Hello, I'm a junior starting to think about my life in college. I'm not sure what I want to major in yet, but I want to know, across pretty much any University, which type of class is generally considered the hardest? I'd like to know what I might be in for. Thanks in advance!
The perceived difficulty of a university class can greatly depend on a few factors like your individual strengths and interests, the professor teaching the course, and the university you attend. That being said, there are a few classes that, broadly speaking, are often considered challenging due to their demanding content, or the rigorous problem-solving and analytical skills they require.
1. Organic Chemistry: Often required for pre-med students, this course is infamously difficult due to the vast amount of memorization and the abstract concepts it includes.
2. Physics: Physics can be challenging, particularly if you are not familiar or comfortable with its mathematical components. Integral and differential calculus are often used to solve problems, which can be quite complex.
3. Calculus: Speaking of, Calculus itself is often cited as a difficult course, especially for students who are not inclined towards mathematics. It requires a high level of theoretical thinking, and understanding how to apply complex formulas.
4. Advanced Coding/Computer Science: Advanced classes in coding or computer science can be very challenging due to the complex problem-solving, abstract thinking, and detailed coding they require. Introductory classes are usually more manageable, but as you progress, the difficulty tends to spike.
Keep in mind that everyone's experiences with these classes can vary. What might be difficult for one student might come easy for another, especially if it's an area they're naturally interested in or adept at. Additionally, there are definitely other classes out there that people can find tough - for example, learning a second language can be quite difficult, due to the completely new way of thinking it requires.
The best approach is often to explore a broad range of subjects early on, and find what lights your fire before pursuing more advanced electives. Passion can drive you through even the hardest of classes!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.