Davidson College Top Questions

There is no doubt that Davidson academics are ridiculously hard. The small nature of the classes makes it so the professor can teach and even expect more from the students. Although the work is sometimes impossible, the professors are kind, caring, and overall make the learning experience a great one!

professors definitely know their students names and class participation is practically required due to the small class sizes. students study all the time. when we went to detroit to watch our boys play in the sweet sixteen and elite eight, there were people studying in the hotel at all times. that might give you some idea. education at davidson is about learning. the idea is that when you graduate from davidson you will be so hard-working that you will be able to succeed at any job thrown at you. at least that is my opinion.

You are going to get your ass handed to you on a platter time and time and time again. ITS WORTH IT!! you WILL learn whether you want to or not (if you're seriously contemplating coming here, my guess is that you want to)...and you will learn a lot! your grades wont reflect it (at least not most of the time) but when they do, you've actually done something...and done it well.

really tough and there's no grade inflation here which means our grade point averages are lower

the professors here are great, helpful, and take the time to know you. however, the academics are ridiculously hard - sometimes it feels as if it is unnecessarily difficult. the grading curve is hard as well - what you might receive an "a" on at any other school will often be graded as a "b" here. also, the load is extremely intense for most classes. while the teachers help you when you ask, they make no effort to baby you or make it any easier.

The classes at Davidson are small. Most are capped at 30 (some intro classes have 40) but most average around 20. Some are even as small as 4. While this seems intimidating, it's actually really nice. Teachers know your name and are extremely willing to help, especially if you go see them during office hours. They understand that Davidson is a hard school so they do their best to work with you and your schedule to help you succeed. We have a lot of core requirements that are a part of the liberal arts background, but nothing unmanageable. And sometimes the work does seem overwhelming. There will be weeks when everything piles up and is due at once. But everyone has those weeks and everyone understands, so you're in good company. Just don't expect friends at big state schools to understand your workload...they most likely won't.

very tough. they basically don't give As.

Are extremely challenging but important. Classes definitely over prepare you for life after college and just being a well-spoken intelligent person in general.

Academically, Davidson can be quite challenging and there is no grade inflation on this campus. With that said, however, it is possible to do well, and you will learn a lot here.

Grading can be difficult, but it seems to be more difficult for those who have never faced tough standards before. People here definitely are not trained in class discussion or oral argument tactics. There is much greater emphasis on writing than speaking. Professors absolutely know your name, and probably other things about you. You know their name, things about them, and probably their home or cell phone numbers. You may even get to go to their house for dinner or a cookout.