<p>I'm a winter transfer, and I'll be attending orientation, so I'll get to choose my classes Dec. 11th. The winter schedule just came out today, I've heard, and seeing as how this will be my first quarter at UCSC, I was hoping some of you might be able to answer a couple questions for me:</p>
<p>--How difficult is it to get the schedule you want?</p>
<p>I've heard it can be a nightmare, since the classes you want/need will most likely already be filled.</p>
<p>--How many backup classes/schedules/combinations of classes would you suggest I prepare in advance to bring to orientation with me?</p>
<p>I just want to make sure my first semester goes as smoothly as possible. I really don't want to get off on the wrong foot, so thanks in advance for letting me know what I should expect! :]</p>
<p>Contact the department for your major well before orientation. You might get lucky and receive a promise for add codes for classes you need for your major even if the class shows “full”. I recommend email so that you have whatever they tell you in writing. And I also recommend not asking for this privilege directly. Ask which classes they feel you should take and possibly express concern to be able to add those with low enrollment spaces. Most of mine are limited to 20-30 students at most, sadly. None of mine exceed those numbers at this time.</p>
<p>We’re mid-year transfers, so they probably want us out of there as soon as possible and some of these courses are only offered once a year ;). Seriously, though, the departments I have spoken with so far are incredibly helpful and very kind.</p>
<p>Do you have lower division requirement or just upper division?</p>
<p>Upper division is less competitive in some majors, but not all. I would just sign up for anything that’s open and fills your requirements - you can always crash courses the first week.</p>