Prospective Students' FAQ Page

What is the First Year College?

What is not true of the First Year College?

What is the main purpose of USC 101A and 102A?

Will I be behind by choosing to start my college career in First Year College?

What are FYC's admissions criteria?

Will I automatically be eligible for the major of my choice?

Is there a computer facility available to me?

When will I meet my adviser and get my schedule of courses?

What about parking/dining/housing/other services?

Am I required to live in the FYC Village (Tucker and Owen Halls)?

What are FYC's admissions criteria?

Q: What is the First Year College?
A: FYC is a program that combines advising, teaching, living and learning. It is a way for incoming students to enter the university without declaring a major right away. Our advising staff works with each student individually to help them discover their career interest areas, and then helps them find an appropriate major in which to matriculate. Other than the one-credit course that is taught by the advising staff (USC 101A and 102A), our students are taking the same courses as other first year students on campus (e.g. - English, Math, Natural Science, Social Science, etc.) FYC students have the option to live in Tucker and Owen residence halls, which are across the street from where the advising offices and classrooms are located. FYC provides personal attention to students, whether in the USC classes, in individual advising appointments, or in our living and learning residence environment.

Q: What is not true of the First Year College?
A: FYC is not a remedial program for lesser prepared students. Our students mirror the distribution of the university as a whole, including scholars, honors, and dean's list students. FYC is also not a backdoor entrance to the university. Students who apply to a specific major (i.e., Engineering) and are not accepted by that major should not assume that they can enter FYC and automatically get into their desired major. The purpose of FYC is to give students who are truly undecided extra time and assistance in choosing a major.

Q: What is the main purpose of USC 101A and 102A?
A: The USC course has four main goals or themes:

1. Transition
   
2. Academics
   
3. Self-discovery
   
4. Career/Major Exploration

In regards to transition and academics, the course aims to keep students in weekly contact with their adviser/instructor, help facilitate the creation of a peer support network, and relate information critical to their understanding of NC State and to their academic success. In regards to self-discovery and career/major exploration, these classes are designed to give students a firm foundation on which to base their career decisions. Students are introduced to a variety of career development instruments that will promote an understanding of their skills, values, interests, and personality type. Students will also explore the options for majors and careers through a number of in and out-of class activities, including interaction with professionals and visits with members of the various colleges on campus. USC 102A is a continuation of 101A, building on the knowledge and insight learned during the first semester. Students begin to think critically about the parallels between what they are discovering about themselves and what they are learning about careers and the majors on campus. In the second semester the course moves from knowing the mechanics of the University to exploring what it means to think and behave like a university student. Students continue to be exposed to the information provided by the individual colleges and are encouraged to interact individually or in groups with their college(s) of interest.

Q: Will I be behind by choosing to start my college career in First Year College?
A: First Year College advisers work closely with students to help them select courses that will count towards the major(s) they are considering. Students should be aware that initial placement into English, mathematics and science is determined by standardized test scores and would be the same regardless of their major. Advisers can help students to understand the consequences of this placement. They also encourage students to select General Education Requirements that will be acceptable to the greatest number of majors available at the University. If students follow the advice of their advisers and take appropriate classes and course loads they will not be behind due to starting their college career in First Year College. The main exception to this is with majors in the College of Design as they require a Design studio to be taken each semester for eight semesters.

Q: Will I automatically be eligible for the major of my choice?
A: NC State has internal transfer regulations that vary from college to college and may change over time. Some of the programs are very selective and thus set high GPA standards for internal transfers. For this reason, we work with our students to build their academic skills so they can achieve a high GPA and matriculate into the major of their choice. However, there is no automatic eligibility. All students pursuing an intracampus transfer must meet the requirements of that major. Some programs (e.g. - Design, Management) can be difficult to enter, so students with confirmed interests in those areas should consider applying directly to those majors. Internal transfer requirements are listed under Academic Regulations on the Provost's web page.

Q: Is there a computer facility available to me?
A: Yes, there is a computer lab in FYC College Commons building that is quite convenient. There are many other labs located around campus, that are accessible for students.

Q: When will I meet my adviser and get my schedule of courses?
A: Students are usually paired with their advisers during the summer orientation. We will spend as much as time necessary to answer your questions, and you will leave with your fall course schedule in your hand.

• For more info on summer orientation, please contact the office of New Student Orientation.
• Feel free to visit the FYC Staff bio pages on our web site.
  

Q: What about parking/dining/housing/other services?
A: While many of your questions about these areas will be answered during Orientation, you may want to preview the information before Orientation by reviewing the FAQ on

• the Parents & Family Services home page.
• or by reading the Student Services section of the NC State home page.

Q: Am I required to live in the FYC Village (Tucker and Owen Halls)?
A: Due to the great programming available in the FYC Village and assessment data showing that Village students outperform non-Village students, FYC now requires all students to live in the FYC village (Tucker or Owen Hall) for their first year at NC State. There are some exceptionsto this requirement which you will learn more about when you fill out your housing application. Learn More Here.

Q: What are FYC's admissions criteria?
A: Students must satisfy the general admissions criteria in order to be considered for admission to NC State.  Once that has been determined, the decision is based on the range of selectiveness by college.  Some colleges are selective, while others are highly selective. FYC is considered "highly selective," which means that our students typically meet or exceed the following criteria: top 10-15% of their high school class in the most rigorous college prep courses, B+ to A- grade point average, and highly competitive standardized test scores (SAT or ACT).  FYC is not the “back door” into other colleges at the university. 

This page last updated by zpcook - January 22, 2008 3:43 PM