may let you skip the intro class and go on to a higher level without the prerequisite. My son did that. You have to get the permission of the professor.</p>
<p>Will I be considered really stupid there going in with only completing AP Calc BC? I want to be an Engineering major not a math major…</p>
<p>^Thanks for the information! : )</p>
<p>“Will I be considered really stupid there going in with only completing AP Calc BC? I want to be an Engineering major not a math major…”</p>
<p>I only got to BC Calc in HS. I struggled with Mudd Math a bit but got through and graduated. Funny thing is that when you go out into the workplace, being “mediocre” at Mudd math means you are a “genius” in the engineering/science industries.</p>
<p>rocketDA - everything depends on the frame of reference!</p>
<p>I only did Calc AB in high school.</p>
<p>Seiken, what year are you at mudd?</p>
<p>Run, run from Harvey Mudd. My child is a freshman and I think he will flunk out. He studies nonstop. Many students went to much better high schools than he did. He was a 3.99 students good scores, but an inner city high school did not prepare. The professors could care less. I have been crying nonstop. He turned down many full scholarships to go to Mudd. Now his life will be ruined and he will never graduate college.</p>
<p>“The professors could care less. I have been crying nonstop. He turned down many full scholarships to go to Mudd. Now his life will be ruined and he will never graduate college.”</p>
<p>Quite a sad story. Has he been talking to his professors and the college staff? The Dean of Academic Affairs may have some good advice. She is quite a nice lady.</p>
<p>BicoastalMamma don’t dispair. Give it some time. All the freshmen work like dogs (the workload is really heavy), and it can be overwhelming in the beginning. There is lots of support from other students and tutors, etc. Your son should talk to them and to the Dean like RocketDA suggests if he is feeling overwhelmed. There are others in the same boat. </p>
<p>Not all the students there went to super math and science magnet schools. My son didn’t. There is a reason that first semester is pass/fail. It gives the students time to find their way. And there is no grade inflation, so what may seem like a low grade to someone used to getting high marks all the time, turns out to be an ok grade at Harvey Mudd. (The joke I heard was “D is for done.”)</p>
<p>“F” is not for fine. He is working nonstop, but he does not have the background you need for this school. When he flunks out, no one will let him in somewhere else. Assuming he has not died first from overwork and lack of sleep. When H1N1 hits, his immune system will probably be wasted. He gave up several full scholarship for this mess. Don’t let your child go to Harvey Mudd unless your child is ready to teach college physics and calculus.</p>
<p>I think if you have a passion for math and science, that this is all the prep you really need. My son was could not have taught college level math and physics as a freshman, and he is doing fine. The admission folks are pretty good at figuring out who they think will succeed. There are lots of resources for kids who don’t have the background some of the kids have.</p>