<p>Here's a link to reviews of 2 new books on college life.</p>
<p>One piece rings true (this will sound like one of those Abe Lincoln walked 5 miles to school uphill both ways stories):</p>
<p>When I went to college back in the dark ages, freshman biology, which served as the premed weed-out (now it's probably organic chem) had required classes at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. There were no exceptions, even for homecoming weekend. Attendance was taken and counted in one's grade. The class was graded on a curve, with B-/C+ being the center. A little over 100 students started the class first semester (most of them thinking they were pre-meds). By the end of the year, there were 30-33 left, all (or virtually all) of whom went on to medical school. The college boasted a 96% med school admission rate (even though, from entry to graduation, it was closer to 30%.)</p>
<p>But it was a huge boon to the philosophy department. ;)</p>
<p>I read Binge and thought it was excellent. I think I'll pass on the other one.</p>
<p>I had a mandatory senior class which met at 8 AM Saturdays for three hours - no exceptions, no other class times, attendance taken. Perhaps the college wanted seniors to prepare themselves for the real world of jobs and getting there on time.</p>