What classes do I need to take during my first quarter?
The only mandatory fall class for Frosh is the Merrill Core Course, Merrill 80A or 80B. Information about placement in this class was sent to you as part of your Merrill acceptance packet. This class is not offered in winter or spring quarters, and is a graduation requirement. For further guidance in selecting classes, please refer to the "Steps to Selecting Classes" section in the Academic Advising Handbook sent to you in June. This handbook is also available online at: http://advising.ucsc.edu/student/index.html. Just click the Advising and Enrollment Handbook link.
How many classes count as a full course load?
A full course load at UCSC is 15 credits per quarter, typically taken as three 5-credit courses. For your first quarter, one of these three is the core course. Some students will need to take associated labs for additional credits (usually 1 or 2 credits); you may enroll in up to 19 credits without seeking permission from an advisor.
Are Frosh allowed to enroll in more than 19 credits?
Frosh are not allowed to take more than 19 credits during their first quarter at UCSC. Frosh who earn a 3.0 GPA or higher after their first quarter are eligible to enroll in more than 19 credits during their second and third quarters, though we do not recommend taking more than 19 credits until you've spoken with an advisor.
Once I enroll in my classes, can I change them or am I stuck with them for fall quarter?
You can change your classes all the way up until the "Add/Drop/Swap" deadline, three weeks into the quarter. For all academic deadlines check the "Important Dates" page in the Schedule of Classes, or visit the Office of the Registrar's calendar page.
How do I know if I have satisfied a prerequisite with an AP score?
Some of the prereq's satisfied by AP scores are listed in the Academic Advising Handbook. Departments may also list this information in the UCSC General Catalog or on their websites, or you can contact them directly by phone. If you use the department links in the catalog, you can access major requirements and department contact information.
The class I'm trying to add is full. What do I do?
If you really want to take the class, you should consider "crashing" the class. Crashing means that you attend the first day of the class you would like to enroll in and ask the professor if you can add the class with a permission number or be added to a waiting list. It is also a good idea to contact the instructor before classes begin to ask about getting onto the waiting list. Visit the department website to get faculty contact information. In the meantime, you should still enroll in three classes. Crashing a class does not guarantee that you will earn a spot in that class, and you may need to attend four classes until you are sure you will be able to enroll in the three classes you want.
The schedule of classes says that there is room in the class, but I can't enroll! What do I do?
Check the status of the class. If the class is closed, you will need to contact the department, since the course has been closed by them. If the class is Open, there may be another problem. Is there an Error Message? If you've really checked everything, call the Enrollment Help Line at (831)459-3939.
The enrollment system says that I have not satisfied the prerequisites for a class, but I know that I have (my AP score or community college class should satisfy the prereq). What's the problem?
When you take an AP exam or attend classes at a community college, you have to have the official scores/transcripts sent to the Admissions Office. If you know for a fact that you had these sent, you need to follow these steps:
- Check your student portal to see if your exam scores/transfer credits have been entered into the system. If so, you should not have a problem registering. Double check that you are enrolling in the appropriate class, and that your scores/credit actually do exempt you from that prereq. Also look for any other error messages you might have missed. If your transfer prerequisites are not showing up in the system, go to the next step.
- Call Admissions to see if they have received your scores or CC transcripts. If Admissions tells you that they will not be entered into the system for a while, you should contact the department that offers the class to find out how you can have your prerequisites entered; often, all they will need to see is an unofficial transcript or a copy of your score report. The number for Admissions is (831) 459-2131.
What are the Housing Options at Merrill? Can I live on an All-Female Floor, an Academic Intensive Floor, etc?
Please visit the Housing Information Page for Housing and Dorm Life questions.
