<p>How many GE classes did you guys take or will be taking first semester as a freshman? 1 or 2?</p>
<p>Son is taking the GE VI and the writing component. Total of 8 credits.</p>
<p>It depends on your major and the way your course plan is arranged. </p>
<p>Many students are required to finish all GE requirements before beginning major coursework, so their freshman year is primarily GEs. Some take about half major classes and half GEs.</p>
<p>I think I took two and WRIT 140 my freshman first semester; it was how my department required we arranged our schedule.</p>
<p>I’m taking 3 GE’s and an English class (I’m an English major) plus a seminar. I don’t know if this is too much, but I’ve already filled my language requirement and I didn’t really look into electives.</p>
<p>Just remember that many GE classes are used to weed out undesirable students and are usually taught by the worst profs on campus.</p>
<p>^ This is not the case at USC.</p>
<p>BowTie, judging from the fact that you thought USC was a public school, I don’t think you’re in a position to comment upon how GEs at the University work. Please take your speculations and broad assumptions elsewhere.</p>
<p>OP, there are plenty of current and former USC students here, as well as very informed USC parents, so I suggest you listen to them for advice on GEs and not random non-USC affiliated posters.</p>
<p>I never had a bad experience in a GE class, nor were any of my GE professors “the worst” at USC. On the contrary, many of the department’s best professors enjoy teaching GEs and love introducing students to their specialized academic interests. My ARTL 100 and my Category 2 GE professors were some of my favorite I had during my 4 years at USC.</p>
<p>To add to Zelda Fitzgerald’s first post, it really really does depend on your major. I’m an incoming freshman (popular music major) and I only have one GE this semester (category V). All of my other classes are the major requirements typical for first-semester students: Performance, Theory, Aural Skills, Private Instruction, Keyboard Proficiency, and Friday Forum. </p>
<p>However, most majors will probably have first semester schedules that look more like that of NC Mom’s son or karenelizabeth11.</p>
<p>Just be aware that you don’t have to follow the schedule exactly, though it is beneficial if you at least stick close to it. I front-loaded my classes and ended up finishing my GEs fall semester of junior year.</p>
<p>Yeah, DON’T DELAY YOUR GEs! You can always take fun classes as a junior and senior. </p>
<p>Being in GEs my senior year was absolutely miserable because of the workload. I was supposed to be working on my thesis, but had to also read a ton of chapters every night for my lit GE!</p>
<p>Try and get the GEs done before your junior year if possible.</p>