<p>Hi! I’m trying to figure out course scheduling and i was wondering if you could recommend one of the freshmen English classes. I don’t get my AP scores until July, so i don’t know what i’ll ‘AP-out’ of, but since i’m pre-med i need a year of English anyway. Thanks!</p>
<p>scan some of the cc posts from prior years. Several students make recommendations for professors to take.</p>
<p>Q:i was wondering if you could recommend one of the freshmen English classes
A: Hmm. I havent taken any freshman English classes. My friend who’s an english major said to take poetry or narrative interpretation. The class itself I guess isnt a lot of work, other than reading. She also said most of the freshman writing seminars are good. My roommate (a pre-med student) was in one of those seminars and she really enjoyed it because it gave her a chance to be in a smaller class (15?) compared to the big science classes. The workload didn’t seem to be too bad either. You write papers, obviously, but you write several drafts, and they’re peer reviewed multiple times and the professor also can look it over before you turn in the final copy. Also, most freshman take the writing seminar. Sorry, hope this sort of helped. </p>
<p>Good luck with scheduling your classes! Make sure you have backups, though. :)</p>
<p>Thanks for another response! I guess another question sort of came to me and I thought I might as well ask. Do you know someone totally dissatisfied with their time so far at BC, whether it be socially or academically or whatever? Do you sometimes wish things were different? If so, why?</p>
<p>Also, a little sidenote question haha, is the Plex really as bad as people make it out to be? I love to exercise and would be pretty bummed if it lived up to its reputation.</p>
<p>Q: Do you know someone totally dissatisfied with their time so far at BC, whether it be socially or academically or whatever?
A: Honestly…no. I did know someone who would cry everyday at the beginning of the year but this person was having a lot of personal problems going on at home and on top of that, BC wasn’t even a top choice for her. It was one of those things where they (literally) picked a college out of a hat and decided to go there. But second semester, this person found a great group of friends and now they’re really happy and pleased at BC. The students who I know transferred, did so entirely because of their major. Either BC didn’t provide enough classes, or another school had a better program. I know that they had a really tough time deciding whether to stay at BC or not because they had great friends and really felt ‘settled’ at BC. Of course, they ended up transferring to Ivies. As for the social scene, I feel like there’s a niche for everyone at BC. You just have to look and you may not find it the first semester, but you definitely will the second. At first, college life sucks because you dont know anyone… and it’s just plain awkward for the first couple of weeks trying to make friends. But once classes start picking up, it gets a lot better and you’ll meet all different kinds of people. </p>
<p>Q: Do you sometimes wish things were different?
A: Academically, sometimes. I was interested in coming into BC in international relations, but at BC, you have to apply for it during your second semester. You also need a certain GPA-which isn’t that hard to attain, but in my opinion, if you want to study something, you should be able to do so. It kind of sucks that BC doesn’t have the resources to allow students to do so in their international studies program–but it seems to be building so hopefully they’ll be able to change that aspect soon. Also, I was looking at the provided majors at different schools and BC offers maybe half of what most schools do. They do get the major ones like Bio, Chem, History, English, etc, but wouldn’t it be awesome to major or minor in something like International Law? But otherwise, I’m completely satisfied with the academics at BC. Also, the housing process for rising sophomores is terrible. The system is so outdated and can seem unfair. Fortunately, I got lucky, but for some of my friends…not so much. You’ll see what I mean next spring. There’s also a lot of construction going on right now…and they took away the big green space (Dustbowl) so you get less of a campus feel with all the big tractors and stuff hanging out on campus. I do wish it had more of a ‘campus’ feel and more tradition. But that’s just my opinion.</p>
<p>Just to add to this, though, BC wasn’t my first choice. I was head over heels in love with Georgetown and I was devastated that I didn’t get in. So I had to teach myself to accept it, move on, and learn to appreciate BC before I moved in for the fall. It’s interesting to find out that most peoples’ first choices werent BC. And there are some people that make that very clear time after time, which really annoys me. And it surprised me that there weren’t as many people who were in love with BC coming into freshman year, as opposed to say an Ivy, where everyone there is at their supposed dream school. But you figure, you can go to a ‘lower ranked’ school, get a better GPA, and attend a fabulous graduate school. It all works out! So on that note, I really really like BC. I’m pleased with the academics of it, I love the location, and the more I post in this thread, the more I can’t wait to return in the fall. PS–everyone I know loves BC now–the retention rate is 95 or 96%. haha</p>
<p>Q:is the Plex really as bad as people make it out to be?
