Being Academically Savvy
T/F: If you forget an academic deadline, such as missing the add/drop deadline, it is easy to get an exception granted.
False. Although you can file an exception petition to grant a request, those associated with deadlines typically require extreme or unusual circumstances (not just forgetting).
How many overall credits are required to graduate?
120
What are some reasons students may be hesitant to choose a major? List at least two.
- interest in too many different subjects
- no strong interest in one particular subject
- worry about a major's impact on post-grad plans
- family pressure or concerns
T/F: You are allowed to have a second major or minor outside of A&S.
True! Just make sure you are planning so that you meet the 90 unit rule. This may require you to take extra credits or rely on pre-mat/AP credits (if relevant).
T/F: You can double count a gen ed course between core skills and area requirements.
True! A popular example is intro to cultural anthropology, which counts as a social contrasts course (core skills) and a social science course (area requirement).
What is the one class that all students are required to complete within their first year with a C- or higher?
College Writing
When do you have to have a primary A&S major declared?
Outside of four-year advising (that's me), what other types of advising does WashU offer? Share at least two.
Major
Career
pre-health
pre-law
pre-graduate school
teacher-certification
study abroad/overseas
fellowships
What is one reason you might consider retaking a course and one reason you may choose not to retake a course?
You might retake if you didn't score a C or above in a required major/minor class; you didn't get a passing score and feel you can raise your grade substantially
You might not retake because: you got a passing grade (C or higher), it isn't required for major/minor, you aren't sure you could get a better grade, etc.
Most majors comprise how many of the total credits needed to graduate?
A) 25-33% of total credits
B) 40-50% of total credits
C) 50-60% of total credits
Most majors are between 1/4 and 1/3 of all total credits (25-33%). Even credit heavy majors like Bio still come in at under 50% of all total courses!
What are some ways to "try out" or learn more about a major? Share at least three ways.
take courses of interest
talk with faculty within majors of interest
talk to upperclassmen who are in those majors
Review requirements for the major and course descriptions to see if they seem interesting and fit within your overall academic plan
explore opportunities such as research, study abroad options, and clubs and organizations related to a particular major
What are the minimum requirements to make satisfactory academic progress each semester? (Hint: credit # and gpa)
12 credits and 2.0 min GPA (unless on reduced course load)
Share at least three academic resources if you are struggling with coursework or study skills.
academic mentoring (matched or drop-in)
RPM (residential peer mentoring)
office hours
PLTL
study groups
Academic skills coaching
How many Arts & Sciences specific credit do you need to graduate (hint: it's 75% of the total credits required).
90
Where are the requirements for all A&S Majors listed?
The Academic Bulletin. Also listed on department sites, but the bulletin is most up to date!
If you want to take classes and transfer them back to WashU, what are two important rules you must follow?
Course must be taught in-person
Course must be taken for a letter grade
What are some ways you can build connections with your faculty members? Share at least two.
Actively participate in class
Visit office hours
Ask questions
Learn more about the faculty (such as research interests, etc.) and ask specific questions related to their background
How many credits per academic year are recommended to stay on track?
30 (30 x 4 years = 120)
There are ways to make up credits if you fall below the 30, such as adding on one credit courses, doing an internship for credit over the summer, or taking a summer course.
What is the standard grade cut off for most majors? Please note that each department can set their own requirements.
C- (some are higher, such as political science, which requires a C)
If you retake a course, which grade(s) will show on your final transcript?
- all grade attempts
- the most recent grade attempt
- the highest grade attempt
all grades will be shown on the transcript, but the most recent will be included in GPA.