Hi all! I'm a high school junior seriously considering American University for my undergraduate studies. Since it's my first time going through this process, I'm a bit nervous about how heavy the coursework could get. To balance out my schedule, I'm thinking about including some of the 'lighter' or easier classes in my first semester. Could anyone provide me with information about what these classes could be at American University? Any help will be appreciated!
Hello there! It's awesome to hear that you're considering American University - it's a wonderful choice. It's a very common strategy to balance out heavier courses with lighter ones, especially in your first semester as you adjust to the demands of college.
Just remember that what might be "light" or "easy" can be quite subjective, and is dependent on individual interests and strengths. For instance, to a student who enjoys writing and discussions, a literature or philosophy course might be lighter than a math class, while to another student it could be the exact opposite!
That being said, the general word amongst American University students suggests a few courses that are known for being a bit more manageable. For example, some introductory courses, like COMM-100 (Understanding Mass Media) and SISU-105 (Introduction to International Studies) are said to have a balanced workload and interesting content. Additionally, First Year Seminars (FYS), while perhaps more writing-intensive, can cover a wide range of topics and tend to offer a supportive environment for freshmen.
Of course, different professors can have different expectations and ways of teaching, so it's a smart idea to use RateMyProfessors or other similar resources to get an idea about what to expect from a professor or class. Just make sure to approach such reviews critically, as they are highly subjective and often influenced by personal biases.
Lastly, here's a tip: in your first year, try to take both CORE courses and explore classes that you think might align with what you want to major in. This will not only fulfill graduation requirements but also help you decide on your major if you haven't chosen one already.
Best of luck! You're going to do great.
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