A: Ah, the Plex. They don’t take you down to the Plex during tours, I dont think. Haha I always found that funny. The plex really isn’t THAT BAD. Im not gonna lie and say it’s the biggest and best building on campus, but it’ll do. Every time I go, I’m always able to find an available elliptical right away. It’s just in the beginning of the semester when everyone is at the plex, because you know, it’s the whole mentality of starting off the new year/semester right. But the plex is open pretty late, which is convenient, if you want to just take a quick break. It’s old, yes. But it’s not disgustingly old where things are falling off the roof. A lot people run along the periphery of campus or reservoir. It’s pretty safe, I think Chestnut Hill is the second safest city for its size in the US or something like that. What exactly are you worried about? BTW, it looks like this: [Facilities</a> | BC Flynn Recreation Complex](<a href=“http://www.bc.edu/bc_org/ath/plex/aboutus/facilities/index.html]Facilities”>http://www.bc.edu/bc_org/ath/plex/aboutus/facilities/index.html)</p>
<p>If you have any other questions, feel free to ask! :)</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>That is true for practically everyone not enrolled in HYPSM. :D</p>
<p>It applies to HYPSM, too. There are plenty of students whose first choice was one HYPSM school, but ended up going to a different one.</p>
<p>^yep. Agreed.</p>
<p>What do you think are the most challenging aspects of philosophy classes? </p>
<p>What do you think are the most challenging aspects of biology classes? (I’m thinking of a double major with the intention on graduating in three years…)</p>
<p>Did you buy a monthly card for the T? Was it worth it? Do Boston College students get a good discount?</p>
<p>What bank(s) do you use? (What is considered the campus bank?)</p>
<p>What is one thing you wish you knew before you started at BC?</p>
<p>Since you’re from Southern California, did you feel that BC was overall more conservative?</p>
<p>Is there a benefit to joining AHANA?</p>
<p>What is your impression of summer abroad programs?</p>
<p>I’m sorry for so many questions, but I really enjoyed reading your earlier responses!</p>
<p>Q: What do you think are the most challenging aspects of philosophy classes?
A: Probably being able to distinguish what a philosopher’s belief is and what yours is. It’s sometimes hard to refer back to their beliefs, since the world has changed so much since the time of, say, Aristotle. I think of philosophy classes as logic classes, because they are! But the work load isn’t bad–the most difficult part is contributing something significant to the class while at the same time trying to ‘decipher’ what is actually trying to be conveyed. But if you like philosophy, there really is no other ‘challenging’ aspect other than logic.</p>
<p>Q: What do you think are the most challenging aspects of biology classes? (I’m thinking of a double major with the intention on graduating in three years…)
A: WOW. That’s intense. Good for you! Hm. Both my roommates took bio this last year and I think they both felt like it was easier than chem because bio is pretty much just memorization of a gazillion chapters. It’s a little difficult in the beginning simply because it’s a huge class, but you’ll run into this problem with any introductory course. But as a whole, the labs seemed to be the most difficult part. Not the homework, the tests were supposedly very fair, clicker questions were fine, but the labs were a pain. That’s all they both complained about. I dont think the material for them was hard, but it was sometimes the way the questions were worded on tests, or the way the TAs graded the labs. But you should be fine because a lot of freshmen take bio so you can work and study with friends. </p>
<p>Q: Did you buy a monthly card for the T? Was it worth it? Do Boston College students get a good discount?
A: No, I dont have one for during the school year. Neither does…any other freshman, really. It’s not really worth it. The monthly Charlie Card is $60. BC students can buy them for one semester with an 11% discount. I definitely did not go into Boston enough that I needed a monthly card. Round trip is $4. Do your calculations. If you need it, yeah, why not-go ahead and buy it. But most people don’t have it unless they’re working/interning/volunteering in the city. Say if you went to BU, where there are several stops on the B line that stop throughout their campus, then I’d say yes, get it. But BC students who aren’t working/interning really just go into the city to watch a movie at Fenway or shopping on Newbury St or a casual dinner on a Friday night. Up to you.</p>
<p>Q: What bank(s) do you use? (What is considered the campus bank?)
A: There are several Bank of America ATMs placed throughout campus and one across the street from campus. That’s it. So, I guess Bank of America is the campus bank? </p>
<p>Q:What is one thing you wish you knew before you started at BC?
