how many classes should i take in my first semester of community college?

<p>Hi everyone, I'm going to be a freshman at saddleback community college this august. I intend to transfer to UC Davis as a civil engieering major, and i was planning on taking 19 units my first semester, but I've heard that it's way too much, especially for a first time student. I was hoping to get some feedback on whether or not this is true.</p>

<p>This is the list of classes i was thinking of taking this semester:</p>

<p>ENG 1A: Basis composition (3 units)
MATH 3A: analytic geometry and calculus (5 units)
HIST 70: asian history up until 1800 (3 units)
PHYS 4A: Calculus based physics (5 units)
ANTH 1: first year of anthropology (3 units)</p>

<p>I'm a bit nervous since it's my first year, so I would like as much feedback as possible.</p>

<p>That is a fairly heavy schedule you have planned, but it is fairly similar to what engineering majors at four-year colleges will be taking. Be aware of when the drop dates are for your college, so if you do get overwhelmed, you will be able to drop a class without a penalty. Also, if you don’t understand somehting, go immediately for help. Students often think things will get better, but usually they don’t. Community colleges are set up to work with all kinds of students.</p>

<p>Thanks a lot for the info. By the way, do you happen to know anything about the transfer system at UC Davis? I was wondering if I can take my lower division major courses at saddleback and then take my GE requirements at UC Davis once I transfer there. Do you know if this is possible? I’m not saying i won’t take any GE requirements at saddlback, but I’d rather just get all of my major requirements finished first.</p>

<p>That’s pretty heavy. As MD Mom states, watch the drop dates. If you are going to drop something I’d choose between History & Anthropology. Stay in communication with your professors and DO get help if you need it.</p>

<p>Sorry, I am in Maryland and don’t know a darn thing about California schools. You might post questions on the specific school pages and get a response.</p>

<p>About the transfer question…You will want to check what they call the articulation agreement between your community college and UC Davis. What you want to avoid is taking classes at the CC and then going to UC Davis and having classes not transfer. There should be a list (UC Davis’s Web site) that tells you exactly what will transfer. If you take your lower division major courses at the CC just make sure that you are getting the best foundation for your higher level classes.</p>

<p>I’ve already checked the articulation agreement for my major courses, and that’s what i based my scheduled on. I know that I have to take my major courses before transferring, but i was wondering if I can take my general education requirements at UC Davis after transferring there.</p>

<p>You can take whatever you need once you transfer. Do you plan to transfer after one year rather than completing an associate’s degree?</p>

<p>I’m actually planning on transferring in two years, if I get the classes I want.</p>

<p>If you are using the articulation agreement as a guide for your course selection, you should be fine.</p>

<p>Alright, thanks a lot for the advice. I really appreciate it.</p>