<p>Questions about the first year course. What are the chances of getting your first choice? How do people sign up the rest of their schedules if they dont know which first year course they will get? I dont want to end up with 2 math classes. (this would happen if I got my third choice)</p>
<p>I took the Spanish placement test and the results were level 346-403. What class is recommended?</p>
<p>It seems like most people get their first-choice first-year class, but it largely depends on how popular the class you want is. Don't worry about how it'll fit with your other proposed courses, because you can always change your other three classes later.
This is how it'll work: you'll get to school and receive your schedule, which you'll most likely want to change in some way, either because you have too many math classes or discover another interesting class or don't like how all the times fit together. So you'll talk to your advisor, fill out a little form, drop the classes you don't want and switch into the classes that you want if they're open. If the classes you want aren't open, you'll send an e-mail to the professor saying you want to take the class and then show up on the first day. I've never seen a professor tell students that had e-mailed him/her previously that they couldn't take the class, so most likely you'll get into any class you want. You'll have three weeks to add and drop classes, so you can shop around a lot too.
As long as I'm on it, I recommend you check out ratemyprofessors.com and see if any of your potential professors are rated. The reviews aren't always great, but they're better than nothing.
I don't understand what you mean by 346-403. Can you take any course beyong 307? I've generally heard good things about the high level Spanish electives, except that the translations course is bad.
Best of luck on choosing courses. It really isn't a big deal, so don't stress.</p>
<p>Thanks, this is really helpful! I was able to see the ratings of the professors and that will help with the order of preference of my first year and regular semester classes. My strong first course choice is International Politics for 2 reasons: one - it is a residential program and two - I am very interested in it even though I intend to major in Econ at the moment (Prin of Econ is my first choice 'regular' class - it is not residential). Now I see the Int. Politics class is taught by a highly rated teacher so I really want it. Would it be helpful if I emailed her now and told her how much I want to be in this class? </p>
<p>I came from a huge HS where it was almost impossible to change your classes so it's cool that Mac is more flexible.</p>
<p>On the Spanish, the results of the assessment say I got 361 points and should enter semester 3 level 346 - 403. So it's kind of unclear which class I should take. I emailed the department coordinator and maybe she can help me. Since 2 years of language is required, if I enter at 3rd semester I am hoping that means I only need 1 year.......</p>
<p>I think I get the language now. 3rd semester puts me in Span 203....</p>
<p>People loved having International Politics as a first year course with Weber. It's very much a discussion based course, so it'll be nice living around other people in it. I'm pretty sure the profs don't have anything to do with assigning people to first year courses, so I wouldn't e-mail her. It's definitely popular, so just cross your fingers. You could always take it with her the next semester.
Principles of Econ is wonderful, and you could take it as an ordinary course (I see Robertson is teaching two regular sections of it, and he's fantastic. I don't know the person teaching the first year course option). You could list it as a first year course option and a regular course option to make sure you get it.
I definitely recommend having a first year course be residential, but it's not essential.
If you want to get through the language requirement quickly, you should think about signing up for spanish 220. It combines 203 and 204 into a single semester.</p>
<p>I didnt sign up for Principles of Econ as a first year course because it's not residential. However, I put it as my first choice regular course. I noticed that Robertson's sections were all full so figured he must be good. The open teacher is Moe (regular course). Ferderer teaches the first year section(s) and got better reviews. I am really hoping to get into Robertson's class...... This is my planned major so I want to get the best teachers I possibly can.</p>
<p>On the Spanish. I didnt think about taking the accelerated course and feel nervous about it but then I read about Blanco-Inglesias and she sounds fantastic! Her 203 class is closed but her 220 section is open - ARGH.</p>
<p>I guess the big question is does "CLOSED" really mean "CLOSED"?? Does Mac have a waitlist system?</p>
<p>Yeah, there's a wait list system. Coming in as a first year makes it more difficult, since everyone else registered for classes back in April. I recommend you e-mail any professors whose classes you know you want but are full and ask to get on the wait list now. Then go on the first day of class. People aren't able to change their schedules over the summer, so they arrive at school having picked classes five months before and immediately change around. You should be able to get into any class that you're on the wait list for. Like I said, I've never seen a professor turn away a student who was on the waiting list.</p>
<p>Thank you so much, Macstudent. This has been a huge help for me!</p>