A: Interesting question! SOCIALLY I wish I knew…how prevalent/popular the drinking culture is for freshmen. I did some research the summer before freshmen year and I knew BC was a party school and it was known for its social culture and I liked that about it compared to the other schools I was accepted to. I just didn’t know how it can sometimes seem like the ONLY option on a weekend unless you wanted to be lame and watch a movie by yourself in your room haha. Not that I mind the culture, but I was just really surprised when I first came to campus. Just know that you can still have fun without getting shwasted. ACADEMICALLY I wish I knew how much of a difference a plus or minus after a letter grade made on one’s GPA. My high school only gave out solid letter grades, no +/- system, so this was new to me. I noticed it when professors handed out their syllabus, but first semester I didnt realize how significant those symbols are next to the letter grade can be on one’s GPA. So second semester I SCRAPED for points. And it made a difference :)</p>
<p>Sorry. That was two things. My bad. </p>
<p>Q: Since you’re from Southern California, did you feel that BC was overall more conservative?
A: Yeah I come from Southern California, but I’m definitely from a more traditional family in terms of morals, views, etc. My whole family LOVES the east coast. We love the weather here in Cali, but the entire academic mentality of the east coast is really attractive to us. If you’re talking about the way BC students dress, YES! more conservative! (Thank God. I much prefer prep central to girls who wear jean skirts with Uggs.) Guys are very clean cut (who turn into bros during the weekends haha) and girls dress nicely–Longchamp purses, Tory Burch, J. Crew, etc. The BC stereotype does exist, but that doesnt mean that everyone is like said stereotype. It’s visible, but not overwhelming. Academically, yes, more conservative. Not to say people don’t study here because that would be completely false. (UCLA, Berk, Stanford, USC) But I think because the east coast has NYC, Boston, and DC (and awesome public transportation!!!) there’s a more visible drive among the students to be ambitious and snag internships at every possible turn, whereas here there’s LA and San Fran, and you need a car so it’s a little more difficult. Morally…moderate? I’ve heard people ranking Catholic schools based on a liberal-conservative scale and it goes as such: Georgetown (most liberal), BC (moderate), Notre Dame (conservative). </p>
<p>Q:Is there a benefit to joining AHANA?
A: Great presence on campus, meet new people, be a part of BC’s ‘diversity’. Think of it as joining a student government-like group. It’s definitely an optional thing, so you should (and I recommend you do) apply to be a member of AHANA and try it out for a couple of months. If you dont like it, quit. But it definitely can’t hurt to try! You can always ask the students who are running AHANA’s table at Student Activities Day about it and I’m sure they’d be thrilled to tell you all about it!</p>
<p>Q:What is your impression of summer abroad programs?
A: Awesome. I was looking into it this past semester and there are truly a lot of exciting programs that are being offered by BC. Just make sure you research whichever program you want to attend way in advance, because sometimes you need a certain language proficiency (some programs in Spain & France) and other times you need a certain (fairly high) GPA–if it’s through an external program. Most BC students study abroad their junior year. I do, however, know several people doing a summer program as we speak, but they’re all rising juniors now. Maybe it was timing, idk. I’ve only been hearing back of great things…one friend just posted on fb that he just got to go rafting in the Ganges River. How cool is that!!! They’re generally 4-5 weeks long. Again, only heard of great things. </p>
<p>Thanks for asking lots of questions!!! I really enjoy replying to these. Hope they’re helpful. Keep them coming!</p>
<p>What else is there to do on weekends besides the party scene. My son is a huge sports fan and I know the athletic events are part of the social scene but as a parent I guess it’s a bit depressing thinking all the kids spend all their weekend just getting wasted .</p>
<p>Q: What else is there to do on weekends besides the party scene?
A: BC makes sure that there’s always an alternative option to the party scene. During the fall, there are soccer games and lacrosse games held on Friday nights on Newton Campus, which are usually big events. BC has a program called Nights on the Heights, so they will invite musicians to give little concerts, there are arts and crafts, miniature golf courses, laser tag, stuff a bear parties. In the O’Connell House, which is on Upper Campus, there’s a place where students can rent movies for free! Your son also has the option to go into Boston, as well, and there are some events that are held at night–during nicer weather there are outdoor concerts, in winter–outdoor ice skating, which is always a blast. He can also go to Fenway to watch a movie, see a show at the Opera House, go out to dinner, go to a concert at the House of Blues, etc. </p>
<p>“it’s a bit depressing thinking all the kids spend all their weekend just getting wasted.” They don’t. I probably made it sound that way, but there are a lot of kids who don’t go out at all, and they’ve found friends who like the quiet Friday night alternative, and they still love BC. BC is aware of its party scene, so they go out of their way to make sure there is an alternative to people who may not feel comfortable in such situations.</p>
<p>I already know which specific classes I want to/need to take in fall. How difficult will it be to get the classes I want? (Note: I’m going to the last orientation, right before move in day) Is there anything I can do to make sure I get those classes?</p>
<p>Q: How difficult will it be to get the classes I want?
