Grateful to be a Senior

If you read both my and Jen H's blogs then you've read about the fact that C-term is typically an unpopular term. Its simply due to the cold and snow, however this C-term may be my favorite term ever.

If you've ever been to our campus, then you've probably heard about WPI's unique grading system. This includes the NR: which stands for No Record, (or students say Not Really). Basically if you are receiving a below a C in any class, this class will be completely erased from your transcript. We do this so that our students can challenge themselves without worrying about their GPA or transcript. Because of the grading system we also give our students a bit of wiggle room within their schedules. Throughout the four years a student can take up to 48 classes, however each student only needs 45 to graduate. This is basically a built in buffer system for the NR's; so that a student can NR up to 3 classes and still graduate on time.

So how does this effect my C-term? Simple, I have only NR-ed one class during my four years, and I came in my freshman year with some credit. This means that I have some different options as to how I want to fill my spring semester. Basically in order to fulfill my graduation requirements I only need to take 3 more classes, but my schedule has room for 6 classes. I could work toward a minor or take classes that I don't need but interest me. However I have chosen secret option number 3, slack off.

So, this term I am taking micro-economics and continuing work on my major project. This frees up my schedule to give a lot more time to my project work and enjoy what's left of my senior year. It won't really be a slack off term, because I will end up spending much more time on my project. However, this is something that I need to do so I am thankful that the unique WPI scheduling has made this possible.