<p>All of the replies have been enlightening, yet I could do with some examples of actual application, especially in the sciences as a sophomore. Assume that the student is as intelligent and able as any other at Brown, but perhaps not a "natural" wiz-kid type in the sciences. Assume further that she is willing to do all of the work it takes to rise to that level of knowledge and understanding. Assume further that so far the student is a solid "B" student at Brown. Just what does it take someone such as that to absorb the science information, and then apply it, to achieve an "A"? For example, library time; how much? Class notes: what's your routine with them? Are there study groups? Do other students actually use tutors? Do students borrow class notes and past tests from friends?<br>
What makes the difference?
Thanks, as always.</p>
<p>Library time?</p>
<p>So what, you are the parent of a sophmore trying to find tips on collegeconfidential to make your kid get A's? That's kind of messed up, sorry.</p>
<p>I just barely managed to get an A in orgo last spring. I guess you could say that I'm not one of the wiz-kid types in the sciences. It took tons of library time, several days a week for hours at at time, and everyday for about a week leading up to an exam. In terms of notes, I wrote down everything that was talked about in lecture and then reviewed the notes as soon as I could after class to make sure I understood everything. There were some study groups as well as help sessions offered by the professors, but I didn't take advantage of either. Past exams were made available online, which I believe is common practice for several other science courses at Brown. So basically, for me, it took a lot of time in the library going over notes, the textbook, and past exams.</p>
<p>Thanks, J/C. It's reassuring to learn that your perseverance and determination paid off. Good luck with the rest of your studies.</p>
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<p>The beauty there is that the student is not forced to take a science because of the open curriculum, so why worry about it?</p>
<p>Because his kid is probably pre-med?</p>
<p>. . .Then why go pre-med if you know you're going to have a difficult time with it? None of this makes any sense to me.</p>
<p>Eliptica, I apologize if I didn't make myself clear before. Although my child is not one who has a perfect affinity with the physical sciences, she has the passion and drive to pursue that discipline. As such, some of the subject matter will be a challenge, which I consider a positive rather than a negative. I hope she is challenged and caused to re-think assumptions and old modes of thinking. I trust she will struggle, just as climbers strive to top Mt. Everest. It's difficult for sure; but they wouldn't have it anyother way.</p>