<p>On the orienteering, we are recommended to take 13 units in our first semester in order to get adjusted.</p>
<p>My parents weren't really warming up to the idea of 3 classes and a seminar, so I'd like to quell their fears.</p>
<p>My question is, will I grad at the same time and will taking only 13 now have negative effects in the future?</p>
<p>Thanks in advance :)</p>
<p>of course with a unit requirement for graduation of 120, if you come in with AP credits you are already ahead of the game and can stand to lose some ground. Eight semesters at 15 units per equals 120 units, pretty much a single AP test given unit credit will let you do 13 units the first semester without falling behind.</p>
<p>The real challenge to graduating on time is making sure you take the pre-reqs, pay attention to the chains of courses necessary because some depend upon others having been completed (e.g bio 1a), and depends on whether you have more than a single major to complete in the four years. If you are premed, that is a set of 8 required classes that may only partially overlap the classes needed for your major. If you add a second major or add a minor, that is more classes necessary. Throw in the breadth, RC, AC and other obligations and you will use most of your 120 units just accomplishing the requirements. </p>
<p>If you change your mind midway through and switch to a different major, you may not have the prereqs and have ‘wasted’ some units on prereqs for the abandoned major.</p>
<p>Finally some of the upper division courses that you might need are scheduled for specific semesters or years. You might have a course given only once per four semesters. If you don’t plan for that or don’t have the prereqs done when it comes around, you could be delayed in graduating.</p>
<p>Four years is easily attainable for someone with a single major, no premed, doing first semester at 13 and the rest at 15 units average, particularly if you have incoming units from AP tests. Even if not, you only need to bump a semester up to 17 once to get to the 120 units. That is why most advisors recommend the easier start.</p>
<p>It depends on what classes you’re taking. For the intro classes, they’re not generally too tough so it would actually benefit you to take more classes early on so when you get to the upper-divs in your 3rd and 4th year, you can take fewer units. Also, since most people change their major or are undecided, it would be to your great advantage to take more classes early on in order to explore different areas and help you decide what you want to major in. So I would recommend around 15-16 units, although don’t have a schedule that’s like math, physics, chem, engineering.</p>
<p>If you’re going into engineering, take 16.</p>
<p>I’m doing rhetoric :)</p>
<p>13 sounds good to me. I highly recommend it, people usually regret taking more than that, unless if they have to because of their major (engineering or whatever).</p>
<p>LH is the leading advocate on CC of a heavy first semester load - look at his history of posts.</p>
<p>You’ll get to have more time to enjoy college more and explore new things. Taking one less class first semester isn’t going to ruin your degree, even if you do engineering (christ engineers are huge whiners). 13 credits is a good idea.</p>
<p>It really doesn’t matter for most kids. Unless you want to graduate early, 13 units is totally fine, but try to make your three classes count towards either satisfying prereqs (multiple ones is possible too, with a single class.)</p>
<p>I took 4 real classes, 16 units, and did well. I know people who took 13 and didn’t. It depends on too many factors to give a hard and fast rule. Best advise I can give is to learn telebears and your college/intended major requirements. I did and it has helped me so much. </p>
<p>Remember, you can pass/no-pass all classes for breadth requirements and drop classes, so signing up for 15-16 units might not be a bad idea, and then dropping/ P/NPing them if its too much.</p>
<p>I agree with bartle. You’re likely to end up with 16-17 at least one semester in your four years here. But if you are going to take 13 units, make them important classes (I satisfied two breadths and two prereqs with 13 units)
I think 13 units is a good way to go though unless you’re considering like double majoring.</p>
<p>What’s the rush? Enjoy your first semester of college a little. Go out and socialize as much as you can but remember to study as much as you need in order to make a smooth transition. It’s much easier to make friends in your first semester.</p>
<p>tastybeef is correct. If the fourth class you’re thinking about taking is a notoriously hard one like UGBA10, Chem 3A, Math 1B, or Econ 1, put it off. If it’s something with an easy professor that gives a lot of As and satisfies prereqs or whatever, consider it strongly.</p>
<p>can someone let me know if this is a easy or hard freshman load?
15 units
south asian r5a, statistics 2, polysci 2, nutrition sci 10
if it is a little too much, I’d change nutrition 10 to ps179 to lighten it, thanks</p>
<p>i honestly dunno why people think engineers need such a huge courseload. i took 14 units last semester and i’m gonna take 13 units in the fall (excluding seminars) and i’m doing fine with getting my coursework done.
i say just take 4 classes regardless of how many units they are.</p>
<p>thanks, will follow your advice left</p>
<p>I regret taking 16 units my first few semesters.
If you’re not sure I’d say go with 12/13 unless you absolutely have to take more to graduate on time.</p>
<p>I’m only taking 12 units as a CoE in FPF (min requirement) because those are the only classes I can take that will actually do anything. I want to take Astronomy 10 though and I heard that the teacher is pretty laid back and hands out a lot of A’s. My options are to stick with 12 units and focus on Math 1B (my only hard class) or add Astro 10. Opinions? Thanks.</p>
<p>i’d take 12 if i could, l&s requires 13 so I have to take a 4th class whether it’s 1 unit or 4</p>
<p>I think that Berkeley really shines and has earned its prestige for its graduate programs. If you can finish your undergraduate requirements quickly, that means you’ll have more opportunities to take graduate courses.</p>
<p>I’m also an incoming freshman with the same dilemna.</p>
<p>So far, my schedule looks like this: UGBA 10, French 2, ESPM 50ac, and Poli Sci 179 (1 unit). (Also, possibly a PE class?)</p>
<p>I am planning on double majoring (Business + most likely PEIS, maybe Poli Sci), but I’ve pretty much completed my breadth, so I think I have a lot of time ony my hands.</p>
<p>Should I add another class? I was thinking about IAS 45, but I’m not sure how intense it is.</p>
<p>Also, does anyone have any input on PEIS? If you’re in it, do you like it? What’s the focus like?</p>
<p>Thanks, and sorry for all the questions!</p>