Homework in College

Mushroommarioman · 06-27-2004, 07:25 PM

How heavy is the homework load in college? How much homework do you typically get in a day? Do you usually get help from a professor or TA? How hard do your professors grade tests, projects, and homework? What type of grade distribution (As, Bs, Cs) is there in your particular class?

Perrin Aybara · 06-27-2004, 08:07 PM

Hehehehehe.

Sorry. Oh, and I don't mean to scare you, but high school is literally nothing compared to college.

Yeah, you ususally get homework. Depends on the class. Grading also depends on the class. Everything depends on the class. The professor controls everything in the class. Work load and final grade. But what most people don't tell you, is that when a Professor gives "optional" homework, you better do it, or you're screwed.

-jay

Ditto McCloaker · 06-27-2004, 10:19 PM

It does rather depend on the subject. Now, I was able to test out of most of my Core classes (Math, English, Science) and I really can't therefore tell you how much homework there was in those (okay, in the Math classes, you get homework like in High School, only slightly more).

In classes within my major, Psychology, homework was mostly keeping up with the reading, which could be a chapter in a night. When I was doing Computer Science, you generally got assigned projects on a weekly basis, and you had to have them done by the due date, and you frequently had to go seek the instructor's advice. That's what they were for (one reason why I loved the subject. Asking for help was the norm, so I didn't feel stupid).

Now, I didn't always get my homework done. I could have worked myself to a burnt-out frazzle, but I generally didn't, as I had a part-time job as well. But I made an earnest effort to do a reasonable amount as often as I could. I wasn't a slacker, even though I seldom got it all done.

At my school, homework was to brush up skills and make sure you were staying up, as well as practice for the quizzes, so they dont' impact your grade much, but if you are wise, you won't shirk either.

Mushroommarioman · 06-27-2004, 10:53 PM

Personally do you guys enjoy college more than high school academically and socially? Are college years really the best years of your life?

Typically how many hours of homework do YOU need to do in a night to be able to keep up?

I'm assuming the homework load is generally moderate (2-4 hours daily) since college kids seem to have enough time to work part-time jobs, hang out, drink coffee, play sports, party, eat out, and have fun. Is that a correct assumption?

You guys are basically saying that homework and the course's difficulty depend mostly on the professor? Correct? Futhermore, homework is important to do to keep up with the course and do well.

Thanks.

[ June 27, 2004, 10:56 PM: Message edited by: Nintendo Revolution ]

Perrin Aybara · 06-27-2004, 11:00 PM

If you're in some joke major, then yeah, you have time to do anything you want. Heh.

Not me, though, heh.

Yeah, college is pretty good. For myself, I enjoyed being able to study things that I really care about and learn more. I can't tell you too much about the social atmosphere, though, heh. Engineers don't get out much.

And yeah, whenever you start a new class, the most important thing to do is learn how the professor works. Learn how he grades, what he expects of you, and what you need to do to pass. That's the best advice I can give you. Because it changes from class to class.-jay

[ June 27, 2004, 11:06 PM: Message edited by: Perrin Aybara ]

Mushroommarioman · 06-28-2004, 01:17 AM

Engineering is definitely a demanding field. You must be spending a lot of time doing labs, researching, writing papers, talking to professors, completing projects, and studying for tests.

Out of curiosity what type of engineering are you taking and what university are you at? I'm thinking about taking EE, but I'm not 100% committed yet.

Of course a strong background in calculus would presumably prepare one for success in engineering.

Well at least you have a social life on VGF.

Perrin Aybara · 06-28-2004, 01:43 AM

I just finished my degree in Environmental Engineering at the University of Maryland. I'm also working to finish a Comp Sci degree by the fall. And I'll be starting grad school in the fall here as well, also for Environmental Engineering.

Yeah, Engineering isn't easy. For the first two years they really hammer on the basic stuff you need to know in Calc and Physics. And then you do Design Reports. Nothing like doing three twenty page design reports a semester to keep you busy, heh. It's important to have a strong understanding of Math and Physics. Calculus is needed, but only the basics, really. I'm kinda embaressed that I forgot a lot of my Calculus from High School (didn't take any in college). But at the undergraduate level, at least in your engineering classes, you won't have to do any heavy Calculus. Now, they'll probably make you take up to Calc 3 anyway, so...you can't win, heh.

But yeah, good to hear you're thinking about going into Engineering. Feel free to bug me about any college questions, I'd be glad to help.-jay

***CaptHayfever*** · 06-28-2004, 01:52 AM

Would you happen to know how tough Math or Theater majors are? 'Cause I'm doing both.

And remember, "I'm-a Luigi, number one!"

