Hey guys, Freshman here, I just wanted some advice. So basically It’s been really difficult getting classes at my CC and I heard that UC’s look into how difficult your course load is. Mine has been laughable, but at least I’ve kept my GPA up. Also I took a Trig/Precal accelerated course last semester but was too difficult for me and I had to drop both of them.
Next Semester I will do everything in my power to move my Registration date up so I can get at least 15 units. I’m really behind and only have 6 units this semester again, full time is a minimum 12 units/semester. I tried crashing around 6 classes this week and couldn’t get into any :(. Any advice for next semester?
Summer 2014:
-Sociology 101(3 units): A
Fall 2014:
-Trigonometry(3.5 units): W
-Precalculus(5.5 units): W
-Philosophy 1(3 units): A
-English 101(3 units): A
Winter 2014-15:
-Music Appreciation(3 units): A
Spring 2015:
-English 102(3 units): easy A
-Political Science 1(3 units): easy A
OK, so you have six courses, all As. That’s an excellent start. The key to a lot of this is being there exactly when the sign up window opens. I assume it’s online, so be there at 7am or whenever it opens up. Have several schedule variations so if something is full you can switch around quickly.
Are you working as well? There are reasons ppl go part-time, sometimes other commitments, and in this case, not getting into classes. Maybe plan two for summer?
If you can start getting a full schedule it will be fine. In theory, it’s fine no matter how you do it, but it is true, certain majors take rigor into account.
I would just explain it in your application. You should be fine, at least you have a solid GPA.
I’ve heard of people who’ve taken 30 units per semester and transferred in a year. Nothing’s impossible, but you’re going to have to drastically up your course load. In the meantime, try to work, do service, or get some solid extracurricular under your belt if you haven’t already. Considering you have two classes which you regard to be easy A’s, you should have more time than the average CC student to do so, and I’m sure that will strengthen your app, such that the school(s) you hold your light course load against you, especially if you explain why your schedule began so lightly.
So you have 18 units right now, maybe more if you have any AP test credits.
If you were to take 12 units over the summer (a bit much but not impossible), you would be set up to take 15 unit course loads for your sophomore year and transfer in two years.
Or you can wait a third year and spread out your units accordingly. Just make sure you finish your IGETC/general education in time as well as any major preparation needed.
I’ve found four classes to be very manageable, five should be as well, if they are just three unit classes. My schedule this semester consists of fourteen units, with one unit being a lab, and it’s been fairly workable. I’m a freshman too, and have looked pretty extensively into making sure I’d be alright to transfer in two years. It’s all relative, and in your case it wouldn’t be impossible, just a bit rushed and rather difficult.
The other responses are correct. You are not off to a shaky start, you are just having difficulty getting classes. Due to the crowding at CCs, this is normal and you can mention it on your app. If you want to transfer in two years, you need to up the courseload WITHOUT slacking off in grades. Or, you could transfer in three years, which many people do.
As noted, if you are looking at tippy top UCs, you need some type of extra curricular.
You can apply at other CCs and take available online classes http://www.cvc.edu/students/courses/. Just be sure you do not need to be present, in person, for any of the time. Then send your transcript to your initial CC.
Or, you can apply to other local CCs and take classes at multiple campuses during the same semester.
You might also want to check to see if your school offers “late-start” or eight-week courses that begin later in the semester, if you’re concerned about not having a large enough course load.
You’re actually in great shape since you are keeping your gpa up, though you might have to wait an extra year to transfer. If that doesn’t sound appealing to you, you could always just take some extra courses this summer. However, do not try to overload your schedule just to transfer on time, because you could end up getting in over your head and wrecking what you have going here. Making keeping your gpa high your main priority, rather than transferring in a year.