<p>How does this actually work? Do we have to sit down with an advisor? Can we just pick them online? Are we ever forced to take an upper-level course if we would prefer to take an easier one? For example, I unexpectedly scored a 5 on AP Calc AB but do not feel I am actually ready to advance to a higher lever math course. I feel like I relied on my wits and only basic knowledge of calculus. I would prefer to solidify my foundations before moving on to harder courses.</p>
<p>As another Yale 2013 admit, we have a shopping period during the first two weeks of classes in which you can visit classes after narrowing down your choices. You begin the work in each class; however you are not obligated to remain in it. After the two weeks is up, you choose four classes (sometimes five - however most freshman take four) and I beleive you have a freshman counselor who will approve it. Any corrections or additional info from a current student would be greatly appreciated!</p>
<p>Mythbuster is basically right. You shop around for two weeks (may be shorter this year however because profs hate shopping period), decide which classes you want to take, decide whether or not to take anything credit, d, fail ect. at the end of the two weeks you have a schedule that needs to be signed by your freshmen counselor, your faculty advisor and eventually approved by your dean. also, you have to do the work during shopping period especially if you’re serious about taking the class. lots of people start off behind because they don’t do the work during shopping period. i think that’s one of the reasons why the profs hate it lol.</p>
<p>ok thanks guys. now as far as getting these things approved goes, could it be difficult in a situation like the one i described or are they pretty much okay with whatever you choose?</p>
<p>no you’re never forced to take a harder course, except for maybe a language. if you test into a certain level, you have to take it until you get there and find it’s impossible. math is completely different. i know people who got a 5 on calc bc but took math 112 to review. as long as you don’t have more than 4 classes (unless you’re really really special) and have a good mix of classes, they will sign it.</p>
<p>well since i expect math 112 to be really easy but a good review, i did plan to take five classes. So that will be the problem then?</p>
<p>Yeah, for your own sanity, take 4 classes first semester freshman year. Even if 112 won’t be too hard for you, there are very few true “guts” at Yale, and you’ll still have several midterms along with weekly problem sets. Adjusting to college is a challenge in and of itself, and overloading yourself academically first semester is a terrible idea – err on the side of a bit too easy, and I promise you won’t regret it. This is especially true if you didn’t go to a very rigorous high school. Make the adjustment easier for yourself and take 5 classes second semester, not first.</p>
<p>Just found out that the college has posted the online course information for the fall semester at:</p>
<p>[Yale</a> Online Course Information | Search Courses](<a href=“Yale Course Search | University Registrar's Office”>Yale Course Search | University Registrar's Office)</p>
<p>I am not sure whether the 2009 Fall course information has been out for some time though – So it may be old news.</p>
<p>Hmm…Do they still send out the printed blue book? I hope they still do.</p>