A: Just because you’re attending the last orientation doesnt mean that you wont get any of the classes you want. At each orientation, they cap the classes at a certain level so that each orientation session has an equal chance at getting the classes that they want. But this rule generally applies for the intro classes like Gen Chem, Principles of Macro/Micro econ, Bio, Calculus, etc. The more popular elective classes you may not get it this time around because usually all of the seniors nab them. The way class registration works is by seniority. But, if you know you have to take a certain class, and it’s not open when you go to register, you can always email the professor who is teaching it and ask for an override. If you dont get the classes you want, also keep checking BC UIS after you learn how to use it at orientation and if you keep checking the first two weeks of school (add/drop period) then chances are the class is bound to open again. Your chances are good if you do it that way, so dont worry if you dont get all the classes or professors you want.</p>
<p>Yeah! You had great responses. Thanks so much. These might be sort of similar to previous questions haha</p>
<p>How much do the +/-s affect your GPA?!</p>
<p>In what ways did BC exceed your expectations?</p>
<p>In what ways did BC disappoint you?</p>
<p>Does BC have a good alumni network? (Are there are lot of opportunities/connections when students graduate?)</p>
<p>What did you think of orientation?</p>
<p>How did you meet your friends?</p>
<p>Obviously it depends, but is BC more of a dating, hookup, or relationship school? (If that makes sense haha – just curious)</p>
<p>I really love this thread haha, what a great source of info, thank you again. Crackerjack, about the plex, I just heard that it was an outdated facility and way too small for the current size of the student body. Although, I did visit it myself after the accepted honors students day and I didn’t think it was all that bad. </p>
<p>Also, I’ve read that the social scene for freshman was pretty limited and that it gets better as you progress through the years. How exactly does the freshman drinking culture you talked about fit into this?</p>
<p>Hey! Thanks so much for answering our questions!
My question is: I received a 5 on the AP English Lang exam and I realize that I can get out of both Lit and Lang, but do you think it’s beneficial to do that? I’ve heard many good things about the freshmen seminars with only 15 people in each class. I’m majoring in Bio thinking about Premed. English is not a necessity but good communications skills, I think, is a plus.
Thanks again!</p>
<p>Q: How much do the +/-s affect your GPA?
A: It starts with an A is a 4.0 and each increment goes down .33. So, for example, an A- is a 3.67, B+ 3.33, B is a 3.0, etc. The +/- can definitely help you in some situations, like getting a B+ instead of a plain ol B. But other times, it can hurt you. I play around with this BC GPA calculator a lot and if you put in grades and the usual 15 credits (5 classes) you can see for yourself how it affects your GPA. [GPA</a> Calculator - Boston College](<a href=“http://www.bc.edu/offices/stserv/academic/students/tools/gpacalc.html]GPA”>http://www.bc.edu/offices/stserv/academic/students/tools/gpacalc.html)</p>
<p>Q: In what ways did BC exceed your expectations?
A: The school spirit. I knew that at a school like BC, a (good) athletic school, there would be school spirit, but boy I was still surprised. Everyone gets so pumped up for hockey games, sometimes football, especially the BC v. ND game, and soccer games. The Beanpot is the most ridiculous event I have attended at BC. SO. MUCH. SPIRIT. Its so much fun to be at a school where the kids are proud to chant that We are BC and take pride in the athletic programs. Its amazing.</p>
<p>Q: In what ways did BC disappoint you?
