<p>Do you have to take college writing R1A before your second year at UCB?
Would it be a big problem if you are on a waitlist?</p>
<p>what's your position on the waiting list, Dolphine?</p>
<p>I just took CR1A in fall. CR1A classes are small (14/class, I think), and people who registered for them don't usually drop. People think of CR1A as a burden they want to get rid of as soon as possible, plus the fact that it would create a 6-unit gap if someone was to drop it.
I was #1 on waitlist, and 13 people were enrolled, so I was in. The rest of the people in the waiting list stopped coming in the second lecture, and the class just went on with the solid 14 till the end.
I'm sorry if you're on a bad spot.
The bright side is that you don't "have to take" it in first year. There are students in my class who are sophomores. But remember that you also have R1B to be taken. If you're somewhat confident about your writing skills, then take them all in your second year. If not, then don't wait because writing classes are time-consuming, and risky. My professor says that they don't have any departmental standard for passing and failing--> no curve, the professor would fail whoever doesn't qualify. One semester, my professor failed all but one student. & Once one fails, (s)he's asked to retake it until (s)he passes. That's a scary thought.
So definitely try to finish R1A before your second year. If you can't enroll it this spring, try to do it in the summer. I heard the course is less stressful in the summer.</p>
<p>I don't think I'll be able to take this course this spring :(
I'm just worried because I got a letter while back and it said that I must take this course during my first year:
"It is very important that you take this course without delay; the university requires that students satisfy the Entry Level Writing Requirement during their first year of residence. UC Senate Resolution 636C (2) states that a student who has not met this requirement "will not be eligible to enroll for a third semester."</p>
<p>I'm really confused now. Are they trying to scare you or will you really not be eligible to enroll for a third semester?</p>
<p>But they let my sophomore classmates take it...If you want to be sure about this, talk to an academic advisor when you get back for spring. But I guess they're just trying to scare you.
Anyway, I think it's wise to take R1A if you can't get it for spring.</p>
<p>do you know who the good teachers are? (for college writing :))</p>
<p>I took Dr. Caroline Cole. She's harsh in grading, but also very clear and helpful. The materials on women study is very interesting, too.<br>
The first weeks would be frustrating, w/ the bad grades and all. But don't pay too much attention about the grade, it would get better. If you do put time and effort into revising your essays, you will be rewarded.
Check her out at ratemyprofessors.com website.
I wish you best luck, Dolphine.</p>