FYI
Whether you’re in the fifth grade or twelfth, you’re probably anxious about your first year of college. Don’t try to play it cool; everyone has his worries, and a lot of them are about academics. One of the questions that prospective students ask most often is, “what special courses does Wesleyan offer the first year students?” Well, as first years you will have the opportunity to pre-register for a couple of classes. On WesMaps, our online course catalogue, there is a long list of courses that the registrar has deemed appropriate for first year students.
Some of these are First Year Initiative (FYI) courses. The FYI is a special breed of Wes-course and is one that we take great pride in. To put it simply, these courses are Wesleyan’s answer to the freshman seminar. We cap the courses at 20 first year students (and only first year students), so you’ll be able to have an intimate class right off the bat. Furthermore, departments assign their cream-of-the-crop faculty to teach these courses, which tend to be outside the standard curriculum. Wesleyan is a core curriculum-free zone, so there isn’t any sort of freshmen writing seminar. Therefore, one of the main goals of FYI courses is to make sure that every student has a proper introduction to writing at the college level. Many FYI courses have their own writing tutors who are there to read students’ work (before it’s handed in) and help them through writing their first college essay. Most students sign-up for at least one FYI, but they are not required. I actually took four, because I found the topics so intriguing.
My favorite was “Culture and Cuisine,” taught by Professor of Government John Finn. It was a sociological look at food, and Professor Finn has been to culinary school, so of course he cooked for us! “Culture and Cuisine” was very reading and writing intensive, but the topic was so interesting that it never felt tedious. And that’s just the nature of FYIs! So head over to WesMaps Search and click the box next to “First Year Initiatives.” A lot of them sound really neat! I wish seniors could take them.
Justin Holzwarth ‘08
Senior Interviewer
These FYI courses must make the transition from high school to college much easier. It’s wonderful that one’s first college paper is edited by a writing tutor. Could you explain what you mean by freshman having the opportunity to pre-register for these classes?
Comment by Antonio Reis — August 23, 2007 @ 10:11 am
Sure! Before your first year begins, you will receive a packet with a list of FYI and introductory courses (ie: Intro to Sociology, Intro to Economics). You have the opportunity to register for one FYI and one intro course before your come to Wesleyan in the fall. You will fill out the remainder of your course load once you reach campus, but this enables first year students to lock in two classes over the summer. It’s mostly for piece of mind, and it helps us assign you an advisor.
Justin Holzwarth ‘08
Senior Interviewer
Comment by Justin H. — August 23, 2007 @ 11:47 am
OK, that makes sense!
Comment by Antonio Reis — August 23, 2007 @ 11:55 am
I have a boring question but one that’s been nagging at me…Wesleyan requires/recommends four years of English in high school for those applying, but I am taking Existentialism as an English class this semester. Is that alright? thanks very much
-yuriy
Comment by yuriy — August 28, 2007 @ 6:42 pm
Hey seniors,
It has been almost half a year now since I first fell in love with Wesleyan.
I’m going to apply Early Decision, but I was wondering if first quarter senior grades are taken into account for early decision/ play a part in admission. Also, when would you recommend me showing my portfolio to an art professor and having a student interview? (October? or is that too late)
Thanks!
Comment by Kate Lisi — September 3, 2007 @ 4:51 pm
Yuriy –
The Deans are looking to see that you have consistently taken an academically rigorous course of study, so be sure that your replacement course is at least as rigorous as the English class that you would have taken otherwise. Be sure to talk to your academic advisor or counselor about your choice – they are sure to know you, your school, and the courses in discussion far far better than any of us, and will likely provide more and better insight. The choice is ultimately yours to make – you decide what classes are best. I highly recommend doing an interview generally, but in a case like this I would push even harder – in an interview setting, you can explain your choices in an articulate and passionate manner. That will come through in our write-ups, and will ultimately go into your file which will be read by a Dean, who can then make an informed decision. Best of luck!
Jacqueline Chapman ‘08
Senior Interviewer
Comment by Jacqueline — September 12, 2007 @ 11:58 am
Hey Kate! Great to know that you’ve been struck by the Wesbug.
To answer your questions, let me begin with first quarter senior grades. As and Early Decision 1 applicant, your quarter grades will be considered by the Deans. You’re encouraged to submit your second quarter/ semester grades, if and when they are available, and the Deans will review your quarter and semester performance.
Secondly, regarding your art work: if you are planning on including your portfolio as a part of your application then you do not need to meet with the professor on campus. You can submit your portfolio in SLIDE form, and the admissions office will forward the slides to the appropriate department for evaluation. Please note that the admissions office does not view/assess the work, and that this work will not be resent to you after evaluations. I would have you note that if you are planning to submit your work as a part of your application, then the deadline is November 15.
Thirdly, regarding your campus visit: You are most welcome to come on campus as you please. The interview is not obligatory, but if you would like it to be considered as a part of your Early Decision application, then i would suggest coming in October. Please note that we have Open Houses on Oct 8th and Nov 12. So if you are thinking of attending an open house, and possibly having an interview then, I would call the admissions office immediately to schedule an interview as slots are running out!
hope this answers your questions, but do keep them coming!
Anand
Senior Interviewer
Comment by Anand — September 20, 2007 @ 12:37 pm
I’d just like to add one little thing to what Anand said - please please please DO NOT put your SSI on your supplementary materials! Use your WesID instead. There’s nothing worse than spending hours with a sharpie blacking out your SSI from every single slide you sent in to the art department (trust me). Here at the office, we use your WesID, not your SSI, to keep track of your records - so put your WesID on everything! If you don’t have or don’t know your WesID number, just give us a call and we can look you up or put you in the system!
Also, a point of clarification - the deadline for submissions of supplementary materials is whichever deadline you choose (be it ED 1, ED 2, or Regular). As Anand said, if you are going ED 1 the deadline is November 15th - however, for ED2 and Regular Decision, the deadline is January 1st.
Cheers!
Jacqueline Chapman ‘08
Senior Interviewer
Comment by Jacqueline — September 20, 2007 @ 1:00 pm