<p>I have heard mixed reviews from Carleton students about Carleton's trimester system. Rave reviews about the school, mind you, but not about the trimester system. Although students seem to enjoy focusing on 1 less course per trimester, some say that the pace of each course can be brutal and the longer classes at times tedious; they also report that it's very difficult to catch up if you miss a few days whether out sick or whatever. I'd appreciate hearing thoughts on this topic from Carleton parents. Thanks.</p>
<p>Minimal experience as D is just completing freshmen year. I would not classify the pace as brutal, just intensive. D likes the challenge (and only 3 classes). Good time management skills are necessary. Friday/Saturday nights seem to be the mega-social times. Sunday is a study day for most. Since profs know their students, I would assume that if she were ill for several days that they would extend her assignment due dates. D has been very responsible scheduling her class responsibilities, her work study, her varsity sport, and her boyfriend (I hope in that order). I hope some current students reply to tell you their perspectives.</p>
<p>maize,</p>
<p>Thank you so much for your helpful posts. My son is heading up to MN tomorrow for an overnight, and he is very excited about the possibilities at Carleton.</p>
<p>t-taximom,</p>
<p>Hope he enjoys Carleton. It's the hidden gem of the LAC's. The cold isn't a big deal for anyone there. One of my D's good friends is from Austin. I'm obviously a Carleton fanatic, and my D couldn't be happier or more challenged. Tell your S to drop by the Dacie Moses House and pick up a few chocolate chip cookies.</p>
<p>I know from your posts that your S has many fine choices. Best of luck to him.</p>
<p>Before last September, I was just a fanatic about the things I believe in. Today, seven months after my daughter arrived on its campus for Freshman orientation, I am now officially a Carleton fanatic as well, just like Maize&Blue. I've posted this a few times, but my DD couldn't be happier or more challenged. The most impressive thing to me about the school is the type of student it draws. I have met more than 20 of my daughter's new friends there, and, down to the last one, they are a fantastic bunch of 18 and 19-year olds. The academics are not for the feint of heart, but the reward is the company of 1900 or so unpretentious, open, witty and deep-thinking kids who were brave enough to elect to go to a school not known for its Greek system, beautiful weather or location in a bustling urban area. Hope your S agrees!</p>
<p>I agree with all that Maize&Blue and Carlmom have written. I also have a freshman D at Carleton (from the Pacific Northwest). She is the happiest I have known her to be. She is also studing very hard but loves her classes, professors and the new activities. Carleton has proven to be a perfect fit for her.</p>
<p>my d graduated from carleton last year. she had a great 4 years there. we loved the trimester. it was nice she got to come home before thanksgiving and stay thru the holidays. she is now a grad student at penn state with a full ride and stipend.</p>
<p>That long break in the middle is excellent for far away kids...just fly home once! I am keeping my fingers crossed that this visit goes well. He is going open minded, and that's better than trying to convince a kid who is dead set on one option. He's not afraid of the cold, we lived in Rockford before moving here.</p>
<p>The trimester system gets two big thumbs up from me. I actually don't know anyone here who doesn't prefer it to the semester system. You take three classes, so you're not spreading yourself thin for the first couple of years by trying to get general requirements out of the way. If you don't like one of your classes but won't drop it, well, good news: it's over within 10 weeks. At most colleges professors won't waste your class time, but here, it's guaranteed because there's so little of it. Most students only take 10 hours of class a week here without including lab blocks, but this is still less than what you spend at a school on semesters. As such, Carleton tends to have more reading between classes than other schools would, but if you are averses to reading, well, then don't take classes with a lot of it. Simple as that. Yes, it's hard to make up missed classes if you are sick, but all professors are accomodating and it's fairly easy to make arrangements, or to drop a class or take it pass/fail if things are particularly tough.</p>
<p>Also a huge advantage of the trimester system: no academic responsibilities over your breaks. A lot of schools apparently have winter break and THEN finals after the break, or midterms right after spring break. This is not the case at Carleton. All your stress for a term is entirely contained within those 10 weeks. You don't sit at home worrying about a paper that's due when you get back that you haven't starter or studying for a final.</p>
<p>Also, resourceful students can get jobs/internships over the 6 week winter break. Since Carleton gets out well before any other school does, students who want a job for the holidays won't be competing with all the other college students around for them. This is a good thing to take advantage of.</p>
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