<p>Okay, so here is my situation (sorry, this is kind of a long post): I've been accepted to Michigan and I've signed up to be in the residential college. I've also recieved a letter confirming my placement in the RC. But here's the problem... I know absolutely nothing about the RC!!! (okay, not absolutely nothing because the little that I did know about it sounded appealing when I applied) Anyway, I kind of applied to it on whim (yeah.. I know.. that is kind of a stupid thing to do..). So, here are the few things that I know about the RC that sound appealing:
1. I've heard that East quat is a nice place to live
2. It has nice opportunities for people interested in the arts (I play the violin, but I don't intend on majoring in it).
3. Small class sizes (a major advantage when it comes to getting to know your professors... recommendations, etc...)
Now, the problem is that I keep hearing bad things about the RC. For example, "everyone" is artsy or left-winged. This didn't really seem like a huge issue for me at first because I am pretty open-minded and not really judgemental (at least I hope I'm not!). However, I recently visited the university on my own (not on a campus tour or event) and asked a student in East quad what he thought of the RC (he looked pretty average and like someone I would hang out with). He said that he hated it!! He said that all of the people were nice, but that he felt awkward sometimes because everyone was so different from him. Now I'm really beginning to question my decision of enrolling in the RC. I kind of wish that I had asked that guy about the academics (the most important part, right?!?), but I was kind of shocked when he said he hated the RC that I forgot. So here are a few question for anyone who is in or knows anything about the RC:
1. Are the people really that left-winged? If they are, is it really that big of a deal??
2. How are the academics? (How are RC academics different from regular LSA?)
3. Are the classes so small to the point of it being too personal?
4. What kinds of musical opportunities are offered?
5. (really random question...) Which language program is better- continuing Korean or beginning Mandarin Chinese??
Thanks so much for everyone who spent the time to read my long post!!! Any fellow '10 RC's out there??? See you at Michigan!!!</p>
<p>I'm going to answer your questions, but I'm effing busy. I'm and RC student right now, and I know quite a bit about the program. If you want, hit me up on AIM, it works better for me.</p>
<p>KB</p>
<ol>
<li>Are the people really that left-winged? If they are, is it really that big of a deal??</li>
<li>How are the academics? (How are RC academics different from regular LSA?)</li>
<li>Are the classes so small to the point of it being too personal?</li>
<li>What kinds of musical opportunities are offered?</li>
<li>(really random question...) Which language program is better- continuing Korean or beginning Mandarin Chinese??
Thanks so much for everyone who spent the time to read my long post!!! Any fellow '10 RC's out there??? See you at Michigan!!!</li>
</ol>
<p>I graduated from the RC.
1. Yes, it really is that liberal. You certainly won't be hated if you aren't liberal, but expect to get in intellectual debates about it. It's liberal becuase that is at the very core of its ideals. It was founded in the 60s, if that helps.
2. The acedemics are good. The classes are smaller than LSA, and warmer. You know the people in them.
3. The classes are really small, but it's never been a problem for me. The smaller they are, the less formal, and it's more like hanging out with a really smart grown up than being lectured by a professor.
4. Not sure about music, but a lot of people I know took African Drumming (not sure if its still offered).
5. Both those languages will have to be taken through LSA, but I think mandarin is a strong program. I know nothing about Korean though.</p>
<p>If you decide you hate it, you can always drop out and still be in "regular" LSA. Your first year will be partially taking care of requirements anyway, so you won't have wasted any time if you do decide to drop out. </p>
<p>Let me clarify that; if you take an RC language, your first year will be almost ALL requirements.</p>
<p>Ok...I swear I'm going to answer all these questions...but it may be a while. This is the last full week of classes, and things are hectic. Patience!!
KB</p>
<p>well...i was going to type a new post, but I think he answered the questions fairly well. I will just add that you can fufill the RC language req. w/ LSA language credits. But, if you take RC language, be prepared...they are INTENSIVE...so only take a class if you WANT to learn the language.</p>
<p>KB</p>
<p>UMGrad and KB:
Thanks so much for the helpful replies. I recently visited UM again and talked to some people in the RC... and I've decided that I'm going to do it! Hopefully everything goes well. !!!!!</p>
<p>YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</p>
<p>I'll probably see you at your orientation, so if you have more questions, feel free to ask me in person.</p>
<p>KB</p>
<p>Hey, kb, here's a question:</p>
<p>Can LSA kids take RC courses (specifically: language)?</p>
<p>mmm...not really. It is possible, but its very difficult, and you'd basically have to wait until classes start before you could register.</p>
<p>damn, oh well, thanks for the info.</p>
<p>umich '10 yay!</p>
<p>I'm so glad you're going to be in the RC. I am in it as well. I am a sophomore. As for really liberal...mm I don't think so. I have a friend who's int he RC. He's a conservative actually. Very Conservative. But it makes life fun because you get into intellectual debates that are friendly but stimulating. It's a good way to open yourself up to new things.</p>
<p>The class sizes are great for getting to know teachers and I agree with the other person who said that the samller they are the less formal. Like hanging out with an educated grown up!</p>
<p>Music! Ah! There are RC ensembles that you can join as well as a choir class. I know the RC ensembles go to different places and play for people so it's really nice. </p>
<p>Other good things are studio arts classes and things like that that you don't have to be a major int he arts to get into. Really cool!</p>
<p>I hope you like the RC!</p>
<p>As for mandarin, it's in the LSA. I took it my frist year. I know the teacher ( there's only one). She is Awesome! She's old and kind of set in her ways, but it provides a very structured class and she's very clear about what she expects from students so you're never left wondering what to study for a test or quiz. It's a challenging language but I love it! So go for it!</p>