Perrin Aybara · 06-28-2004, 01:58 AM

All I know about the Math major is that pretty much all of the upper level courses involve abstract math theory. So if you're interested in majoring in Math, then hopefully you really like abstract math theory...heh. I don't know much about Theater, except that it can't possibly be too hard. Of course, what do I know about Theater, heh.-jay

Mushroommarioman · 06-28-2004, 08:41 PM

Yeah. You have to have three quarters of calculus, physics, and chemistry to do any type of engineering. You also have to take courses in differential equations, matrixes, and some other areas.

If you're on the semester system, do you take six class per semester?

Thanks.

AJ Middleton · 06-30-2004, 10:11 AM

Umm, not to be rude or anything, but almost all of your questions depend heavily on the school you go to.

Perrin Aybara · 06-30-2004, 05:05 PM

Everyone with a degree in engineering, please raise your hands?

Quote:

Originally posted by Nintendo Revolution:
If you're on the semester system, do you take six class per semester?

You have to do things credit wise in college. Classes are typically 3 to 4 credits. I ususally take around 17 to 18 credits a semester, which works out to around 5 classes a semester ususally. Now, 17 to 18 credits is usually more then most people take, most people take around 12 to 15, which is around 4 classes.-jay

Mushroommarioman · 07-02-2004, 12:43 AM

Engineering can't vary that much from college to college.

No wonder you're so busy.

I think our system requires that you get 180 credits for a degree. You basically take 15 credits per quarter (usually about 3 classes), go to school for three quarters a year, and attend school for four years.

Kevin T. · 07-07-2004, 10:21 PM

http://www.enee.umd.edu/class/enee244-1/Grades.txt

Grade distribution of one of my engineering classes last semester. Only 5 A's out of 50 people. Luckily I was one of those five (Check out #42).

Jay was on point when he said high school doesn't compare to college.

Perrin Aybara · 07-08-2004, 06:33 PM

Good work, Wea. Congrats.-jay

Beam Yosho the Drunkard · 07-08-2004, 06:55 PM

Homework sucks.

06-27-2004, 07:25 PM	#1
Mushroommarioman Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Super Mario World Posts: 9,243 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	How heavy is the homework load in college? How much homework do you typically get in a day? Do you usually get help from a professor or TA? How hard do your professors grade tests, projects, and homework? What type of grade distribution (As, Bs, Cs) is there in your particular class?

06-27-2004, 08:07 PM	#2
Perrin Aybara Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 1999 Location: Alone....so terribly alone... Some... where... out... there... dies Gender: Posts: 12,760 Thanks: 194 Thanked 504 Times in 235 Posts	Hehehehehe. Sorry. Oh, and I don't mean to scare you, but high school is literally nothing compared to college. Yeah, you ususally get homework. Depends on the class. Grading also depends on the class. Everything depends on the class. The professor controls everything in the class. Work load and final grade. But what most people don't tell you, is that when a Professor gives "optional" homework, you better do it, or you're screwed. -jay

06-27-2004, 10:19 PM	#3
Ditto McCloaker Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: SimCity Posts: 3,246 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	It does rather depend on the subject. Now, I was able to test out of most of my Core classes (Math, English, Science) and I really can't therefore tell you how much homework there was in those (okay, in the Math classes, you get homework like in High School, only slightly more). In classes within my major, Psychology, homework was mostly keeping up with the reading, which could be a chapter in a night. When I was doing Computer Science, you generally got assigned projects on a weekly basis, and you had to have them done by the due date, and you frequently had to go seek the instructor's advice. That's what they were for (one reason why I loved the subject. Asking for help was the norm, so I didn't feel stupid). Now, I didn't always get my homework done. I could have worked myself to a burnt-out frazzle, but I generally didn't, as I had a part-time job as well. But I made an earnest effort to do a reasonable amount as often as I could. I wasn't a slacker, even though I seldom got it all done. At my school, homework was to brush up skills and make sure you were staying up, as well as practice for the quizzes, so they dont' impact your grade much, but if you are wise, you won't shirk either.

06-27-2004, 10:53 PM	#4
Mushroommarioman Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Super Mario World Posts: 9,243 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Personally do you guys enjoy college more than high school academically and socially? Are college years really the best years of your life? Typically how many hours of homework do YOU need to do in a night to be able to keep up? I'm assuming the homework load is generally moderate (2-4 hours daily) since college kids seem to have enough time to work part-time jobs, hang out, drink coffee, play sports, party, eat out, and have fun. Is that a correct assumption? You guys are basically saying that homework and the course's difficulty depend mostly on the professor? Correct? Futhermore, homework is important to do to keep up with the course and do well. Thanks. [ June 27, 2004, 10:56 PM: Message edited by: Nintendo Revolution ]

