<p>My S, as an incoming science major,
Will be taking placement exams in Chemistry, Calculus, and Language.
My son ( and I totally agree) would rather be placed in a non-honors or non-advanced courses ( particularly in Language) regardless how well he performs on these exams. Can any student or parent shed some light on how these exams are used ( obviously if you perform poorly one would not be placed in an advanced course) ? The specific question is: if you perform well, are you forced into being placed into a more advanced course ( honors or upper level) so that you can be "challenged" ?</p>
<p>My son, who is a rising senior, a science major, and works in the admissions office, tells me that for Calc and Chem doing well in the placement tests give you the opportunity to take 100 level courses that are not the introductory courses, but you can choose to take the intro courses if you prefer. However, in languages there is definitely a push to take coursework at the level you test into, rather than at a lower level. He has heard of people who were shut out from the wait list for courses that were lower than what they had been placed into when the course was full.</p>
<p>Hope that helps - he’s here for a few weeks so if you have more questions I will drag more answers out of him for you!</p>
<p>Thank you very much! My son is considering Exercise science as a major and would possibly like to pursue a career in medicine. He must take a year of physics which is required by medical schools but not a requirement of Skidmore. We noticed that the physics at Skidmore is calculus based. Is it wise to take this course ( is it well taught) or would it be advisable to take a non-calculus based physics over the summer at another university? Thanks again.</p>
<p>OK, spoke to the source again. He’s only taken one physics class but is very good friends with a physic’s major. He thinks there is no reason to look elsewhere for physics classes as the department is very supportive and willing to work with students.</p>
<p>His perspective is that the entire department (with the possible exception of one professor who is a bit more traditional) will find ways to work around their students varying comfort levels with math. He particularly mentions Javier and Kendra as two professors (did I mention they call their professors by their first names? It makes my husband nuts!) who are extremely helpful. Kendra will be on sabbatical next year so if your son is planning to start his physics classes freshman year have him look for classes taught by Javier.</p>
<p>Thank you very much! My son would be taking physics as a sophomore or junior. Any insight as to which biology professors your child would recommend for general biology ( both semesters). You have been most helpful.</p>
<p>Apparently the professor who is named for the class is a lab professor - in the intro to Bio classes the lecture professor will rotate depending on the topic. So it’s really not that relevant which professor ostensibly is teaching the class, your son will get an introduction to the entire department.</p>
<p>Thanks again. All the information is greatly appreciated and very helpful. Best of luck to your son in all of his endeavors!</p>
<p>You’re more than welcome, thanks for your good wishes and best of luck to your son as well!</p>
<p>@carmen617… Could you, as a parent, shed some light regarding how grades are reported. I understand that your son can allow to have a copy of the end semester grades e-mailed to you. Are exam grades posted on a website or e-mailed during the semester? Just wouldn’t want an academic difficulty to get out of hand before its too late particularly as a freshman with all the new found freedom etc.</p>
<p>Well, interestingly I had never heard that there was a way for my son to allow me to see his end of semester grades. When I asked him about it, he said he didn’t know of any way either - the grades are posted in a student portal and, unless he gives you his log in information, you are totally dependent upon your child to communicate whatever is in there. I had his log in information for a short time one year when we were working through some financial aid issues, but the students are forced to change their passwords regularly so I lost access when his password was changed and never asked for it again.</p>
<p>Truthfully though, welcome to the rarely discussed (until you are there) paradox of college parenthood. You are 100% responsible for the college bills for your kid, period. Apart from that small inconsequential detail, your child is an adult and the college treats him as such. So any communication goes to the kid not to you, and it’s your job to extract it from him however you can. Bills, financial aid information, grades, disciplinary action - none of this is sent to you in the interests of maintaining your kid’s privacy as an adult. Cute, huh?</p>
<p>To answer your question regarding grades, during the term student test and paper scores are handed back to them in class, just like in high school. There is no official midterm, but classes often have a middle of the term exam that’s a bit of a biggy. And final grades, including the impact of the final exam, are reported on the the student portal account mentioned above. Separate final exam scores are not reported to students unless they specifically ask the professor, generally via email. </p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>Thank you Carmen617. Oh well I guess I’ll be exposed to to the perils of having a college student relying on him for his honesty and openness! Thanks for all the great info!</p>