Have no doubt, be scared of the weed-out

If you’re applying with a major in mind you’re miles ahead of your peers with no direction… or so you think.

At many schools that first year is going to be full of “Weed Out” classes, and you might be changing that major sooner than you thought.

A “Weed Out” class is an intro level class that, for all intents and purposes, is designed to torture you into switching your major.

Wait, what?

These are intro classes that are put at a rigor and a pace that will make your head spin. It’s stupidly hard, unnecessarily hard, and no matter how well you did in AP Bio, you’re not prepared.

“But I worked hard to get in here!” you might say, “It’s been my dream to be a doctor since I was little” you cry.

Well… a weed out is there to separate the dreamers from the actual future doctors.

And all of you non pre-meds don’t be breathing a sigh of relief… while pre-med at every school is a weed-out, at many schools there are other majors that do the exact same thing.

At my school, I kid you not, theatre is a weed out. Intro to theatre, and fundamentals of design are intended to get rid of anyone who thinks theatre will be an easy major.

The other type of weed out is a registration weed out. In this type there are only a set number of spots in the major, and even if the classes aren’t terribly difficult, actually getting a seat in them is.  

When you’ve decided on your school, and are talking to admitted students, make sure to ask them about your intended major. If the intro is that difficult they’ll probably know someone who went through it (or complained about it on FB).

Here’s how to use the knowledge that you’re in for a weed-out.

First, don’t be discouraged. Even if a weed out is frustrating you’ll learn a lot and there is a certain pride in getting through it alive.

Second, if you know it’s a weed out be prepared. Make sure the other classes you’re taking that semester are easier classes so you’ll have more time to study for the weed-out.

Third, and perhaps most importantly, know that there is no shame in realizing a major isn’t for you. Finding out early on is a blessing in disguise, as a late change in major can make it hard to finish college on time.

Fourth, If you can get placement in a higher level though an AP or IB grade, you may want to take it to avoid the class. But be careful while you’re doing this. Skipping the crazy hard intro chem might put you straight into Orgo without the tools to handle it. Make an informed choice.

Weed out classes are rough by design. But they’re there to separate the boys from the men. And there is absolutely no shame in admitting to being a metaphorical boy.

So when you’re picking classes for freshman year, be wary of the weed out classes.