Class Enrollment FAQs
As a new student, we know that you have a lot of questions! Here are some quick answers to some commonly asked questions. And remember, your Orientation Leader Team is your main point of contact for all things UCSC.
Q: How do I prepare for class enrollment? [show]
A: Parts 1 and 2 of the Orientation Course (for winter start students: Part 1) contains all the information needed to assist you in preparing for your fall or winter quarter class schedule and prepare for your enrollment appointment. Orientation Leaders will be available to provide you with personal support and guidance. Also prior to your enrollment date, you will be able to connect with your advisors.
Q: When will I be able to enroll in classes? [show]
A: If you are starting fall quarter, you will receive your enrollment appointment date once we verify the completion of Parts 1 and 2 of the Orientation Course and after confirming that the Admissions Office has received your official transcripts. If you are starting winter quarter, you will enroll for classes in November.
Q: When is my class enrollment appointment date? [show]
A: Your class enrollment appointment date and time can be found in your MyUCSC portal and by clicking on the Student Center. Under Enrollment Dates, you will see your assigned date and time.
Q: When signing up for classes, will we see the times and days that the class takes place? [show]
A: Yes, you can also use the Class Search to verify when and where a class is offered. When you are enrolling, make sure there is at least 15 minutes between your classes, or else you will receive a time conflict enrollment error.
Q: Is 15 minutes between two classes enough time? [show]
A: You can reach most parts of campus in 15-20 minutes. We recommend that you check the campus walking times map before you enroll. When you arrive on campus, you may want to find your classes and see how long it takes prior to the start of classes, so that you feel prepared. There are shuttles on campus that run throughout the day, see the Campus Transit Shuttle Routes Schedules for more information. However, walking is typically a faster way to get around campus. See the Disability Resource Center Accommodations page for transportation-related services.
Q: How do I access the MyUCSC enrollment videos? [show]
A: Use the enrollment videos to help you navigate your MyUCSC student portal when enrolling for classes. Contact the Orientation Office at orientation@ucsc.edu if you need support.
Q: What happens if I do not complete the Orientation Course? [show]
A: The Orientation Course is required, and you will be left at a real disadvantage if it is not completed. There is so much that is part of the Orientation Course including, uploading a photo for your ID card, class enrollment preparation, completing the We Are Slugs! requirements (which if not met will give you a class enrollment hold for the winter quarter), housing, financial aid and scholarships, start-of-the-quarter preparation, and academic and social resources information. For fall start only: To receive an enrollment appointment date (to enroll for classes in August), and to PASS the class, you need to complete the Orientation Course in its entirety.
Q: Where do I find my test scores (e.g. AP, etc.) in MyUCSC student portal? [show]
A: Login to your MyUCSC student portal, then follow the instructions on this AP Score Verification page.
Q: I have taken AP (Advancement Placement), and/or IB (International Baccalaureate) exams but I do not see them in my portal? [show]
A: There are two reasons your AP and/or IB scores might not be posted:
--Your score was never sent to UCSC. To have your AP scores sent, contact AP Services at (609) 771-7300 or (888) 225-5427, or visit the AP Scores webpage. UCSC’s school code is 4860. To have your IB scores, visit the IB Scores webpage for more information.
--Your score was sent to UCSC, but it did not correctly match with your student record. This can happen for a variety of reasons including a slightly different spelling of your name, a mismatch on the birth date, etc. If you are sure your scores were sent, contact Admissions and upload the score report you received via their Inquiry Form (choose “Admitted Student,” then “Test Scores”). Admissions will review and respond to your inquiry promptly.
Q: How do I know if a class is close to my college? [show]
A: View the campus interactive map, page or check the campus walking times map or you can also check the Campus Transit Shuttle Routes Schedules to get a sense of the campus and the amount of time between your classes.