A: I really wanted to go to a Catholic (private) high school, but ended up going to a crummy public school instead, so when I was looking into colleges, I kept that Catholic aspect in mind. For those of you that dont know, BC is a Jesuit-run institution. So coming to BC I had the expectation that there would be a lot more Catholicism involved in the school (obviously much more compared to my public high school.) I always tell prospective students who ask about the Catholic aspect that BC is as Catholic as you want it to be. Meaning they dont push you to go to mass, like ever, and there will be subtle hints that BC is Catholic like the crucifixes above classroom doors/dining hall. But I had to go looking for Sunday mass times and confession times. Once you find the source though, BC is very Catholic. The hard part is finding it, which I was disappointed by. This can be a positive thing for those of you where BC’s Catholicism really isn’t a dealbreaker. So to directly answer your question, I wish they had advertised the Catholic aspect more, especially to the freshmen who were looking for it and had no idea where to start. </p>
<p>Q: Does BC have a good alumni network? (Are there are lot of opportunities/connections when students graduate?)
A: CSOM has a fantastic alumni network. A&S I would say has an OK network. I feel like the graduating seniors all had to go looking for their jobs if they weren’t doing Teach for America or joining the Peace Corps or continuing on to graduate school. You just have to learn to be aggressive when it comes to job hunting, especially in a city like Boston where there are hundreds of universities and colleges in the nearby area. Every senior I know that has a job either earned it themselves by looking by themselves, or they’re doing grad school. But I definitely wouldnt quote me on any of this alumni network business because I have no idea. I’m drawing conclusions from people I know…Still, each department sends out a weekly? Maybe bimonthly? newsletter listing lectures at BC and other surrounding schools you may be interested in and open internship positions related to your field of interest. Thats how I nabbed my internship this summer. BC also holds a job fair so if you put yourself out there, thats a great way to begin networking.</p>
<p>Q: What did you think of orientation?
A: I hate icebreakers. Haha, no I thought it was fantastic. It was exciting because it really hits you that you’re enrolled at Boston College and that college starts in just a few short weeks. You sleep in the nice air conditioned dorms haha and they put you in suites so you get to know people really well in a short amount of time and that you stay in touch with throughout the year. They definitely did a good job of informing you about everything you really need to know before you start school in the fall and the OL (orientation leaders) are amazing. Very comprehensive and they keep you moving so it doesnt get boring. They do a bunch of skits portraying different situations and how you should handle them and they keep you indoors a lot to stay out of the heat. But overall, it’s super exciting because orientation is basically your first REAL nights at BC. Orientation also gives you a feel of what the first few weeks of school will be like–asking people the same questions like where are you from, what is your major, etc. So it gives you a heads up, but it also provides you with friends that you can hit up immediately when you come to campus in September. You also get to learn some football chants and you get your Superfan shirts, so thats also a lot of fun. Most people also become really close to their orientation group in addition to their suitemates. You have a lot of opportunities to have serious group discussions and it really brings you closer together. </p>
<p>Q: How did you meet your friends?
A: Some from down the hall in my dorm, a lot from extracurriculars, a lot from my honors class. Honors was my only small class first sem. so that was really helpful to me since Im on the shy side. You’ll find that most people you hang out with at the beginning of the year wont end up being the people you’ll end up rooming with for your sophomore year. But it’s nice to meet a bunch of different kinds of people in the beginning and then have options and hang out with all of them until you have your own solid group of friends. Extracurriculars are great, too, because right off the bat, you have something to talk about since you’re both in a club of which you share an interest. My close friends are from all 3 groups above mentioned. My best friends are from my honors class. (Every honors student I know has at least 1 best friend from their honors class. ) The thing is, you sort of invite people to dinner and lunch and they get to meet other people and if everyone clicks, great. </p>
<p>Q: Obviously it depends, but is BC more of a dating, hookup, or relationship school?
A: Freshman year–hands down–hookup. There is the occasional dating and sometimes, but rarely, an actual relationship emerges. Supposedly it gets better in terms of relationships as you progress through your years. The hookup culture will always be there but I think people get tired of it as they progress and they want a real relationship and they make it happen. </p>
<p>Q: About the plex, I just heard that it was an outdated facility and way too small for the current size of the student body. Although, I did visit it myself after the accepted honors students day and I didn’t think it was all that bad.
A: Oh, yeah. It’s pretty small, and it’s crowded (like I mentioned before) at the beginning of the semester and when the weather gets nicer in April. With the winter I think only hard core people go, just because a lot of people get lazy and it’s also a hassle to walk down to the plex when it’s blizzarding outside. It’s not bad. You wont have to wait-if ever- more than 15 minutes. The thing about the plex is that a lot of people are like oh, BC is such an athletic school, and then they see the plex and it’s like…ew. But you get used to it and you make do with what you have. </p>
<p>Q: I’ve read that the social scene for freshman was pretty limited and that it gets better as you progress through the years. How exactly does the freshman drinking culture you talked about fit into this?
