How Do I Know How Hard Are Certain College Classes?

I'm trying to plan my high school coursework to prepare for college, but I'm not sure how to gauge the difficulty of different college classes. How can I find out which classes might be more challenging than others?

The difficulty of college courses varies greatly by school, department, and even individual professors, so it's difficult to make sweeping generalizations. However, some indicators can help provide a general idea.

One way to gauge the difficulty of college classes is through websites such as RateMyProfessors. The site lets students rate their professors and provide feedback about the difficulty of the class and the workload. However, keep in mind the inherent biases of such platforms – often, students who have had notably positive or negative experiences are the most likely to leave a review.

Another resource might be the syllabi of college classes, which sometimes can be found online or obtained from the university’s registrar, departmental websites, or directly from the professors. Syllabi often include information about the content covered in the class, the texts used, the grading scale (including class participation, quizzes, exams, papers, and projects), and the workload (how many pages of readings per week, how many assignments per semester, etc.).

It's also important to understand that college is generally more rigorous than high school, and even introductory classes can require a significant amount of study time. Preparing for the university-level workload by consistently challenging yourself in high school is a great approach - take advanced courses where available and suitable, such as AP or IB, which offer college-level content.

Another useful tip is to understand your strengths and interests. If a class aligns well with your skills or passion, the coursework may appear easier compared to a class that doesn’t.

Finally, reach out to current college students or recent graduates. They can offer first-hand experiences about the difficulty of certain courses and majors. You might connect with them on college forums or social media groups related to colleges you’re interested in.

All that said, remember that college is about exploring new areas of knowledge—some of which may indeed be challenging! That's part of the learning experience. The aim is not to avoid hard classes but to be prepared to invest the right effort and resources to succeed. At the end of the day, your attitude towards the difficulty or challenge of a class can play a major role in your eventual success in it.