Quarter Vs. Semester

<p>I guess it's a matter of preference, but one would assume that a person would have to experience both sides to even have a preference, but hey its college confidential.</p>

<p>Tensighs,
Is it true that the average class load at NU is 4 classes per quarter? If this is the case, most students take 12 courses in 1 academic year (3 quarters). Is this the norm compared to other quarter programs nationwide?</p>

<p>Hopeful, most students take 3-4 classes a quarter at Northwestern. Most students may only take 9 classes a year while others make take up to 12 courses a year. Some brave souls may overload themselves and have more than 12 total courses that year. Since you need to graduate with 42 - 48 credits depending upon your degree program, it's recommendable to take four every quarter so you can finish early and on time.</p>

<p>I was on both the semester and quarter system. I hated the semester system but I love the quarter system. It all a matter of preference, and people who state it is a fact that the semester system is better, are stupid.</p>

<p>I am not going to start arguing with anyone, this is my personal opinion from my experience. I am now finishing up my second quarter in ucla as a science major, who transferred from a community college. Sadly, I am not doing too well because I was not prepared for the degree of difficulty. I got by in high school and cc with all As and Bs, even though I have a genetic disorder which does not allow me to stress too much or let my immune system get too low (if these things happen I get really really sick and have to stay in bed for two-three days on painkillers). Anyway, I was expecting ucla to be tough, and initially I thought the subjects were easy to comprehend, but I am the type of student who does ALL the end of the chapter problems and tries to learn everything from the notes and even the textbook (even if its not required), so it takes me longer than a lot of people to fully understand and prepare for exams. I found the quarter system to be very very difficult when I started ucla because I was not used to it at all (got sick like 5 times and missed a lot of school days), as much as I was working, I was ALWAYS one or two days behind in being completely ready for the exams. I coasted through high school/cc (both semester systems) by having teachers/professors who didn’t give a damn, and did not develop any of the discipline and study habits required to do well in a top tier university such as ucla. It is true that a quarter/semester system really depends from person to person, but honestly people who had bad teachers/professors in hs and cc,(which is most of the time in the US public school system, sadly) who didn’t take the time to instill these qualities in their students + when you’re used to the semester system for such a long period of time, when you start ucla, you get screwed. I know people are going to say that I just need to adjust, but I know a lot of transfers right now who are really suffering because they’re busting their asses and no results. In a semester system, you get alot more time to do stuff, whether is studying, trying to stay healthy both physically and mentally, and doing stuff on the side, like working, etc. but on the quarter system I honestly did nothing but study, which gets depressing after a while. Week 3 midterm, week 4, midterm, week 5 midterm, 7 midterm, 8 midterm, 10 midterm, week 11 finals. I spend more time preparing for midterms by cramming than actually learning, which I think is what a lot of students do. For those of you who think that the semester system is way to long/boring, then you are more gifted than the rest of us, so you can always take more classes per semester so it can be a challenge (knew a guy who took 26 units). I just wanted to express my opinion and get some feedback, whether its positive or negative. I have made a lot of mistakes in the first two quarters i am just realizing, and have made a list of things that i need to improve on/change.</p>

<p>I personally prefer the semester system. I like that it gives you more time to learn a subject. The quarter system just seems to rushed for me. Unfortunately all UCs except Berkeley and Merced run on the quarter system.</p>

<p>I myself before semesters over quarters. I guess that they have worked for me much better sense I started school again. They go by so fast at times though.</p>

<p>I can agree with that, It depends on the student I suppose. I myself have just been used to semesters sense going back to school.</p>

<p>I totally agree with you on that. It all depends on the person.</p>

<p>Yes I prefer the semester over quarter also. I have time to ask my instructors questions that I mite need to know to help me in my major.</p>

<p>It would depend on the college i’m guessing. The studnt would have to adapt to whatever they would need to do for there major. Some people like semesters, some like quarters. I prefer semesters</p>

<p>So, what do you think is best for you? If you are used to the semester schedule I would stick to it.</p>

<p>Having experienced both semester and quarter system. Quarter system is definitely the way to go. It goes by super quick, 10 weeks quick. All you have to do is keep up with the work and not fall completely behind. Semester system takes way too long, 18 weeks long. If you fail a class in a semester system, it’ll take you a whole academic year just to pass the class. Whereas a quarter system will be 20 weeks or equivalent to one semester system. The juice is worth the squeeze with the quarter system.</p>

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