Should I do the FSSP? I am worried that it will be overwhelming and I will regret not having another month off. The program starts july 29 and ends August 10.
I think you meant September 9th or 10th and not August 10th. It’s a 6 week program, basically summer session B. the campus is a lot quieter and calmer in the summer and you can get your bearings before everyone shows up in the fall.
Based on our son’s experience, I would say it is not overwhelming at all and to the contrary keeps the first quarter/year from being too overwhelming. Unlike some other UCs, you can take classes that actually are useful for your major, so it’s not just a glorified summer camp. We thought it was so valuable that we will encourage our 2nd child to go to a program like that if it’s offered.
It’s not too overwhelming from what I’ve heard. I know a lot of people who did it and they only took two classes (8 units) which is a lot lower than the average for a normal quarter schedule. I sometimes wish I did FSSP since it helps you adjust and find friends early into the school year.
As a FSSP alum, I would encourage you to enroll in the program. It’s definitely a good way to ease into college and get familiar with the campus before everyone else comes back and it’s all crowded and congested. The summer atmosphere was really laid back and social. It also helps you be that freshman at the of the start the fall quarters who knows more than the average does. Like an upper freshman if you will.