Q: Must I only take 3 classes? [show]
A: Most classes are 5 credits. 15 credits is typically equal to 3 classes. Full-time students should take 15 to 19 credits per quarter. For most students, that means only three, five-credit classes, though some exceptions. Three classes may not seem like a lot, but on the quarter system at the university level, it is really quite a bit of work. You are expected to study about 3 hours a week for each credit, so 15 credits will require 45 hours of studying per week. If you achieve a 2.5 GPA or higher, you will have the opportunity to enroll in up to 22 credits for the next quarter.
If you work 25 or more hours per week, have a medical condition affecting your ability to be a full-time student, or have family responsibilities, you may be eligible for the part-time program
Q: How many classes should I add to my shopping cart? I know full-time students need three 5-unit classes per quarter however what is the safe amount of classes I should add to my shopping cart? [show]
A: We recommend you place 6 to 8 potential classes into your shopping cart. You will end up enrolling into 3 classes in most cases, however, some of the classes you select may be closed when you go to enroll, so it is good to have alternative classes selected.
Q: How can I tell what graduation requirement a class satisfies? [show]
A: Class descriptions on the schedule of classes will show if they satisfy general education requirements. You can also check the university's general catalog for a detailed list of major requirements (just type in your major in the search bar or look for it in the list of majors on the left navigation bar). See the Getting Started in your Major Guides (for first-year) or the Getting Started in your Major Guides (for transfers) for information about which classes to take for your intended major in your first quarter.
Q: Where can I find the class numbers of the classes I want to enroll in? [show]
A: After you complete a Class Search, the class number will be the 5-digit number underneath each class title. It is also viewable after you click on a specific class in the Class Details section.
Q: How do waitlists work? [show]
A: Use the very helpful waitlist FAQ page to learn more about the waitlist. You can also view the waitlist how-to video for additional support.
Q: All classes show as full. What should I do? [show]
A: You will aslo want to perform a search for "All Classes" instead of "Open Classes" to view which classes still have space on the waitlist. Many classes may appear closed now, but become available during your enrollment appointment.
Q: What is the best way to try to get into a class that is full? [show]
A: The best way to try to get into a full class is to place yourself on the class waitlist. If you are enrolled in three classes and want to use the waitlist, be sure to pick a class that you wish to swap from in order to be enrolled in your waitlisted class (so you do not exceed the maximum number of units). Instructions on how to use the “swap” function from the waitlist are located on the Waitlist FAQ page.
Q: If I have a full schedule, can I still add a class that is waitlisted? [show]
A: Yes, you will be able to add waitlisted classes to your schedule. When adding a waitlisted class, make sure you use the option “drop if enrolled”. This allows you to safely enroll in your waitlisted class if space becomes available while dropping the class you no longer want in your schedule (so you do not exceed the maximum number of units). Follow the Waitlist video for a detailed process.
Q: The class I need for my major is full, what should I do? [show]
A: Sign up on the class waitlist and check your Getting Started in your Major Guide (fist-year or transfer to see what it suggests. If a class is ultimately not available, you can speak to your major advisor to inquire when it will be offered again or if more seats will become available. Check-in with your major advisor about alternative options to make progress in your major coursework.
Q: What is a permission number? I was told that with a class permission number I have reserved a spot in a class, is this is true? [show]
A: Permission numbers do not always override closed sections. If there are no open sections, you can use your permission number to add yourself to the class waitlist. If there are other open sections, you should choose whichever section fits your schedule without conflicts, and add it to your cart.
Q: I have a permission number for one of my major classes, but the discussion sections are full. How do I get past that page in order to put the class in my cart? [show]
A: If there are no open sections, you can choose whatever section fits your schedule without conflicts and add it to your cart. The permission number should override it. If you are having issues, reach out to the person who provided the permission number.
Q: I am getting an error message that says prerequisites aren’t met, but I know I have met them. Who do I contact to clear this up? [show]
A: This error could be due to a number of factors, namely whether or not transfer credit (test scores and transfer classes) have been posted to your record. For major-specific classes, contact your major advisor. For your required college core class, contact your college advisor.
