Basic College Classes: What Should I Expect?

I'm planning for college and wondering what basic classes are typically required for freshmen? Do all majors have to take the same core classes, or does it depend on the school? Just trying to figure out what I might need to prepare for!

The specifics of required core classes can vary greatly depending on both the school and the specific major. However, many colleges and universities in the U.S have a "general education" or "core" requirement that all students, no matter their major, must fulfill in their first years of college. General education requirements typically encompass a variety of academic disciplines to provide students with a comprehensive liberal arts education.

For instance, you might need to take a certain amount of credits in humanities, social sciences, physical sciences, and possibly a language or math, among other areas. The purpose of these general education requirements is twofold: first, it aims to provide a broad educational experience and foster skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication. Secondly, it can help students explore potential areas of interest before they commit to a major.

In some cases, AP (Advanced Placement) or IB (International Baccalaureate) exam scores from high school can be used to exempt students from certain general education requirements. However, the policy on this varies greatly from school to school.

It's important to visit the academic page of any institution you're interested in attending to look into their general education or core requirements. You'll often find a list or breakdown of the types of classes you'll need to take, which should give you a better idea of what to expect and prepare for. Also, keep in mind that professional advisors will be there to guide you through your course selection once you get to college, so you'll have plenty of support in navigating these requirements.