<p>How hard are the classes in the core? On average, how many classes a semester are non-core classes? How would you recommend spreading the classes out over 4 years? Can any classes be placed out with scores from AP tests? Can core classes count towards a major?</p>
<p>alee, a lot of these question have been answered before, the best resource is usually your academic adviser around some of these questions because they will be able to help tailor the coursework to your desires (do not underestimate this person, and do visit them when possible, i was best friends - not really, but sort of - with mine), but what a lay man can answer…i shall try to offer some unique perspectives and some old news.</p>
<p>usually 2 classes for the first two years will be core classes. most students take 5 classes so that means 3 or so are your choice. it is preferred to front load the core (so take more than 2 courses) when you are unsure of your major, or wish to study abroad. if you are taking a science heavy major or you know what you want to major in and want to jump in - it is preferred that you spread things out as much as possible so you can do what you want to do right away. so my or anyone’s recommendations can only come from what you want to study - the more you tell us, the better our advice.</p>
<p>only foreign language can be placed out with AP (or SAT or taking a placement exam on campus). music hum can be placed out with a test. science or global core can be counted toward a major only. university writing counts toward the required writing course for premeds, fyi because e’ryone needs to take a writing class.</p>
<p>core classes are the most fun - they essentially ask that you be the most creative; compare Shakespeare to Richard Nixon, the subway as a literary object - the more daring you are in these courses to try something new and learn something you otherwise would have never confronted, the more you will intrigue and impress your teachers, the better you do. coursework is nothing to slouch over (reading about a book a week), but easy to complete because everyone is reading it with you, easy to do well in because everyone can help you writing your papers. doing poorly usually stems from being lazy or procrastinating (aka everything you have control over).</p>
<p>in the end if you do more than just the requirements and really invest yourself in the experience you will find it to be the most worthwhile part of columbia and college in general.</p>