<p>My daughter got her CONGRATULATIONS letter from Brandeis and was very upset to read that it was to commence for the Spring 2011 semester instead of Fall 2010. The school tells students that they can work, study, or do whatever they want during the semester off. However, my daughter is concerned that she may not graduate in 3 1/2 years after starting (she has a lot of AP classes under her belt) and feels uncomfortable about this. What are the current thoughts on Mid Year acceptances at Brandeis? Brandeis will not consider her for Fall 2010.</p>
<p>Congratulations on your daughter’s Midyear acceptance!</p>
<p>The advantages to this situation are, I suppose, what you make of it - what will she do during the fall semester? She can accomplish something, go somewhere, get a job…there are many possibilities. </p>
<p>Graduating in 3.5 years, especially with AP classes, should be doable. The only exception, I would say, is if she plans on being pre-med or a science major because then it will be almost impossible to take on five classes at once (which might be necessary some semesters to make up for that lost semester…unless she’s using the AP credit, of course).</p>
<p>Here is some more information on the Midyear program that you might want to know. They have their own orientation in January before the other students return from winter break, and this helps them learn about the school and not be completely lost when they arrive. There is an activities fair at the beginning of spring semester and in general many groups will try to recruit them and get them involved. I know Midyears who have been here two months and are in a capella groups, activist/political clubs, are really involved in religious life, etc. I think they adapt fine; the current President of a large organization I’m involved in is now a senior but came in as a Midyear three years ago. That said, from what I’ve seen so far they tend to be a very tight-knit group. This year there were about 90 of them and they all live together away from the two “regular” First-Year dorms. I can definitely point to groups of students in the dining hall and recognize them as a Midyear group. While their close friends tend to be each other, they also branch out based on the activities they choose to do. I’ve met a couple of Midyears through clubs I’m in, and one of them is now my good friend.</p>
<p>Brandeis is a great place, so if your daughter is interested I think she should DEFINITELY consider the Midyear offer!</p>
<p>My daughter is interested in a pre-med track and has taken many AP science classes getting 4’s. How will this affect her ability to graduate in 3 1/2 years, especially if she plans to take classes at a local community college (where she hopes the credits will transfer) for the fall 2010 semester?</p>
<p>For pre-med, most students take the first semester of general chemistry during their first semester and many also take a math class. If she can fit math in at a later time or use AP credit, of course that’s fine. The issue is gen chem. The typical pre-med track at Brandeis, for students applying as seniors (not taking a glide year), is:</p>
<p>First Year: gen chem
Sophomore Year: biology and physics OR biology and organic chemistry, maybe electives
Junior Year: orgo OR physics, electives
Senior Year: some more electives</p>
<p>Here are some solutions to the issue of coming in mid-year:
- Get out of general chemistry using AP Chem credit if she has (Brandeis will accept 4’s for chemistry)
- Take the gen chem sequence over the summer between first year and sophomore year
- If the department head says it’s okay, start off the science sequence with second semester biology when she arrives (you can do that - first and second semester are independent of each other in biology). Sophomore year, double up on gen chem and first semester biology and take some electives. Junior year, take orgo and physics. This might work out but you would have to plan it out pretty well, possibly with an academic adviser.
- Use AP credit to get out of physics; take gen chem and bio together sophomore year and orgo junior year.</p>
<p>I would NOT suggest taking the first semester of gen chem at a community college because 1) while Brandeis will probably be willing to put her in second semester gen chem when she arrives, the credits will probably NOT transfer; and 2) she might find it overwhelming how much more difficult chemistry at Brandeis is. I think it’s a great idea for her to take classes at a community college for placement reasons or for fun but please note that Brandeis doesn’t tend to transfer these credits. A better bet might be a local state university if there’s one nearby.</p>
<p>Also, you should definitely propose this question to an undergraduate adviser or the head pre-health adviser (Judith Hudson). All their contact info are on Brandeis’ website.</p>
<p>Another option you might want to consider is to participate in the Summer School courses offered to midyears on the science track, at Brandeis:
[Midyear</a> Students « Home « Summer School « Brandeis University](<a href=“http://www.brandeis.edu/summer/my.php]Midyear”>http://www.brandeis.edu/summer/my.php)</p>