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Duke University
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UCLA
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Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

Do you favor college courses that focus more on theory or application?

Just curious about your guys' experiences - in deciding what types of courses to take in college, do you think it's more beneficial to choose classes that focus more heavily on theories or on practical, real-world application?

a year ago

Depending on your goals and interests, there can be advantages to both types of courses.

Courses that focus on theory often dive deeply into concepts and principles, providing a broad and comprehensive understanding of a subject. They give you the tools to understand why certain things work the way they do. These classes are the bedrock of academia. They're also usually fundamental to further studies in a field, especially if you're considering grad school.

On the other hand, courses that emphasize practical application can be very beneficial, especially for those interested in entering the workforce right after college. These classes tend to provide more hands-on experiences and skill development relevant to specific careers or industries.

Joining class projects, participating in internships, or completing course work with a closer link to real-world scenarios can be very appealing to future employers. It can often make the transition from college to career smoother as well, as you would already have a sense of what to expect in your chosen field.

However, one isn't better than the other outright; it really depends on your personal and career goals. Often, a mixture of both types of classes is ideal because they can complement each other well. Combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills can make you a more well-rounded individual, better equipped to adapt and grow in whatever career path you choose. So, one approach could be to strive for a balance between theory and practice as you plan your course load.

a year ago

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