Other FAQs

• When do Carleton students declare a major? If I already know what I want to major in, can I declare a major early?
  Carleton students declare majors spring term of their sophomore year. Students cannot declare earlier. Why...
• Are courses at St. Olaf available to me?
  Yes. By special arrangement and if space is available, students may take courses at St....
• Do I have to take the placement tests?
  While certain SAT II scores may exempt you from some placement tests, all incoming students...
• O.K. So I'll take three courses my first term. How do I know which ones to take?
  Most students will pre-register for one of the special courses for first-year students. In order...
• What do I need to know about the 3-3 calendar?
  You may have already noticed unusual features of Carleton's calendar. In some ways, it resembles...
• Will I have an adviser to help me register?
  You will be assigned an academic adviser after summer registration, but before you arrive on...
• What has to be done to fulfill the writing requirement?
  Based on how you scored on the self-placement writing placement exam you will be directed...
• What are the departmental policies on AP scores and placement?
  See the Prior Credits Policy on the Registrar’s web site....
• Where do I get my books?
  You will be able to purchase textbooks, manuals, and all necessary materials at The Carleton...
• How do I know what courses are available?
  Consult the paper schedule on course information sent to you in summer mailing # 3...
• What do "Distros" and "RAD" mean?
  "Distros" are distribution requirements, which require you to take a variety of courses in four...
• What do HU, AL, SS, MS, and ND stand for?
  About one-third of the courses you take at Carleton will fulfill distribution requirements in our...
• What is a concentration?
  Students may elect to complete one of Carleton’s 16 concentrations in addition to a major....
• What is "scrunch"?
  "Scrunch" refers to Carleton's Satisfactory/ Credit/No Credit (S/Cr/NC) grading option. For this option, S=A to...
• What should I do to prepare for placement tests?
  The purpose of the placement tests is to make sure you get into the right...
• What is the purpose of academic advising?
  Academic advising is an educational process intended to aid students in making decisions about their...
• What do I need to know about Priority Registration?
  Carleton students register in priority order. That means that for most courses, seniors register first...