<p>For those who just started at WashU, I was wondering how everything was going. Is it what you expected? Any surprises? Disappointments?</p>
<p>D just started. Already in the throes of agonizing whether BME is the program for her and whether if she does BME she'll also be able to "enjoy" her college experience (i.e., have time to do anything besides studying). Otherwise, she is getting involved with floor & dorm events, glad classes finally started, making some friends, etc.</p>
<p>I'm a bme frosh. It's pretty much awesome.</p>
<p>Better than I expected too- I'm really loving my classes (well, what they seem like they'll be) so far.</p>
<p>How'd you feel specifically about the BME 140 class yesterday? My D felt that a lot of it was over her head - guess the prof started whipping through some proofs or something that she wasn't quite prepared for.</p>
<p>Well, my peer advisor said the proof would be more difficult than most of the stuff we'd do later on in the class. But I think if you have a strong calculus background, you'll be fine. I took AP Calculus BC last year, and I was able to follow the proof. You also have to realize that everyone else is in the same boat.</p>
<p>^Same (but AB).<br>
I was actually able to follow most of the lecture. I didn't think there was that much over my head other than some parts of the second proof.</p>
<p>Then again, I haven't even looked at the homework yet...</p>
<p>My d is lovin' it. Some of the guys in her (old) dorm decided to make the bathrooms coed, but that was quickly stopped. Her schedule was messed up, but everybody was really helpful, and really on top of it - very responsive.</p>
<p>We were very impressed at the parent' activities. The only minor complaint I have is, why did they schedule the chancellor's meet n greet at the same time as the fin aid meeting ?</p>
<p>So far she's off to a good start !!</p>
<p>
why did they schedule the chancellor's meet n greet at the same time as the fin aid meeting ?
I think the financial assistance meeting (at Graham Chapel) was more directed towards the students than the parents.</p>
<p>I do agree with NEMom2, </p>
<p>I am sure it was unintended, but the net effect was tacky. I agree it was directed at students, but the fact is it was listed on Parent's schedules as "required" attendance. So, it looked like the Chancellor only wanted to meet with families paying full price. I am certain that intent is not correct, but it happened nevertheless.</p>
<p>
So, it looked like the Chancellor only wanted to meet with families paying full price.
That's quite the cynical conclusion, and I'm sure that was never intended to be implied ;/</p>
<p>The Fin Aid meeting was required for students (at least those on work study) - optional for parents. But the reality is, as freshman parents, you can be sure that we were at the Fin Aid mtg. Judging by the looks of it, most kids at this mtg had parents with them. In patricular, work study details were explained. My d will be working while attending college, and making some big adjustments - I wanted to hear what they had to say. Even though parents were not required to be there, the reality is that it is a huge financial committment -- and I need all the info I can get.</p>
<p>HartinGA - Actually, we made very cynical jokes about exactly what you said - only the full pay parents get to meet the chancellor. I am sure that was not the impression they INTENDED to give, but it was an inevitable segue. We just thought it was incongruous that they could make such an obvious mistake, when everything else was really excellent.</p>
<p>srunni, if you read my post carefully, you will see that I agree it was not the message they intended. But it happened that way nonetheless. The aid parents were shuttled to one location while the others went to have a little party with the Chancellor. You can't change what actually happened. They just need to do better next time, and if we don't point it out, how will they know? It is a classy place and we feel very comfortable there. We all mess up every now and then.</p>
<p>And as for required or not, the below is the verbatim extract from the pdf version of the parent's schedule (not the student's):</p>
<p>5:00PM – 6:30PM
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE /FEDERAL WORK -STUDY MEETING
This meeting is REQUIRED for all financial assistance recipients, including those receiving Federal Work-Study Awards.
Other interested persons may also attend.
Graham Chapel</p>