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Your chance of acceptance
Duke University

16%

UCLA

27%

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Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

Ranking College Degrees from Most to Least Intensive?

I want to understand the workload related to various areas of study. Can anyone list out college degrees, from the ones demanding the most effort to those that are less intense?

7 months ago

It's important to note up front that the intensity or difficulty of a degree heavily depends on a few variables like the specific university, the student's previous exposure to the material, the student's natural inclinations, and individual effort put into studies. However, there are some general trends regarding which areas of study are typically considered more rigorous.

1. Engineering (all types): Engineering degrees are often some of the most intensive due to the heavy load of technical and math-oriented classes. These might include disciplines like Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Chemical Engineering.

2. Physical Sciences: This would include degrees in Physics, Chemistry, and Earth Sciences. They usually involve heavy coursework in lab work, research, and complex theoretical concepts.

3. Pre-Med/Biology: Pre-medical studies or Biology is often perceived as challenging because students are usually preparing for medical school, which comes with its own set of high requirements and pressure.

4. Computer Science: This major involves mastering several programming languages and understanding complex algorithms.

5. Mathematics: High-level mathematics requires a deep understanding of complex theories and the ability to problem solve and think abstractly.

6. Economics: It could be difficult depending on its focus. An economics degree that leans heavily into quantitative methods could be quite challenging.

7. Humanities/Social Science: This includes English, History, Sociology, Psychology etc. While these subjects may not be as objectively difficult in terms of content, they often involve a heavy amount of reading and writing.

8. Education: This is both theoretical and practical. You will learn a lot about developmental psychology, teaching methods, and lesson planning, and also have hands-on teaching experiences. The intensity will depend on the level and subject you plan to teach.

9. Arts: This includes degrees like Photography, Painting, Music, Theater, etc. While these degrees may not have rigorous exams, students spend a lot of time preparing productions or creating their art, which can be time-consuming.

Again, it's important to remember that these are broad generalizations and everyone's experience will vary depending on several factors. Some people might find humanities subjects quite challenging due to the amount of critical thinking and interpretive analysis required. Similarly, someone might excel in Computer Science but struggle in Physical Sciences. It's all about finding the right fit for your own skills and interests! The key is to choose a degree in an area you're passionate about, as you'll be more willing to tackle the workload that comes with it.

7 months ago

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