<li><p>On one hand, I kind of want to take Calc III, BN1, freshman organic chemistry, beginners Arabic, and an english class. Is that too much to handle for an incoming freshman? I’m not really sure how difficult these classes are.</p></li>
<li><p>If you are selected for a FYS, does that mean you can only take 4 classes for that semester?</p></li>
<li><p>Does anyone know anything about these FYS:
-Darwinian Medicine with Marc Tatar
-Original Research in Biological Mechanisms with Gary Tatar (do you need previous experience for this class because I have none)
-Writers on writing seminar -Howard
-Physics with Leon Cooper (there are 3 FYS for physics - Inner Space Outer Space-Exploring the Frontiers of Phyics, Beautiful Theories of Physics…, and just plain Physics. Are any of these “soft options?”)
-Freedom with J Brennan
-Political Theory for a Global World</p></li>
<li><p>Is there an English class you would especially recommend?</p></li>
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<p>Any help will be appreciated =)</p>
<p>I would NOT recommend taking more than 4 classes your first semester. Have a social life instead. It will serve you far better. </p>
<p>Freshman orgo isn't offered 'til the spring, so you're probably looking at Chem 33. Definitely try to take that first semester if you're interested in the sciences (which it looks like you are). </p>
<p>Arabic will take a lot of time (class time that is...in addition to homework). I believe it's something like 7 hours of class/week, so it's very hard to schedule in. </p>
<p>What is the course number of the calc class you want to take?</p>
<p>As far as English classes go, EL 11 is the standard class for freshmen, and I've heard that it's useful, not that interesting, easy. When shopping classes like English, go with the reading list that most interests you and the professor who is most engaging.</p>
<p>DO NOT take 5 classes your first semester. Nuf said.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>I think Calculus 3 is the equivalent of Multivariable Calc at Brown (MA18). Assuming that you have a strong background in Calculus (techniques of integration, Taylor's series..) and HS Chem, then yes I'd say your schedule is doable, especially if you opt for an S/NC or two. BN1 is full of memorization. A beginner's language class will take much time but not so much for really thinking. Notice I didn't say fun or sane.</p></li>
<li><p>No.</p></li>
<li><p>Leon Cooper is God. Or, in other words, a Nobel Laureate.</p></li>
<li><p>I took Engrish11. I hates it.</p></li>
</ol>
<ol>
<li><p>Certainly you may be able to handle the workload, but just take 4 classes and let yourself get involved in some extracirriculars and make friends. I think it's especially imporant your first semester to allow yourself enough time to explore and enjoy college life.</p></li>
<li><p>EL18 (Intro to Creative Nonfiction) is good if you like creative writing. However, how the class is taught and what material you cover is largely dependant on the professor teaching it, so if you're interested, shop around for different professors. It can also be difficult to get into a section if you're not preregistered, but just be persistant and keep going.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>take 5 classes. I did, but I took two of them S/NC, which was fine. What will end up happening later is that you'll regret not taking those five when either A) you don't have a chance to take a class again (like a FYS) or B) it'll put you behind in a major. I am still not sure what I'm concentrating in (rising soph.), but I know that taking 5 classes helped me rule some things out. If I hadn't taken them, I'd probably still be considering those concentrations in the back of my mind. </p>
<p>If you are competent in writing, do not waste your time with EL11. Take an EL20 (long list of seminars), which are focused and inevitably more interesting while still giving you writing practice. </p>
<p>By the way, I play a varsity sport at Brown and took the 5 classes in the fall. And miraculous as it seems to some, I still had a social life. I also know people who only took 4 classes (or in some cases dropped one and were taking 3, which you shouldn't do) and had no life because they were consumed by their work. Completely their own doing. Time management and having priorities are the key to all of your issues.</p>
<p>Seriously don't take 5 classes. You have 8 full semesters at Brown during which you can push yourself and explore topics. </p>
<p>It's very important to establish friendships and get involved in the university during your first semester, and if you take 5 classes, you will only be limiting your ability to do that. No matter how well you manage your time, your life will be busier and more difficult with 5 classes than with 4. Take that time you would have spent on that 5th class and go play some rugby or join intramural improv or go contra dancing or go to the dems (or republicans) meetings. Or hang out with the kids in your hall. You will be happier for it. TRUST ME.</p>