<p>I am an incoming freshman and I haven't register for classes yet since my orientation is the last one. I have classes in mind to take but I would like some opinions if I should take them now or later (mostly writing 140). I am coming in as undecided but I plan on changing my major to computer science.</p>
<p>CSCI 102L: Data Structures - William Cheng
PHIL 140g: Contemporary Moral and Social Issues - Stephen Finlay
Writing 140
PHIL 285Lg: Knowledge, Explanation, and Cosmo - Jacob Ross</p>
<p>I plan on taking Calc 3 or Linear Algebra/Differential Equations and Fundamental of Physics: Mechanics and Thermodynamics second semester, but I'm having doubts. Should I take math/physics first semester and save writing 140 for second semester since writing would be much harder for me and math/physics is much easier for me.</p>
<p>My son is an incoming freshman in Computer Science. I have a few comments based on my limited knowledge. Hopefully an older Comp/Sci student can advise you further or correct me if I am wrong. Comp/Sci majors don’t get to place out of CSCI101L so you should sign up for it if you want to major. The 4 year plan for this major recommends the GE VI and WRIT 140 first semester so those work well. The other two recommended classes are the MATH 125 which you might have placed out of, and the Freshman Engineering Academy which you can’t take unless you are in Viterbi already. If you PM me your email address, I can send the 4 year plan (I don’t know the real name for it, nor can I find it on the website. Son was given it at orientation.). Or perhaps someone can post a link to it.</p>
<p>Oh wow I didn’t know about CS major cannot waive CSCI101L! I’m glad I found out today. Regarding math, since I got a 5 on Calc BC, I should still be waived for calc 1 and 2 right? At least that’s what Viterbi AP site says ([USC</a> - Viterbi School of Engineering - Advanced Placement Credit](<a href=“http://viterbi.usc.edu/admission/freshman/apcredit.htm]USC”>http://viterbi.usc.edu/admission/freshman/apcredit.htm)) If so, is it wiser to take calc 3 or Linear Algebra/Differential Equations?</p>
<p>Calc 3 (MATH-226) is a requirement for you. I would strongly advise you to front-load your class schedule: taking as many classes as you can freshman and sophomore years. Try to hit 18 units, or even 19 (you’ll have to pay a bit more if you’ve over 18). You’ll thank me junior and senior year.</p>
<p>The good news is you haven’t gone to orientation yet and the advisors there are very helpful – they’ll help you make this transition and figure out all your classes for the semester. When you get to orientation you’ll have the chance to talk to Viterbi advisors about the CS program – how to take classes in Viterbi for the Fall and eventually change your major from Undecided to Computer Science. As you’ll see on the link Hawkwings posted, you’ll start right with computer science classes taking intro to CS, a Math course (Math 226 in your case), Freshman Academy (ENGR 102), Writing 140 and a Cat. VI GE to go with your writing class. Taking these classes will help make sure you’re right on track with all other Computer Science majors!
Hope this helps and please feel free to send me a PM if you have any further questions about switching to CS or any of the classes!</p>
<p>I’m not a computer science major so I don’t know for sure, but I’m guessing that the Freshman Intro CS class you would take is CSCI 101 (101 is the standard intro class number for freshmen engineers). When you come for orientation, ask the Viterbi advisors will be able to tell you exactly what classes you should take this Fall!</p>
<p>490-499 classes are usually projects, directed research, or special classes. Looks like CSCI499 is a “special topics” class. You are not required to follow your course plan exactly, so make sure you talk with the advisors at orientation about your plans.</p>