| 1. |
During the first two years of an
undergraduate education in the United States, a student must take some
required courses, which are usually not part of the major. An
undergraduate in engineering, for example, is required to take general
courses in history, sociology, and other fields. Undergraduates
generally begin to specialize in the third year, although they may have
taken prerequisite courses in their major during the first two years.
Students are required to take general education courses so that they
become "well-rounded." Students are expected to graduate with
knowledge other than that in their area of specialization. |
| 2. |
The grade-point average, or GPA, is usually
based on a numerical system in which: |
|
A (excellent) = 4 points
B (good) = 3 points
C (fair) = 2 points
D (poor) = 1 point
F (fail) - no points |
|
Students begin to accumulate their GPA during
their first semester or quarter. If students let their GPA drop in the
first few semesters of college, it is difficult to pick it up and
maintain a high average. It is important to keep a high GPA in order to
be accepted to graduate schools; some employers also want to know a
student's GPA. |
| 3. |
Professors decide on their own method of
grading. Some instructors use the "curve" grading system,
which is based on a formula that calculates a certain number of A's,
B's, C's, D's, and F's. In other words, a professor knows what
percentage of the students will receive each grade. A student's score is
calculated relative to those of the other students. |
| 4. |
Academic counselors are available to help
students choose classes and majors, and to arrange schedules. |
| 5. |
International student advisers can help with
specific problems concerning immigration, visas, other such issues. |
| 6. |
A student having difficulty with course
content may see a professor during his or her office hours, which are
usually posted on the office door. Professors have to limit their time
with students because they have non-teaching responsibilities such as
administrative work and publishing. If professors want to have a
permanent position, they are obliged to publish a certain number of
articles or even books. For this reason, students having difficulty at
times must try to find alternative ways of seeking help. |
| 7. |
Early in each quarter or semester, students
sometimes take the initiative to form "study groups" in which
informal learning and peer teaching takes place. It is best if this
happens in the first or second week of class, as students can become
lost quickly in a challenging course. Occasionally; if asked, professors
and instructors may assist students in forming study groups. Generally,
however, it is up to the students to do this. |
| 8. |
The following are common abbreviations
related to the university: |
|
A.A./A.S.: associate of arts/associate
of sciences (given by a two-year college. |
|
B.A./B.S.: bachelor of arts/bachelor
of science |
|
GPA: grade-point average |
|
M.A./M.S.: master of arts/master of
science |
|
Ph.D.: doctorate |
|
Prof.: Professor |
|
econ.: economics |
|
phys. ed (P.E.): physical education |
|
math: mathematics |
|
chem.: chemistry |
|
bio.: biology |
|
poli.sci.: political science |
|
psych.: psychology |
|
soc.: sociology |