<p>hey guys. I have a few questions about skidmore.
1. Is there any grade inflation or deflation at skidmore? Do any professors grade on bell curves or anything similar? Is there a lot of competition between students?
2. How hard are the academics? How many hours do you study on an avg day? How helpful/interesting are the professors?
3. Is it true many classes are small? What is the largest class you have been in? Do professors make class participation heavily weighted in grading?
4. How diverse are the students? Are the students friendly and open?
5. How is the food at skidmore? Is there plenty of variety in food?
6. How comfortable are the dorms? Are the rooms/bathrooms well maintained?
7. How are the gym/workout facilities?
8. What are some fun things to do on campus?
9. In your opinion, whats the worst thing about skidmore?</p>
<p>Thanks a lot.</p>
<p>I would love answers to some of those questions too. That'd be great. I'm going to the open house on Monday though, where hopefully I'll find out some info to share with you all too.</p>
<p>An alum with some responses (just my opinion, therefore):</p>
<ol>
<li>Is there any grade inflation or deflation at skidmore? Do any professors grade on bell curves or anything similar? Is there a lot of competition between students?
-No, there is no grade inflation/deflation to my knowledge. The environment is not terribly competitive, no, but the academics can be challenging and course load heavy (particularly if you are in the honors program.)</li>
<li>How hard are the academics? How many hours do you study on an avg day? How helpful/interesting are the professors?
-Depends on the area of interest, of course, but the course load can be pretty significant (and verge on extreme in some cases.) 4 hours, on average? The professors are, by far, one of the College's greatest strengths. They are not only accessible and interesting, but truly participatory in the students' lives.</li>
<li>Is it true many classes are small? What is the largest class you have been in? Do professors make class participation heavily weighted in grading?
-The largest class was about 60 students, which was a science class my freshman year. On average, I would expect 16-20 students. So, yes, quite small/intimate.</li>
<li>How diverse are the students? Are the students friendly and open?
-The students are very open and friendly-no doubt. As for "diverse", that is a relative question. Most kids are white, come from prep/boarding schools and/or some affluence, so not tons of diversity in the actual demographic. However, it is certainly not a cookie cutter environment and many students are happy doing their own thing. </li>
<li>How is the food at skidmore? Is there plenty of variety in food?
-Tons of food. Give it a solid B.</li>
<li>How comfortable are the dorms? Are the rooms/bathrooms well maintained?
-Amazing dorms, but the tubs could use a little more bleach :)</li>
<li>How are the gym/workout facilities?
-Excellent.</li>
<li>What are some fun things to do on campus?
-Dorm parties, live music at the coffee house, great theater/arts, etc.</li>
<li>In your opinion, whats the worst thing about skidmore?
-Saratoga offers a pretty brutal winter. But, I love to ski...so it weighs out.
Thanks a lot.
PhatCatman21 is offline</li>
</ol>