Q: Do classes required for my major also satisfy general education and credit requirements? [show]
A: Yes, some classes that are required for your major may also satisfy general education requirements. All classes satisfy the 180 credit requirement for graduation. So everything you take in your first quarter is helping you make progress! (Pro tip: Search in your major's catalog to see what classes fulfill GE requirements).
Q: What happens if one of the classes I want to enroll in is open but the discussion section is closed? Can I be waitlisted for the discussion portion or do I have to choose another time? [show]
A: > When viewing sections, be sure to select "View All Sections". More sections may open during your enrollment appointment. For many classes, enrollment in a discussion section is required—if that is the case, it will not be possible to add the class and you should waitlist. However, some classes may have the option to select "No Section".
Q: Can I still adjust my class schedule? I see a class that is currently open that I would prefer to take instead of one I am enrolled in now. [show]
A: You can adjust your schedule however, never drop a class; always swap. A class may be open, but if you do not meet the requirements, you may not be able to enroll in the class. The swapping function allows you to safely swap out of a class in your schedule to the class you wish to enroll in (so you do not exceed the maximum number of units). Follow the Adjust Your Schedule video for a detailed process. On your enrollment appointment date and time you can make changes to your schedule.
Q: I want to use assist.org to learn if a class is transferable. How do I use it? [show]
A: When you go to assist.org, enter UCSC in the first drop-down box. Next, enter your community college in the second drop-down box (Note: assist.org is only for California colleges). You will then see three more drop-down boxes. These boxes allow you to search for transferable classes by major, department, or general education requirement. If you have more questions, you can email your college advisor.
Q: When is the deadline to take the Math Placement? [show]
A: The online math placement, ALEKS, is available anytime. It takes up to three business days for your placement to be posted in MyUCSC. Completing the assessment early will ensure your placement is posted before enrollment begins.
Specific Information for First-Years
Q: [first-year] Are you required to have all lower-division requirements fulfilled in order to declare a major? [show]
A: You do not necessarily need to fulfill all lower-division requirements, but you do need to finish all the qualifying classes for your major, sometimes with specific grades. Qualifying classes vary from major to major, so be sure to review the Getting Started in your Major Guides for this information. Students entering as first-quarter first-years (coming to UCSC directly from high school) must declare a major by the deadline in their sixth qarter, which is usually the spring quarter of your second year, unless you have done so previously. Students who earned college transfer credit after high school may have an earlier deadline. The sixth quarter deadline means that all major qualification courses must be completed by the end of the fifth quarter, so it pays to review the major declaration requirements in the General Catalog and to talk with an advisor if you have questions. Petition to declare your major as soon as you complete your major qualification courses or in your deadline quarter, whichever comes first. Once you are on campus, you can meet with advisors to learn how to stay on track to meet all major and graduation requirements.
Q: [first-year] What are general education classes? Do I have to take certain classes in my first quarter? [show]
A: General Education requirements are specific classes required for graduation. General Education is designed to provide a well-rounded education on various topics. Depending on your goals, you may choose to take a general education class in your first quarter. Go to the General Catalog to learn about General Education Requirements. The Orientation Course will also help you learn about choosing classes for your first quarter.
Q: Do I need to take the AWPE Directed Self-Placement (DSP)? [show]
A: Yes. All first-year students will take the Directed Self-Placement or DSP in Part 1 of the Orientation Course.
Q: [first-year] I did not take the Math Placement (ALEKS) on time. Will that affect my classes? [show]
A: You can still take ALEKS Math Assessment, but it takes up to three business days for your placement to post in MyUCSC. Completing the assessment early will ensure your placement is posted before enrollment begins (although depending on your enrollment appointment, you may have more time!). If your intended major does not have a math requirement, then you do not need to use ALEKS PPL. Likewise, if you have qualifying AP/IB math scores or equivalent transfer credit you do not need ALEKS. Take a look at the Math Requirements by Major page for more information. Keep in mind some students opt to use ALEKS if they are unsure of their plans so if they end up needing a math class, they are ready to enroll.
