What's the hardest college course?

Hey community, I am a high school junior starting to really think about what I want to study in college. I've heard that some coursework can be really challenging. So, what is the universally accepted 'hardest' course in college?

It's important to understand that the 'hardest' course in college will really vary depending on your individual strengths, weaknesses, and interests, not to mention your major. What might be difficult for one person could be enjoyable and manageable for another, and vice versa.

That said, many students find courses that are math and science-heavy to be particularly challenging. This could include classes like Organic Chemistry, Quantum Physics, and Advanced Calculus. Often, these classes are difficult because they require a solid understanding of complex theories and concepts, and often involve a lot of problem-solving under time pressure. On the other hand, some students find high level humanities courses, like Advanced Semiotics or Phenomenology, to be incredibly difficult because of the abstract thinking and heavy reading load.

Another example is the notoriously challenging 'Core Curriculum' at Columbia University, which contains courses like "Contemporary Civilization" and "Literature Humanities". These classes involve reading extensive, dense works of literature and philosophy, and engaging in intensive seminar discussions and writing long analytical essays.

The most challenging courses though tend to be ones directly related to your major. For example, if you're a Computer Science major, you may find that "Algorithms and Data Structures" is one of your hardest courses because of the logic and analytical thinking required.

Remember, a course being 'hard' isn't necessarily a bad thing—it can challenge you, foster your growth, and possibly become a rewarding learning experience! Enrollment in challenging courses also signals to colleges that you're willing to rigorously engage with a subject matter. It's important to balance high-level courses with others that you find more manageable, to balance your workload.