College classes question...?

Question

I've finally figured out what career path I want to take and now I'm looking at colleges. This may sound really stupid, but are there colleges (besides community types) that allow you to take whatever classes you want and your major without adhering to a required class list?

I ask this because I have a horrible time with math and if I have to take any mandatory classes that involve it (Calculus Trig, etc), I'm in trouble, particularly if the work loads are tremendous. (Effort grades have saved me in high school)

I just want to take classes in English, communications, journalism, as that's what I'll need if I want to pursue a writing career and improve my ability.

Again, sorry if this sounds naive, but my counselor wasn't exactly the best (we lost our original and didn't have a real one) and I just have been trying to figure out what I want to do before thinking of college. Thanks much to all who help, as I'm terrified that my future may be messed up because I suck at mathematics.

Answer 1

sorry, no matter your major core cirriculums will be required (englishes, maths, sciences, histories). the level of the course (calculus, trig, etc) may depend on your major but you can be assured there will be some math requirements. Now, once you get your core courses out of the way you will begin focusing more on the classes geared towards and related to your major. Generally you can visit the college website and view the required courses for each major--that might help you get a better idea of what classes are needed.

Answer 2

This probably isn't what you want to hear but If you have trouble with a subject, then that is exactly what you should focus on. I hate writing and I'm so for behind in my communications course that I can't possibly catch up. I'm just going to do as much as I can and hopefully do better next time. Make sure your instructors know that you have trouble with this right away. Start small and make sure you grasp the fundamentals one step at a time, that's all anyone can ask of you. Besides, there isn't much point in going to school if all you're willing to learn is what you already know. You might as well go get a job and after a few years of kissing as* for minimum wage you'll be begging to take some math courses. I've met some college grads who have trouble with fractions and percentages, by the way.

Answer 3

Take a look at this web page...

http://www.ctcl.com

I was just looking at it for other reasons, but I noticed that several of the 40 school profiled there are specifically mentioned as allowing students to pretty much design their own programs. College of Wooster and Hampshire College come to mind, but there are others.

Whether or not you can consider yourself an educated person without knowing any math is different question. I think everybody ought to have some algebra. (Granted, I was a math major.) Maybe you just never had the right teacher for the way you learn?

Good luck. Knowing what you want is a major step.

Answer 4

Most colleges allow you some flexibility in your class schedule. Most leave it to you to figure out what classes to take when. Some give you suggested schedules.

However, most majors have a list of required classes, and the school will have general ed requirements. I would look for a college that has flexibility in general ed, like letting you pick which science classes to take.