<p>do we even get a choice freshmen year in terms of scheduling? it seems that everything this required. will everything be preassigned before we even get to campus? there seems to be little room for change. do we have a choice about timing? like when to take a certain course, maybe later in the day or in a different day of the week? i feel that due to its small size, caltech offers less freedom in terms of scheduling. can anyone offer some advice?</p>
<p>Here's a link to the schedule of classes:</p>
<p>You will find that most classes have only one offering. For examples, ma1a lectures are mwf 10am. ph1a lectures are wf 11am. ch1a is mtr at 11am.</p>
<p>Freshman year, most courses are assigned so there's not a lot of choice in scheduling. Hums are the place you get to "pick" though I know my S did not get his first or second choice Hum the first term. And I think even the sections/rescitations(sp?) are even assigned though you can try to change the section. After you're done with core, then you should have more flexibility - though I think its true that the small size does limit your choices. On the other hand, if you talk to people going to big schools, especially the UC system, while there is choice it can also be impossible to get into the classes one needs or wants due to the huge number of people trying to get into classes. Take a look at the UCB forum and I'm sure you'll see many freshmen wondering how they'll ever get into the classes they need/want.<br>
Then of course, there's the "self scheduling" that goes on at Caltech in the form of not getting up for early morning classes & self studying late into the night/early morning hours rather than attending class but as a mom, I'd encourage you to attend classes even if it does mean you have to get up for a 9 a.m. lecture.</p>