<p>Hi! I have a few probably really stupid questions, but here I go.
I was accepted to LS&A for the Fall 2011 term, and looking through the course guide, I'm seeing that a lot of really interesting classes are only RC offered ones. Do you have to be in the Residential College to take those? I'm assuming you do but I'm just not really sure.
Also, the RC has sent me a couple e-mails to consider joining, and I was just wondering what it's advantages or disadvantages are? I am completely Undecided on my major, and I initially didn't really consider it because it is so Literature and Language based. I guess I just need someone to tell me a little more about it, because I'm not very familiar with it.
Thank you so much! :)</p>
<p>My D is a junior in the RC. She is a double major (LSA and RC) and is so happy with the program. The classes are small and the professors are outstanding. One nice thing has been that she has had multiple classes with the same professors, which has given her the opportunity to develop strong relationships…a real plus when she has needed letters of recommendation. </p>
<p>It’s true the RC is not for everyone. There is a very strong language component, which can be a major part of your schedule your first 2 years (depending whether you can test to proficiency with a language you may have already taken in HS). But the language requirement was a positive for my D, who decided to start fresh with a new language when she got to college. The time requirements are intense, but also serve to bond with your classmates and profs. There are also some nice perks, like access to fellowships and other opportunities to study your language abroad.</p>
<p>One of the other great things about being in the RC is you will be living in East Quad on Central Campus…great location. The dorm itself is okay, but what is nice for the RC students is that your RC classes will be held in the same building you live in…very nice in the winter. The RC courses are even better than their descriptions in the course catalog. I’m not sure if you have to be in the RC to take them, I know there were some engineering students in her language classes, but am not sure if other students have been in other courses. I know you must be in the RC to take the RC First Year required course there. </p>
<p>Hope this helps. If you have further questions, I’ll pass them on to my D.</p>