College of Charleston Top Questions

My professors always know my name and still do years later. I was forunate enough to have super small classes last semester. I saw one of my professors for the first time the other day in the library and he gave me a big hug, asked how my mom's kidney removal went back in December and told me to call him if I need a letter of recommendation when I start looking for a teaching job. That's the kind of professor relationship I like to have.

CofC's size is really conducive to a great education. Unlike some of the bigger schools in state, our class sizes are pretty small, therefore our tests are not always scantron. The tests usually have some kind of short answer section and really make sure that you learned the material, not just made good guesses. The professors I've had have always been helpful not only guiding me in their course, but also giving me helpful information for my college career, and life after college in general. You will find competitive students at the College, but unfortunately a majority are ok with getting by. This might be because there is a lovely tourist town surrounding the college and a beach only minutes away, and with warm weather almost year round this may be a cause of distraction for many of our students.

CofC doesn't exactly have the best reputation for outstanding academics. When I decided to come here, I knew that I was compromising a challenging competitive education for a really neat city, but to me, it was worth it. The Honors College is why I'm here. It is a really great program and I'd insist that any prospective students who are turned off by CofC's lower than average entry academic requirements apply for the Honors College. It's its own little world within the campus. I definitely think that CofC has the potential to be a much more competitive school. The professors are amazing, and really care that each student learns above and beyond the required class material. Classes are small, which is really neat because that means the professors get to know the students and the students get to know each other. The small classes make for a good, relaxing educational environment which encourages class discussion and personal expression.

My class sizes have ranged from 7 to 40 students. Most professors learn your name and are always willing to help. Depneding on how you view it, this could either be a benefit or a drawback because most professors will call on you in class and expect everyone to actively participate. Study time really depends on your major. Like any other school, Biology majors are going to spend a lot more time studying than Communications or Theater majors. I don't feel like students are very competitive. Most people are pretty laid back about everything.

Some people assume that no one here studies or goes to class, which isn't particularly true...it's what you make of it really. Some classes have a lot of participation and some none really at all. There are some great classes and great teachers, you just have to want to look into them.

I am a psychology major but I plan to attend dental school. It's a lot of work. I think the teachers here are great. They know your name and they care. They want you to do well. I can be very shy and I've never been able to approach teachers outside of class with questions until C of C. And the best part is if you really need anything they will bend over backwards to help you find your way.

So far I have had good luck with most of my professors. Some will never know your name and don't care to, but I think you'll find that at most colleges. I have really gotten to know some of my professors and made life long connections. I even had the chance to travel to Washington DC with two of them on an amazing school trip to meet and interview dozens of senators and congressmen and women to discuss politics and important issues. I haven't found that students are very competitive or study too often. Generally, Its not a very difficult or competitive school. There is no reason to fail a majority of the classes offered at CofC.

The classes at CofC are of a wide variety. I am an Athletic Training major which is a pretty small major. I basically have all the same classes with the 10 other Athletic training major students. Our professors most certainly know our names, however the larger majors might be different. I know my general education classes where a little larger in size, around 30 students, but once you choose your major, your class size gets smaller.

My classes are relativley small, but of course it depends on your area of study. Most of the business classes are larger (full of good looking guys) as well as the science dept. but the language and art classes are much smaller and more personal.

Oops. Did this already ... unless you take huge biology classes or classes with 30+ professors, they do know who you are. If you're the one student that looks different from the others (i.e. if you're not a caucasian female), be prepared to be called on more frequently or, be prepared to be ignored completely. Class participation is important in nearly every class and unfortunately ... so is attendance. Even if the teacher is lax, remember that some students can get away with skipping (and not be penalized) while others can't. My favorite class was with an encouraging professor (yes, they're hard to find) that really wanted her students to think for themselves and not to regurgitate useless facts. Basically, as far as grades go, a lot of it has to do with if the professor likes you and if you have an outside relationship with them. That can be the difference between an A and A-. I will say this now. A lot of the professors I've had have been sketchy graders. Don't be afraid to speak up for yourself and bring problems to the table as they happen. There is a grade grievance process, but I would recommend trying to get the professor to see things your way. If you have proof of mal conduct by the professor, then you go to the chair (after seeing the professor). Then, you talk to the dean of the college. Essentially, many students separate their lives from their classes. (unless they're pre-professional students) The atmosphere is pretty relaxed about school and this isn't the school you want to go to to really learn. However, you can make a lot of great connections here and the communications department, especially will help students find internships which equal job opportunities.