06-27-2004, 11:00 PM	#5
Perrin Aybara Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 1999 Location: Alone....so terribly alone... Some... where... out... there... dies Gender: Posts: 12,760 Thanks: 194 Thanked 504 Times in 235 Posts	If you're in some joke major, then yeah, you have time to do anything you want. Heh. Not me, though, heh. Yeah, college is pretty good. For myself, I enjoyed being able to study things that I really care about and learn more. I can't tell you too much about the social atmosphere, though, heh. Engineers don't get out much. And yeah, whenever you start a new class, the most important thing to do is learn how the professor works. Learn how he grades, what he expects of you, and what you need to do to pass. That's the best advice I can give you. Because it changes from class to class.-jay [ June 27, 2004, 11:06 PM: Message edited by: Perrin Aybara ]

06-28-2004, 01:17 AM	#6
Mushroommarioman Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Super Mario World Posts: 9,243 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Engineering is definitely a demanding field. You must be spending a lot of time doing labs, researching, writing papers, talking to professors, completing projects, and studying for tests. Out of curiosity what type of engineering are you taking and what university are you at? I'm thinking about taking EE, but I'm not 100% committed yet. Of course a strong background in calculus would presumably prepare one for success in engineering. Well at least you have a social life on VGF.

06-28-2004, 01:43 AM	#7
Perrin Aybara Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 1999 Location: Alone....so terribly alone... Some... where... out... there... dies Gender: Posts: 12,760 Thanks: 194 Thanked 504 Times in 235 Posts	I just finished my degree in Environmental Engineering at the University of Maryland. I'm also working to finish a Comp Sci degree by the fall. And I'll be starting grad school in the fall here as well, also for Environmental Engineering. Yeah, Engineering isn't easy. For the first two years they really hammer on the basic stuff you need to know in Calc and Physics. And then you do Design Reports. Nothing like doing three twenty page design reports a semester to keep you busy, heh. It's important to have a strong understanding of Math and Physics. Calculus is needed, but only the basics, really. I'm kinda embaressed that I forgot a lot of my Calculus from High School (didn't take any in college). But at the undergraduate level, at least in your engineering classes, you won't have to do any heavy Calculus. Now, they'll probably make you take up to Calc 3 anyway, so...you can't win, heh. But yeah, good to hear you're thinking about going into Engineering. Feel free to bug me about any college questions, I'd be glad to help.-jay

06-28-2004, 01:52 AM	#8
*CaptHayfever* Smash SuperMod Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: (n) - the place where I am Gender: Posts: 27,661 Thanks: 1,991 Thanked 2,486 Times in 1,513 Posts	Would you happen to know how tough Math or Theater majors are? 'Cause I'm doing both. And remember, "I'm-a Luigi, number one!"

06-28-2004, 01:58 AM	#9
Perrin Aybara Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 1999 Location: Alone....so terribly alone... Some... where... out... there... dies Gender: Posts: 12,760 Thanks: 194 Thanked 504 Times in 235 Posts	All I know about the Math major is that pretty much all of the upper level courses involve abstract math theory. So if you're interested in majoring in Math, then hopefully you really like abstract math theory...heh. I don't know much about Theater, except that it can't possibly be too hard. Of course, what do I know about Theater, heh.-jay

06-28-2004, 08:41 PM	#10
Mushroommarioman Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Super Mario World Posts: 9,243 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Yeah. You have to have three quarters of calculus, physics, and chemistry to do any type of engineering. You also have to take courses in differential equations, matrixes, and some other areas. If you're on the semester system, do you take six class per semester? Thanks.

06-30-2004, 10:11 AM	#11
AJ Middleton Banned Join Date: Dec 1969 Posts: 0 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Umm, not to be rude or anything, but almost all of your questions depend heavily on the school you go to.

07-02-2004, 12:43 AM	#13
Mushroommarioman Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Super Mario World Posts: 9,243 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Engineering can't vary that much from college to college. No wonder you're so busy. I think our system requires that you get 180 credits for a degree. You basically take 15 credits per quarter (usually about 3 classes), go to school for three quarters a year, and attend school for four years.

07-07-2004, 10:21 PM	#14
Kevin T. Banned Join Date: Dec 1969 Posts: 0 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	http://www.enee.umd.edu/class/enee244-1/Grades.txt Grade distribution of one of my engineering classes last semester. Only 5 A's out of 50 people. Luckily I was one of those five (Check out #42). Jay was on point when he said high school doesn't compare to college.

07-08-2004, 06:33 PM	#15
Perrin Aybara Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 1999 Location: Alone....so terribly alone... Some... where... out... there... dies Gender: Posts: 12,760 Thanks: 194 Thanked 504 Times in 235 Posts	Good work, Wea. Congrats.-jay

07-08-2004, 06:55 PM	#16
Beam Yosho the Drunkard Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: The oversized rock of Hawaii. Gender: Posts: 5,670 Thanks: 5 Thanked 17 Times in 13 Posts	Homework sucks.