<p>With so many core course requirements, do most freshmen take 4 or 5 classes in their first semester? Also, with a 3 semester language competency requirement, can someone who is starting out with a language 101 class graduate in 4 years without taking an intercession class?</p>
<p>I think 5 is typical. Depending on how many AP credits you come in with, you want to aim for at least 15/16 credits per semester. My kid is generally around 16 (5 3-unit classes plus a club sport or two, or 4 3-unit classes and 1 4-unit lab). He started with the 101 language course and, half way through, is on track to graduate in 4 years w/o an intersession or summer class.</p>