Frances Walton ’26
Editor-in-Chief
During your first year at Scripps, one thing is certain: you will be in a Core 1 class. This class (and the subsequent program) is a topic on every Scrippsie’s lips, leading to swirling rumors and a lack of clarity on what to expect. This list of common misconceptions hopefully clarifies some potential questions or concerns facing new arrivals!
Books
This message may disappoint some prepared students, but don’t buy your Core 1 books (or even subsequent Core books, for that matter)! They are everywhere on this campus. And thanks to a student-started initiative, this year NSPO will feature a Core 1 book pick-up while the supply of previous students’ Core books lasts! You could also ask almost any older student if they still have theirs. Even if you are a book annotator and saver (like me), you can still find copies you can keep for free. If you listen to one thing, do not buy your books!
Class experience
Scripps designed Core 1 to be an introduction to the humanities and a small liberal arts college classroom. This is, on the whole, true. The course (currently) requires all Core 1 students across all sections to read the same books and watch the same lectures. However, class experience varies depending on the professor. For most, Core is a discussion-based course with a professor who guides and encourages discussion on the aforementioned lectures and readings.
Participation will probably be required, and that can be really scary. Even for students who have led discussions in high school, college discussions can feel much more intimidating and serious. Try to find comfort in knowing that no one will remember or care if you say something dumb and that everyone else is also doing this for the first time. Perhaps some students have more preparation for college-level discussions, but they don’t know everything, and you shouldn’t expect that from yourself. Don’t let another classmate’s big words and intellectual tone intimidate you; quality college discussions can build nuanced ideas even without niche vocabulary. Chatting with and getting to know your classmates outside of class can be surprisingly helpful for feeling comfortable speaking in class. If you are super concerned, speak with your professor about it. I have never met a professor at the 5Cs who didn’t listen and care about where students were coming from, especially in a first-year class.
Professors
Each Core professor has their own style and discipline that they bring to Core 1. To plan for yourself, look up Core 1 professors on Rate My Professor and read reviews from their Core 1 students. This website will give you great insight into the specific class you may choose. If you have an earlier registration time, you will probably be able to select a Core professor without too much thought. You can go by the ratings on Rate My Professor and choose one of the higher ones. If you have a later registration time, rank professors based on your reading. When you register, you should probably have a list ready, as slots change quickly during the registration times.
Another piece of advice is to look into the discipline that the professor typically specializes in. Despite the identical reading lists and lectures, your professor will bring their unique insight and subject into the classroom. Attempt to factor your interest in their subject into your decision, but don’t let it weigh on you too heavily.
If you can’t find enough reviews or insight on your own, ask your NSPO leader or an older Scripps student. Even if they haven’t taken your professor, they probably know someone who has and will have insight into who you should choose.
Course Rigor
The course, for most, is not the most challenging you will have in the first semester. From my memory (two years ago), there are around three larger writing assignments; the rest of the work is small assignments and readings before class.
Workload, as with everything about Core, is professor-dependent. So, lean on other Scripps students who have taken Core before to find the most accurate information on how demanding your class may be. Most professors run Core in a discussion-heavy manner, with minimal writing comparatively.
If you are worried about the writing aspect of Core, go to the Writing Center! Everyone will tell you to do this, but most ignore it. The Writing Center is a magical place where paper ideas come to fruition, and even the most problematic assignment becomes much more manageable. If you need help with other CORE-related work, there are even dedicated Core Mentors who hold office hours periodically to help you run through assignments! I wish I had used these resources more in my first year because it would have saved me so much grief. Do not fear the Writing Center!
Don’t write it off!
You will soon learn that many Scripps students don’t have entirely positive things to say about Core. Most complaints are valid, and Core is still evolving to this day. However, don’t write it off completely. While some readings may be uninteresting or certain discussions may be disappointing, Core is how most Scripps students begin their college academic journey. Try to keep an open mind and enjoy what you can, whether that be making friends, getting to know your professor, improving your writing, or familiarizing yourself with college classes and students. Core gave me a new favorite book in My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante, so do not skim that book! Whether students like it or not, Core will be a part of your college experience, so try to find the meaning and value you can. Good luck!
Photo Courtesy of Frances Walton ’26
