Hey everyone! I've heard that Northwestern operates on a quarter system instead of a semester system. I'm curious to know how that works and what's the general opinion of students who've experienced it. Does it make things more stressful or is it manageable?
Absolutely, transitioning from a semester system to a quarter system can be a bit of a change, but many students find it manageable and even preferable. For those unfamiliar, Northwestern University operates on a quarter system which typically means three ten-week academic periods in a year, plus a summer quarter.
Now, what does this mean for you? It means you get to take more courses and explore a broader range of subjects. Northwestern's system allows you to take three to four classes per quarter, resulting in nine to twelve courses in an academic year. Compared to the typical semester schedule, where students usually take around eight courses a year, this can seem like an advantage.
However, be prepared for a faster pace. As quarters are roughly three weeks shorter than semesters, you'll notice that courses move quickly, and midterms and finals come around sooner. This acceleration can be challenging but it also keeps things fresh and dynamic.
From the students' perspective, there are pros and cons. The additional classes mean more opportunities for breadth in coursework, and for some, this variety can keep the academic year engaging and intriguing. But also, because each course is condensed into ten weeks, the pace of each class tends to be quite fast, which some students find intense. It's a matter of personal preference and study habits.
A surprising benefit mentioned by some students is the alignment of breaks with the traditional holiday schedule. Winter break starts at Thanksgiving and extends through New Year's, and this can make holiday travel more agreeable.
Overall, like any other system, the quarter system has its pros and cons. Whether it is stressful or manageable can depend greatly on your time management skills, study habits and personal preference.
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