Q: [first-year] How can I check if I have summer reading? [show]
A: Detailed summer reading and reflection assignments are explained within Part 1 of the Orientation Course.
Q: [first-year] Should I just take an introductory class in my major for my first quarter? [show]
A: It depends. You should review the Getting Started in your Major Guide (first-year) for your major to see which classes are suggested for your first quarter.
Specific Information for Transfers
Q: [transfer] Are you required to have all lower-division requirements completed to declare a major? [show]
A: You do not necessarily need to have completed all lower-division requirements, but you do need to finish all the qualifying classes for your major. For many transfer students, major preparation is reviewed at the time of admission. Contact your major advisor if you are unsure whether you are qualified to declare your major.
Q: [transfer] Can I change my major? [show]
A: Changing majors as a transfer student can be very difficult since transfer students have limited time to complete their degree. Your admission was partially based on the coursework that you completed at your previous institution and may have been screened to make sure you were prepared for the major you indicated on your admissions application. There is no guarantee that a transfer student will be able to declare a different major than what they listed on their application. If you were required to indicate a different major in order to be admitted to UCSC, you should expect that you will not be able to change back to the initial major.
If you want to pursue a major that is different from the one connected to your admission, you must contact the major advisor in your desired major to find out whether you will be able to declare. Junior transfer students are required to be qualified and declared in a major by the deadline in their second quarter of enrollment.
Q: [transfer] What placement processes will I need as a new transfer student? [show]
A: That depends. If you intend to take language classes, you may need to take an exam or assess your language skills with a language instructor. If you intend to major in music you will need to audition. If you need to take a math class and have not previously taken a transferable class at the precalculus level or higher, you may also need math placement. Other classes do not typically require placement exams or assessments prior to enrollment.
Q: [transfer] I finished IGETC but I am not sure if my certificate was sent with my transcript. What should I do? [show]
A: In many cases, the “UC IGETC” certificate needs to be submitted separately from your community college to the UCSC Admissions Office before you begin your first quarter. Review the information on this page on Troubleshooting IGETC. For fall-starting students, check your portal again in November to see if your IGETC has been posted. For winter-starting students, check your portal again in February or March to see if your IGETC has been posted.
Q: [transfer] When will my community college transcript be recorded on MyUCSC? I cannot distinguish which classes I have finished to satisfy the requirement. [show]
A: Many students can expect to see their transfer credit reflected in their Degree Progress Report (DPR) on their MyUCSC portal (for fall-start students, it may be posted in October or early November; for winter-starting students, it may be posted around February or March). Please be aware that it is possible that not all transfer credit will be reflected on the Degree Progress Report (DPR). We encourage you to use assist.org to confirm the transferability of classes taken at California community colleges.
The DPR in MyUCSC is not complete for several UCSC majors. It is important to communicate with your major advisor directly to find out if the DPR is your best resource for keeping track of your major requirements, or if you have questions about your transfer credit.
Q: [transfer] All of the classes I need are offered at the same time! What should I do? [show]
A: You will likely be taking two upper-division classes in your major. If there are only two specific classes you can take which are both at the same time, you can reach out to your major advisor for suggestions on which upper-division classes to take. Your third class will likely be an elective or general education requirement, which can be more easily accommodated in your schedule. There are some majors that require transfer students to take 3 major classes in their first term. Be sure to consult with your major advisor if you think this applies to you.
Want to learn about Placement Exams, and if you need to take any? Visit the sites below:
Writing Placement (required for all first-year)
Math Placement (required for math class placement – see list of majors that need math)
Language Placement Exams (varies according to language)
Spanish Placement Exam (take online placement prior to enrollment)
