Common Questions by New Frosh
Quick answers to some of your questions in preparation for the fall quarter, class enrollment, and orientation.
On this page, you will find answers to general questions, and class enrollment and advising information.
General Information (frosh)
Q: 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. You must declare a major by the deadline in spring quarter of your second year, unless you have done so previously. 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: 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 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 frosh students will take the Directed Self-Placement or DSP in Part 1 of the Orientation Course.
Q: 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 by June 30 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: 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 process.
Class Enrollment (frosh)
Q: Are 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 Map before you enroll. When you arrive in September, 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 know if a class is close to my college? [show]
A: View the Interactive Campus Map page or check the Campus Walking 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. Full-time students should take 15 to 19 credits per quarter. For most students, that means just three, five-credit classes, though there are some exceptions. Three classes may not seem like a lot, but on the quarter system at the university level, it is 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.
Q: How many classes should I add to my shopping cart? I understand we need 3 classes per quarter, but what is the suggested and/or recommended 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 in 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: All classes show as full. What should I do? [show]
A: You will 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: 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 frosh) 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: See the left side of the Schedule of Classes - the class number will be a 5-digit number.
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: 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, which will become available on August 26. 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: The class I need for my major is full, what should I do? [show]
A: If a class is not available, you can speak to your major advisor to inquire when it will be offered or if more seats will open up during your enrollment appointment. 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.
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: 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 for your major to see which classes are suggested for your first quarter.
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, you have until 11:59pm to make changes to your schedule. You will have another opportunity to make changes to your schedule when classes become available to all students later in August.
Q: If I have a full schedule, can I still add a class that is waitlisted? [show]
A: Yes, after August 26, 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: 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 post in MyUCSC. Completing the assessment by June 30 will ensure your placement is posted before enrollment begins (although depending on your enrollment appointment, you may have more time!).
Return to Common Questions page to see general campus and housing questions
