<p>Has anybody done this? My mom is making me apply, and I'm wondering if it's even worth it. What are the chances of being accepted, and how difficult are the courses?</p>
<p>i don't think it's a very good idea, letting your mom decide what you're going to be doing in college. :/ wouldn't that time be better spent getting to meet new people, learning something new (our rec classes offer surfing / scuba / windsurfing & more!) ... instead of sitting in a stuffy classroom? </p>
<p>(of course, you could just please your mom by applying but sending in a halfhearted application -- and even if you get accepted, you don't HAVE to do it.)</p>
<p>Haha you're absolutely right. I guess my mom isn't "making" me do anything, she just keeps on going and going about how it's a good opportunity and I should go for it. It only requires me to write a page of stuff, so it's not that much work to apply. Plus, the courses are taken in lieu of the already existing Warren Writing requirement, so it wouldn't be detracting from my social life that much. I was just wondering what the seminar actually IS and current students' opinions of it.</p>
<p>Scholars Seminar doesn't really live up to its hype, IMO. Regular Warren Writing is easier (not as many papers).</p>
<p>if you're talking about the "honors" writing class it gives out something like 50% A's compared to something like 5% for regular sequence. something to keep in mind if your gpa is a concern</p>
<p>Considering that everyone in the Scholars Seminar has 3.8+ GPAs and 2100+ SATs (with 700+ writing), it's no surprise that 50% get As. Someone of that caliber should easily get an A in the regular sequence, with less work.</p>
<p>I disagree; in the regular series the department specifically tries to keep the number of A's to a minimum for whatever reason. If you do all the work, even if you do it well the chances of getting anything over a B are slim. </p>
<p>Basically you have a choice here; take the harder class that is easier to get a high grade in or take the easier class that is harder to get a high grade in. Pick your poison. And don't assume just because you got invited to the scholar's seminar you'll excel in the regular series.</p>
<p>I applied for it the summer before I started as a freshmen, didn't get in though. I wasn't too surprised since writing/literature is my worst subject. </p>
<p>I also got an A- and B+ in regular Warren Writing, but I was very happy for those grades!</p>
<p>I took it. It's completely worth it. COMPLETELY worth it.
It's actually taught by a professor (as opposed to the regular warren writing, which is taught by TA's)
It's so much easier to get a higher grade in.
Discussions are going to be a lot more satisfying... and the class really gives you the opportunity to meet a bunch of cool people who you'll probably be seeing more and more of as college goes on, IMO
Just because it's "honors" doesn't mean that it's harder by any means.</p>
<p>They usually accept ~20-25 students each year, and from what I've been told, a lot of students apply, so it's not a breeze to get into, but like I said, well worth it. And the application isn't even that hard! I mean, seriously, just write down your GPA, SAT scores, and send in an essay that's pretty good. That's it. Good luck!</p>
<p>I also took the course, and it was GREAT. Madeleine Picciotto is significantly better than any of the TAs, as both a teacher and writer. The best part of scholars seminar is that every quarter accomplished folks (from all fields) come speak to the class about their specialties. It's very interesting, and well worth your application.</p>
<p>In addition, the class is a good way to meet other smart people. Students in Scholars Seminar are given the option to live with/near each other.</p>
<p>(I heard that before two years ago, the class was structured differently and taught by TAs. I heard it was pretty bad. So make sure the feedback you're hearing corresponds to the current incarnation of Scholars Seminar.)</p>
<p>Lastly, I'm not sure whether the grading is generous or not. I know multiple people whose worst college grades came from Scholars Seminar.</p>
<p>Has anybody who applied heard back? The email said they'd get back by July 1st, but I haven't gotten one...</p>
<p>Just to elaborate on my earlier post, everyone in Scholars Seminars got As or Bs. (Before I said, "Lastly, I'm not sure whether the grading is generous or not. I know multiple people whose worst college grades came from Scholars Seminar.")</p>