<p>What are some of the largest classes and how large are they? Are smaller sections available or is there just no getting around the big classes in the beginning? Also...what is the class registration process like? Do classes fill up quickly? Any tips for making registration run smoothly?</p>
<p>It depends on class and major. Lots of introductory or overview classes can be pretty large. Look on the registrar page and look at some of the fall classes you might want to take for your major. If you click on class section title you will see enrollment/seats open. Search for academic bulletin for your intended major and see what you need to take and then look at those classes.</p>
<p>Some classes like English, History, Univ 101 are capped between 24-35 depending on class. Intro sciences and some math tend to have very large lecture sections (100+) but generally have a lab or recitation section that meets separately and is smaller. Then there are things like music appreciation that are just large lecture. The reason you need to look at specific classes is that some don’t even fill up. D is in religion class this semester that has 50 spots but only 30 in class -and it has no pre-requisite so could be a class for freshman.</p>
<p>There are several ways to get smaller sections. One, obviously, is to be in honors college since they have lots of their own sections of classes and are capped much lower. Also, sometimes evening sections have smaller numbers. Mostly, you just have to get past intro classes to get to smaller class size.</p>
<p>For incoming freshmen, registration happens at summer orientation. Yes things fill up, so the sooner you can come the better. However, they do open new sections or seats for some classes later in summer as things fill up and once you’ve registered you can monitor classes from home and change your schedule as things open up. Happened with D with math. She had an evening spot but by end of summer they added spaces to the section she wanted and she was able to change.</p>
<p>Depends on major. I’ve had only a couple of lecture courses in my time at USC, but my roommate last year had basically all of her classes as lectures.</p>
<p>If you really want a smaller section, signing up for early classes or really late evening classes are usually a good shot. Also, sitting in the front really helps.</p>
<p>But anyways… My lecture courses up until this point: Stat 110 and Psych 101. Each in the same classroom and had about 200 students. There were smaller sections available for both, though.</p>
<p>Most of my classes have had 20 or fewer students. I had one class with only seven people total, so it really just varies. Registration is difficult as a freshman, but it’s not that bad. I’m studying abroad this semester and there were students at my foreign university who literally weren’t able to get into any classes. At USC, that isn’t really a problem.</p>