A: The thing about the social scene at BC is that it’s your choice. Freshman year sucked in terms of what you can do socially–and it was, in my opinion, very limited. Some people have never taken a drink before and want to try it at college, others just find it a part of their normal weekends. And soon everyone’s doing it, sometimes people feel pressured in the beginning because they want to belong to a group. But you still have options. You just need to find the right group of friends and chances are…you will! It seems that as you progress, parties are still a big part of the social scene, especially with juniors living off campus and seniors living in the Mods and since you’ll probably be 21 by then, you can go to the bars in Boston. Again, its your choice. Drinking isnt something that everyone is going to do every single weekend–people will need an occasional break and they’ll opt to stay in and watch a movie. </p>
<p>Q: I received a 5 on the AP English Lang exam and I realize that I can get out of both Lit and Lang, but do you think it’s beneficial to do that? I’ve heard many good things about the freshmen seminars with only 15 people in each class. I’m majoring in Bio thinking about Premed. English is not a necessity but good communications skills, I think, is a plus.
A: Congrats! Thats awesome! Do you mean you get out of Writing and Literature? Not sure what you mean by Lang
Anyway, yeah I definitely see where youre going with that. Yeah, I would say go for it and sign up for the class. It will be nice to take a break from your science classes and like you said, its 15 kids, so the classes are very intimate. I guess there is a lot of class interaction because they proofread your papers. Workload wise, it shouldnt be bad. You obviously write a lot of papers but theyre not intense 20-pg papers and the professor reads the drafts so many times its pretty hard to fail the class. So, yeah, I hadnt thought of that before, but I think its an excellent idea. My roommate was a bio major and she took the writing seminar and she was able to balance the work out easily and made pretty good friends in that class. Just know that you can gain great communication skills from other small communication or English classes as well and youre not confined to the writing seminars. Food for thought. Good luck! </p>
<p>(really trying hard to condense these answers, but still keeping it thorough…sorry about the length!) Love the questions. Some of these I had to sit down and think about it for a while. PS tomorrow it might take me a little longer to answer questions cuz i’m flying back to boston since I’m starting my internship monday. yay! But please please please feel free to leave questions or send them to my inbox–they’ll be something for me to do tomorrow night! 
Happy Friday</p>
<p>Ok, first of all, is there an all you can eat diner?</p>
<p>how are the chicks on campus?</p>
<p>and is the weather really that depressing or is it just overrated?</p>
<p>Just to add another perspective to some of Crackerjack’s incredibly helpful answers:</p>
<p>Q: Does BC have a good alumni network? (Are there are lot of opportunities/connections when students graduate?)</p>
<p>In a lousy economy, there aren’t a ton of jobs, but BC students do much better than the average. For A&S students, it’s very important to do internships and networking prior to graduation to set yourself up to be able to get a job after college, as companies won’t flock to you the way they will to business majors. That said, the alumni network is equally strong. The strength of the network comes from the loyalty alums have to BC, and their willingness to help BC students. This is incredibly powerful and useful for any major. Take advantage of it as early as possible, just talk to alums to feel out different career fields and use it to help find jobs and internships. </p>
<p>Q: I received a 5 on the AP English Lang exam and I realize that I can get out of both Lit and Lang, but do you think it’s beneficial to do that? I’ve heard many good things about the freshmen seminars with only 15 people in each class. I’m majoring in Bio thinking about Premed. English is not a necessity but good communications skills, I think, is a plus.</p>
<p>I was in this scenario and opted to take the writing seminar, one of my all-time biggest regrets in college. The professor was great and the small class was nice, but you won’t develop any new skills after getting a 5 on AP Lang. If you want to hone your writing and communication skills, take electives in English, History, Theology, Philosophy, or a similar discipline that interests you. These will further develop your reading and writing skills in a more challenging way that FWS does not offer given where your abilities currently are. Plus, there are a ton of fascinating professors and electives BC offers in these departments, and you will get more out of taking a class with an interesting and stimulating topic than just doing the basics of college writing. There’s no need to spend a semester learning the basics of a research paper and rhetoric if that’s something you can already do. If you want a small class your freshman year, I strongly advise you take a Freshman Topic Seminar. It’s a once a week, pass/fail discussion class with about 15 students and a professor who will be your first year adviser. I really enjoyed mine and thought it to be a valuable experience.</p>