FAQ

Questions

How do I register for classes? (Top)

Students register for classes online using the Penn InTouch system.  Detailed information on the registration process is available in the freshman mailing and on the Registration/Advising section of the website.

Which classes do first-year students in Wharton typically take in the fall semester? (Top)

Refer to the materials provided in the freshman mailing as well as the Academics section of the website.

Can I schedule classes back-to-back? (Top)

Yes. There is a ten-minute break between consecutive classes that allows students enough time to get to their next class. For example, a class that is scheduled to meet from 9:00 to 10:30 will run for 80 minutes - 9:00 to 10:20 - to allow for enough time to arrive at a class scheduled to begin at 10:30.

Can I register for two courses that overlap in time? (Top)

No.  The registration system will not permit you to register for two courses for which there is a time conflict, even if the overlap is minimal.

What is a recitation? (Top)

Many of Penn's larger introductory-level courses require enrollment in both a lecture section and a recitation section. The recitation section is designed to be a smaller break-out session from the larger lecture (typically no more than 25-30 students per recitation) to provide an opportunity for students to engage with the course material in a smaller group setting.

What does the "R" mean in the Course Timetable that I am using for course selection? (Top)

R is an abbreviation for Thursday, so a class offered on TR will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the time indicated. Monday is M; Wednesday is W; and Friday is F.

Which requirements will my AP/IB credits fulfill? (Top)

Refer to the Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate policies on the Undergraduate Admissions Office web site to determine Penn’s criteria for awarding AP/IB credit for specific subjects.  If you have earned the necessary scores to receive credit or waivers based on these policies, refer to the AP & Transfer Credit section of the website to determine which requirements these credits can fulfill in the Wharton curriculum.

How do I get transfer credit for college courses taken prior to matriculation at Penn?  (Top)

Refer to the AP & Transfer Credit section of the website.

How do I get AP/IB/transfer credits noted on my transcript? (Top)

The Transfer Credit and Advanced Placement Office, housed within Undergraduate Admissions, handles the review and posting of all AP, IB and transfer credits for incoming first-year students. For questions regarding the posting of AP, IB, and pre-matriculation course work credits, contact them at 1 College Hall, (215) 898-6080.

Do I have to take any placement exams once I arrive on campus in the fall? (Top)

Students who do not place out of the language requirement or who did not take a foreign language SAT II exam must take a language placement exam to determine their current level of competency in a foreign language.  This determines the most appropriate language course placement.  Additional information about the foreign language requirement and language placement is available on the First-Year Requirements section of the website. 

When do classes start and what are other important dates and deadlines I should know? (Top)

Refer to the Academic Calendar..

Who can I talk with about academic questions or problems?  (Top)

Each first-year student is assigned to a summer advisor.  Click here for your summer advisor assignment.  Students should contact their summer advisor with any questions or concerns they may have as they prepare to register for fall courses and make the transition to Penn.  Once students arrive on campus, they can continue working with their assigned summer advisor or they may see any advisor in the Wharton Undergraduate Division.

What do you mean when you say that professors have office hours? (Top)

Many faculty members and teaching assistants (TA's) hold weekly office hours. This is a time when students can stop by to ask them questions about lecture materials or readings, or to explore a topic in greater depth. Visiting faculty and TA's during office hours is strongly encouraged. It is an excellent way to have an expert address your individual questions and issues. If you are unable to attend office hours, you can always email faculty and TA's to arrange for alternate times and ways to meet.

Do I need to know my major now? (Top)

All Wharton students major in business, so it is not necessary to formally declare a major. However, each student selects a concentration designed to provide an in-depth focus in a particular area of business.  Students usually begin their business concentration in the junior year.  Students have plenty of time to decide on their concentration and may change their concentration at any time. Consider the classes you take during your first two years as opportunities to evaluate and explore your interests.  It is not necessary to know what you wish to concentrate in at this time.  Freshman should focus on getting adjusted to Penn and completing the necessary first-year requirements in economics, math, and the liberal arts.

I am interested in pursuing a minor/dual degree/study abroad/other academic opportunity.  When should I start planning? (Top)

It is not necessary to know which options you want to pursue when planning courses for your first semester.  First-year students have plenty of time to explore their interests and research academic opportunities available.  For those students who know they wish to pursue a specific minor or dual degree program, talk with your summer academic advisor about your interests.  The 2009-2010 Wharton Undergraduate Student Handbook provides additional information about study abroad, research, and other academic opportunities.

What is a syllabus? (Top)

A syllabus is a description of what the instructor plans to cover in the course. The teacher usually will hand out a syllabus to each student on the first day of class. Common issues addressed in a syllabus include: topics to be covered, the grading system, exam dates, homework assignments, deadlines, contact information for the professor or TA, and other relevant information about the course.

Where/when do I buy my textbooks? (Top)

You will likely be buying two types of instructional materials for your classes: textbooks and bulkpacks. Textbooks are available at the Penn Bookstore, located at 36th and Walnut Streets. It may be possible to view and/or purchase some of the textbooks you need in advance using the Textbook link on the Penn Bookstore web site.  Alternatively, textbooks may be purchased at the Penn Bookstore once you arrive on campus in the fall.  Textbooks are organized according to academic department, and there will be a list of the books you need to buy for your courses.

If you need a bulkpack, it will be listed on the course syllabus. Bulkpacks are a compilation of articles and other reading materials that are necessary for the course. Bulkpacks are available at one of several duplicating shops in the area. Your instructor will tell you where you can purchase the bulkpack for a particular course.

Where can I find more information about tutoring, academic support, and other resources? (Top)

There are a variety of offices on campus that offer support to the student population. Information on academic support programs, tutoring, learning resources, Student Disabilities Services, Counseling and Psychological Services, Student Health Services, international programs and student support, and security and safety services can be found on page 30 of the Undergraduate Program Student Handbook.

Who can I talk to about non-academic problems I may have? (Top)

In addition to your Wharton academic advisor, cohort director and mentor, your College House Dean is also a great resource to discuss both academic and non-academic matters.  Your College House Dean is a full-time staff member who lives in your college house and has been trained as a counselor to help you with any issues that may arise.  Click here to locate your College House Dean’s contact information.

Another great resource is to talk to a counselor at Counseling and Professional Services (CAPS) which provides free professional counseling to students.  For more information, please visit the CAPS website.








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