<p>I realize that every student will take different core sequences and so on. I'm just wondering what is the most common set of classes for the first two years.</p>
<ol>
<li>Every first-year takes HUM.</li>
<li>Almost every first-year takes math, usually one of the three calculus sequences.</li>
<li>Basically everyone takes SOSC in their first or second year.</li>
<li>People who need to fulfill language requirements will generally knock that out in their first couple years here.</li>
</ol>
<p>From there on, it depends a lot on major–science majors generally delve into major classes a little earlier than do non-science majors.</p>
<p>A typical nonscience major schedule is probably something like HUM, SOSC, calc 150s or 130s, and an intro language sequence. Some people hold off taking SOSC until second year, or place out of some/all of their language requirement. They will generally use the free slots to take some other Core classes–Core Bio/bio topics, physical science classes, art, etc. Or they may not take four classes. Or they may just take random stuff/get started on their major/get started on figuring out their major.</p>
<p>I think more science majors hold off on taking SOSC, because we generally have an intro science sequence in our first year. So there’s HUM, a calc sequence, and intro science: physics for physics majors, chemistry for bio/chem majors. The fourth class (if there is one) may be SOSC, or a language, or AP5 if you are a bio major and so inclined. Or something else entirely, but these are probably the most common.</p>
<p>Second year is more variable, but generally you get whatever Core classes you haven’t finished out of the way (with maybe a couple exceptions–a lot of people will hold off on Civ and do study abroad in their third or fourth year, for example) and go deeper into your major.</p>
<p>Is study abroad a big thing at Chicago?</p>
<p>Eh, I don’t know if it’s a huge thing? But a lot of people do the Civ study abroad programs.</p>
<p>A lot of people study abroad, maybe half (not sure about this number but it seems like a decent guess considering Civ study abroad and normal study abroad)? Also, a considerable number go abroad during summers for internships or research… the University offers a lot of grants for these sorts of things, too.</p>
<p>Here’s and example of what I’m planning on taking for the first two years (I’m planning on double majoring in Poli Sci and Econ). This plan gets me done with the core after my second year.</p>
<p>First year:
Math (3)
Hume (3)
Civ (2)
Physical Sciences (2)
Bio Topic (1)
Art (1)</p>
<p>Second Year:
Math (3)
Sosc (3)
Econ (3)
Political Science (2)</p>
<p>Don’t you need one more quarter of Bio? It says on the website “at least two quarters of physical sciences; at least two in the biological sciences; and at least one in the mathematical sciences; and one additional course in the physical sciences, biological sciences, or mathematical sciences.” or “the four-quarter natural sciences sequence; at least one in the mathematical sciences; and one additional course in the physical sciences, biological sciences, or mathematical sciences.”</p>
<p>Or does it mean you can take any math/science classes you want as long as you take 6 quarters in total?</p>
<p>@targetpractice41: What you interpreted it as first is correct, although neogop might have gotten some AP credit for 1 bio topic or something.</p>
<p>@Target,</p>
<p>Core Bio counts as one of those 2, and you can place out of it. There are particular bio, physical science, and math courses that can count toward the 6. For example, I took one math class (that counts), so I’ll be taking 2 physical science and 3 bio classes to complete the requirement. </p>
<p>I’m in the middle of second year, and here’s where my plan stands right now.</p>
<p>First year
Autumn: Hum, Sosc, math, and French
Winter: Hum, Sosc, math, and French
Spring: Hum, Sosc, English elective and Anthropology</p>
<p>Second year
Autumn: Civ, Phy Sci, English elective, History elective
Winter: Civ, Phy Sci, bio topic, Anthropology
Spring: Bio topic, Art, Anthro, Anthro</p>
<p>I’ll be done with the core, and have 4-5 classes toward my major and 2-3 toward my minor. Hurrah!</p>
<p>One quick question from a newly admitted student: </p>
<p>Math is not my biggest strength. I can do it, but I would rather avoid it. Currently, I’m taking AP STAT with a graduate from UChicago. It’s great, but I was wondering if getting a 4 or a 5 on the exam would place me out of math entirely. Doesn’t it say in the core requirements that taking STAT 20000 or something would satisfy all general math requirements, and that getting a 4 or a 5 on the AP STAT test would suffice to place out of that class? Would I be right in then concluding that, if I do get a 4 or a 5 on the AP stat test, I would not have to take any math classes at Chicago? </p>
<p>If I do have to take math classes, then that’s fine, I’m okay with that (the AP stat class has actually been pretty awesome with the UChicago grad, I enjoy it a lot and hopefully the math classes actually at Chicago are more of the same). </p>
<p>Sorry to hijack the thread, but it’s kinda of relevant, and I think it’s a largely yes or no question. Thanks.</p>
<p>This should take care of your mathematical sciences requirement for the Core, unless, of course, your major requires you to take a calc sequence.</p>
<p>^thanks. </p>
<p>I’m a Classics major, so no math is needed for my major classes.</p>
<p>Yes, I placed out of Core Bio with AP Credit. So, what counts for the core is:
2 quarters of Math
2 quarters of PhySci
1 credit for Core Bio from AP 5
1 Bio Topic</p>
<p>This adds to 6, so I complete the req. Technically the third quarter of math counts towards the Econ major.</p>
<p>I want to major in Physics, but I am also interested in Math… Is double majoring those two difficult at Chicago? I’m thinking I would have to take a few of the courses over the summer so I don’t overwork myself during the year. Do you have any specific recommendations towards people interested in double-majoring? </p>
<p>Oh and if I am majoring in math/science, does that mean I have to complete all 6 math/science and bio courses there? I am taking AP Biology, and I think I will get a 4/5 on the exam, could that place me out of Biology, even though I am majoring in the sciences??</p>
<p>[Courses</a> & Programs of Study](<a href=“http://collegecatalog.uchicago.edu/]Courses”>http://collegecatalog.uchicago.edu/)</p>
<p>It’s amazing what a little research can provide. Double majoring is common. It is much easier to double with a physical science and math than any other major and math. Be thankful.</p>