<p>The choice I have is between UW & Whitman. The cost of each is neutralized by a couple of scholarships I received from Whitman which actually makes Whitman less expensive than the UW.
I attended an "Admitted Student Reception" here in Seattle for Whitman and the talk turned to how rigorous Whitman is (like this is a good thing) but in my mind it sounded like just more busy work. To be honest I am totally burned out from taking IB in high school and the thought of being pushed to see how much I can take does not sound too good. What is meant by the word "rigorous"? Is it synonymous with engaging and interesting or more like a test of my work ethic?
I have heard so many good things about Whitman but the thought of more grueling meaningless assignments has me concerned.</p>
<p>What my daughter loves is the passionate discussion amongst the students in most of her classes. She came from a small alternative high school and would also have hated a college with “busy work”. She loves Whitman.</p>
<p>Thanks Kolijma,
I am thinking my definition of rigor might need some redefining as it could mean rigorous conversation and debate within classrooms. I guess it could also mean competitive rigor which could translate as working to get the grades so that I get the classes I want which might be more the case at UW.</p>
<p>Blitzzen. It might be helpful for you to understand that most of the people who post here are parents of Whitman students. For me, as a parent, I’m a little confused when I read your question because the difference between UW and Whitman is huge… they are very different environments. I don’t think that either school, however, assigns “busy work”.</p>
<p>I have a friend who is a college professor. Believe me, she has way to much to do to teach the subject and ensure that her students are learning what is needed to make more work for the students. Everything that you do, she has to grade.</p>
<p>Whitman is definitely NOT a busy-work kind of place. And while students work hard, they also play hard and seem to be very involved in activities outside the classroom. From my perspective (also a parent) it is the right kind of rigor and not one bit like any kind of high school.</p>
<p>Oops I didn’t know I was in the parent section but thanks for your replies.
I don’t know when any of you were last in High School but if any of you were doing the full international baccalaureate program the word rigor is more or less synonymous with hours of home work. I chose the program and am glad I did as I have received a far better education than if I had the standard classes but that does not mean class time is spent in rigorous or meaningful conversation or debate. It literally means I spend an hour in a class where I am assigned a subject that I am to study at home often for hours at a time and it often feels like busy work. I am not complaining but I am burned out and just wanted to clarify the idea of rigor in the college setting.
Thanks for all of your replies!
I will go find the student section now :)</p>
<p>Hey Blitzzen, you’re not in the parents section. They aren’t divided like that. It’s just that not many students answer questions in the Whitman threads on CC (SOME do tho!). It’s just that more parents lurk here I think than students. I do know that since you are an admitted student there’s a more active facebook community where you can ask questions of current Whitties. Try there!</p>
<p>Blitzzen… another parent here! A couple thoughts. First, to me, “busy work” connotes a mindless, unproductive kind of work that doesn’t result in real learning. I doubt you’d get much of that at either school. Second, having talked to many students from both schools, it’s my sense that Whitman has a bigger work load than the UW. Whitman sees itself as a rigorous school for talented students, and it sets out to challenge them. The UW has to accomodate a wider range of ability, so has to aim more for the median in the demands it makes on its students. Third, congratulations on pursing an IB curricullum in high school. Students with IB backgrounds tend to find college easier than high school, or at least no more difficult. Fourth, you really sound burned out. To make the most of your college years, you’ll need to work hard, whether it’s Whitman or the UW or someplace else. If you’re not ready to work hard, college now may not be right for you. Good luck with your decision.</p>
<p>If you are truly burned out, consider deferring a year. Whitman will typically support this and every year several students defer their admission and then join the next class. You have to update them during the year on your plans, etc, but they know kids often benefit from a “year on” doing something to renew…</p>
<p>Also: Whitman will usually recognize your IB credits and that can have advantages in terms of class schedule/advanced standing…and advanced standing gives you an advantage in room draw even…</p>
<p>Thanks!
Last semester I took 7 IB classes and I think that is partially why I am burned out. I am still in full IB this semester but I have a normal load and it is better.
I came across a book last night called “Rigor is Not a Four Letter Word”. There is a sentence in the preface that I think applies to me. “It is
important for us to challenge our students, but we must do so in a way that
ensures their success, rather than reinforcing their negative feelings”. I think I am responsible for burning myself out to a degree and was just probably unnecessarily concerned when I heard the word rigor.
I think I will be fine and thanks for all of your responses!</p>
<p>Wow…7 IB courses would be intense! If it helps, I’m a junior in IB with a standard 6 class schedule. My sister is a freshmen in a college that is definitely less rigorous, but she has taken more than the standard course load. From what I’ve seen comparing my stress-level to her experience and from what I’ve heard from grads of IB at Grinnell and Colorado College, IB prepares very well for most colleges’ workload, although I can’t directly compare to Whitman.</p>