Skeptical of Curriculum

<p>Hey, I am a high school student and I have been looking deeply into Wake Forest, I have two major questions. One: What is the deal with two physed classes, it makes me question the academic integrity of the system? Two: Is Wake Forest considered a great school because of its business school, or are all of its departments extremely academic? Thanks guys.</p>

<p>I think it’s a “healthy mind-healthy body” type of thing. In my mind what this requirement (and all the divisional requirements) says about the academic integrity is that Wake Forest acknowledges that knowing at least a little about a lot of different disciplines helps to create well-rounded individuals. In addition, I know a number of fellow classmates who changed their major or picked up a minor after they loved one of their divisional classes. Don’t read too much into any particular divisional requirement. The HES classes are not a big deal and (unless they’ve changed in the three years since I finished my HES requirements) they meet twice a week and last for half a semester.</p>

<p>Trust me, you’ll get plenty of academic rigor in whatever major you choose.</p>

<p>Yes, the HES (health & exercise science) classes are 7 weeks each and only 1 credit each. That’s hardly a disruption to academic rigor. </p>

<p>And, it’s a great school all-around, not just Business.</p>

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<p>You know, the infamous USNWR has it tied in the rankings this year with UVA and UCLA. That’s pretty good company.</p>

<p>One: What is the deal with two physed classes, it makes me question the academic integrity of the system?</p>

<p>…how does that make you question integrity? The school care if you’re fit and taking care of yourself. If anything that makes it more well rounded. Also the two easiest A’s you will get at this school. </p>

<p>Two: Is Wake Forest considered a great school because of its business school, or are all of its departments extremely academic? Thanks guys.</p>

<p>Clearly it is great all around, otherwise we wouldn’t be ranked so highly. What are you currently looking into?</p>

<p>Agreed…those are the two easiest A’s at Wake and don’t take up much time really although I do wish they did away with those pointless requirements.</p>

<p>I am not in the biz school and haven’t disliked a single one of my classes or teachers that I’ve taken (in something like 9 different departments)</p>

<p>Thank you for clarifying. I’m looking into potentially majoring in economics, history, or poly sci because I plan on going to law school afterwards. I would also like to know how prevalent Greek Life is, because I really dont plan on going Greek and I am worried I may be alone in that respect.</p>

<p>The health classes are a complete joke. I’ve only done one so far (the lifestyle one) and it was a piece of cake. A waste of time, though; I’ve only had health classes every year since fifth grade… if you don’t get what safe sex is by freshman year of college, you never will.</p>

<p>Greek life is about 40% for the girls and 30% for the guys, though a lot of people who don’t rush still attend the parties. It’s personally too much for me (I’m transferring), but other people love it.</p>

<p>Yes, 40% and 30% are about accurate representations I believe … meaning 60% of girls and 70% of guys AREN’T Greek so you definitely won’t be alone.</p>

<p>That being said, Greek life definitely has a huge presence on campus, however you will not be an outcast if you do not decide to go Greek (also, you never know; once you get here you might decide you like it!).</p>

<p>I know nothing about history here but I’ve taken classes in both the Econ & PoliSci depts and I have to say I was pretty impressed. Hopefully someone on here can get into more specific information.</p>

<p>Thanks cupcake, those are two majors I would seriously consider pursuing, caligulashorse, it would be really great if you could tell me why you transferred, was it something about the school, the student body, personal preference, I am not going to be able to visit this college so I want to get a big picture of it before I decide whether I will apply or not</p>

<p>maronson, what attracted you to Wake Forest in the first place? I can’t figure out why it’s on your list. You’re skeptical of the cirriculum and you don’t want a lot of Greek life. If you’re struggling to like it while you’re still in high school, why bother looking at it?</p>

<p>I have experience with all three departments (pol, econ and history) and can say all are very good, although I did decide to be a history major because I really liked the professors and the classes were both challenging and engaging. Class size is pretty similar for all (under 30 for basically all your classes except Intro to Econ). Econ seems to have less course variety and choice because it’s smaller (business school takes kids from econ department). Anything else you’re wondering?</p>

<p>First, @pinkcupcake14 - Yes, some 60-70% don’t join, it’s true, but that doesn’t change the fact that 40% is a very high percentage for Greek life involvement compared to other colleges. And remember, not everyone who rushes gets in, so the actual interest in Greek life is higher than that statistic.</p>

<p>I’m transferring because I don’t like the social scene here. I don’t think Wake Forest is a bad place; it’s just a school I think you either love or hate. In retrospect, it was a really terrible pick for me since I’m a bit more nonconformist than most people and I really dislike drinking and Greek life, both of which are pretty big here. I’ve found Wake Forest to be, as a whole, very preppy and homogeneous, and I’d rather a school with more diversity. That’s just me, though.</p>