College Course Difficulties

In the midst of all the applications, one thought keeps bugging me. What are the most difficult courses in college and what makes them so hard? Elaborate answers would be much appreciated!

There's not a definitive answer to which particular college courses are the hardest because it can heavily depend on individual academic strengths and weaknesses, work ethics, the specific professor and university you attend, and even the phase of life you're in. However, there are classes commonly considered tough by many students. Three general areas are often cited:

1. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics): These fields are notorious for difficult courses because they involve complex concepts that require rigorous logical reasoning and frequent problem-solving. They also typically incorporate a heavy workload of labs and projects. Courses in Organic Chemistry, Physics, Calculus, and any upper-level engineering classes are often cited as challenging.

2. Humanities: While perhaps surprising to some, humanities courses such as Philosophy, Literature, and History can be quite challenging, due to the requirement of intensive readings, deep critical thinking, and extensive written assignments. Understanding and interpreting abstract concepts, along with developing strong writing skills, can make these courses tough.

3. Profession-Specific Courses: Some courses that are aimed at specific professions can be incredibly challenging due to the depth and breadth of knowledge they cover. For instance, medical students often cite Anatomy and Physiology as challenging due to the sheer volume of information to memorize, and Law students frequently mention Constitutional Law because of the complex interpretations and analyses required.

Overall, what makes these courses difficult could be the depth of understanding required, the complexity of the subject matter, the volume of work or reading, the pace at which new material is presented, or the form of assessment used in the course.

The key to mastering tough courses is to enter with a growth mindset, establish a consistent study routine, seek help when necessary (from professors, classmates or tutoring services) and take care of your physical and mental health so that you can maintain focus and perseverance throughout the course. While these classes may be difficult, they can also be incredibly rewarding and transformative in a student's academic journey.