I've waited all semester to blog about the notorious I-core.... I did this for 2 reasons. The first reason being, I didn't want to emotionally write. This meaning, I didn't want to be sad, mad, ecstatic, blah-blah, and write something before I had the time to reflect on the semester. And, the second reason, for not writing earlier is because I wanted to have the whole experience so that I could give the "gist" or overall feelings of the classes.
Background information....
I-core is a three class "set" that must be taken concurrently and is available for Kelley students only. It consists of a Finance, Marketing and Supply Chain Management (Operations Management) class.
My experience....
The classes weren't as bad as rumored. If you go to class, do the homework and take sufficient notes, you should be just fine. I do think the teachers try and use scare tactics at the beginning. This is for your own good, trust me. These classes are no joke. Chances are, you cannot take any upper-level classes until you take (and pass!) I-core.
I will say this though. I-core has made me think again about my major, and my plans for the rest of my college career. I don't want to scare anyone, but realize that you may change your mind about your major when you take I-core. I would rather know now then later. The class I expected to do wonderful in, I did the poorest. And, the class I thought I'd do worse in was my best grade. Hence, the major change. If you don't know what you want to major in, think of I-core as a mini-sampler.
Group project....
If you truly hate working in groups, I-core will take much emotional labor to endure. At the beginning of the semester, you don't meet much with your group. Then, something happens at Mid-term. The next few weeks are hectic. More tests, harder homework, and more group planning (as well as executing). If you have a bad group, it's all the harder. Make sure the leader is well organized and that each individual can contact each other (cell, email, etc.).
My recommendations....
1. Meetings. To get a good grade on your group project (which is 20-30% of your grade), have weekly (at least) meetings and try to work together in the same room. There are many questions that each section must work together to solve. I suggest using the libaray meeting rooms. And, yes, make a reservation or you will be sitting on the floor with your group. They fill up fast especially towards the end of the semester, which is the same time your paper is due.
2. Communication. Let your members know if you are going to have to miss a meeting. There is a peer evaluation at the end, and it could save your grade.
3. Organization. Stay on top of class work so that you can be successful throughout the semester. Use an old-fashioned organizer or a Blackberry or whatever works for you.
4. Be resourceful. Yes, this is a SCHOOL project, but treat it as a job. Ask questions if you are unsure and do your research. If you have to ask why, what, when, how.... Your professors will to. I will say this again: the University Library will be your stomping grounds all semester long.
I could go on and on... but I gave the abbreviated version.
Good luck and Ciao!
Background information....
I-core is a three class "set" that must be taken concurrently and is available for Kelley students only. It consists of a Finance, Marketing and Supply Chain Management (Operations Management) class.
My experience....
The classes weren't as bad as rumored. If you go to class, do the homework and take sufficient notes, you should be just fine. I do think the teachers try and use scare tactics at the beginning. This is for your own good, trust me. These classes are no joke. Chances are, you cannot take any upper-level classes until you take (and pass!) I-core.
I will say this though. I-core has made me think again about my major, and my plans for the rest of my college career. I don't want to scare anyone, but realize that you may change your mind about your major when you take I-core. I would rather know now then later. The class I expected to do wonderful in, I did the poorest. And, the class I thought I'd do worse in was my best grade. Hence, the major change. If you don't know what you want to major in, think of I-core as a mini-sampler.
Group project....
If you truly hate working in groups, I-core will take much emotional labor to endure. At the beginning of the semester, you don't meet much with your group. Then, something happens at Mid-term. The next few weeks are hectic. More tests, harder homework, and more group planning (as well as executing). If you have a bad group, it's all the harder. Make sure the leader is well organized and that each individual can contact each other (cell, email, etc.).
My recommendations....
1. Meetings. To get a good grade on your group project (which is 20-30% of your grade), have weekly (at least) meetings and try to work together in the same room. There are many questions that each section must work together to solve. I suggest using the libaray meeting rooms. And, yes, make a reservation or you will be sitting on the floor with your group. They fill up fast especially towards the end of the semester, which is the same time your paper is due.
2. Communication. Let your members know if you are going to have to miss a meeting. There is a peer evaluation at the end, and it could save your grade.
3. Organization. Stay on top of class work so that you can be successful throughout the semester. Use an old-fashioned organizer or a Blackberry or whatever works for you.
4. Be resourceful. Yes, this is a SCHOOL project, but treat it as a job. Ask questions if you are unsure and do your research. If you have to ask why, what, when, how.... Your professors will to. I will say this again: the University Library will be your stomping grounds all semester long.
I could go on and on... but I gave the abbreviated version.
Good luck and Ciao!
