Does this look like a decent 1st semester plan?

maryversity
Sun, 07 Jul 2013 09:52:53 +0000

“I’m still afraid that I don’t know my left from my right when it comes to what classes I should and shouldn’t (or can’t) pick.” No worries - you are not expected to know everything before orientation - that’s what orientation is for.

FYI, it’s not the number of classes, per se, as much as the number of credits that you want to limit for your first semester. Minimum is 12 credits for full-time status, and most people say to take no more than 15 credits the first semester.

Credits generally determine work load. Work load perception is also determined by your personal strengths and type of classes you are taking. So, if you are strong in math, and taking math classes, you should be fine.

However, you mentioned that you are currently “registered” as a Govt and Politics major…adding a second major is something you will have to discuss with your adviser at orientation. Here is the link to get a sense of a double major from math department [Department of Mathematics - Double Major](Department of Mathematics - Double Major). I don’t know what the process for applying is, but you should be aware that one of the classes you mentioned, MATH310, has a specific note: “Restriction: Must be in a major within CMNS-Mathematics department. Additional information: Math majors may not use this course to satisfy an upper-level requirement.” So, you may have an issue signing up for this class before your double major in math becomes official. Another thing to consider is that rather than have a double major in math, you can have a minor in math. Given the workload I have heard about GEMSTONE, you might not want the added stress of a double major.

Re 13accus’s note about ECON200 being filled up: it may be possible that this is one of the classes that saves a few seats for each orientation and opens them up only on the morning you sign up for classes. No guarantees, of course, but it is possible. It is also important to note that the waitlists for some sections are pretty small, so it is worth signing up for a waitlist if you really want this class. People constantly change their schedules throughout the summer and the list moves pretty steadily in the late summer. My son’s place on a waitlist was in the teens for one class his first semester and he still got in by the time school started.

Just curious though, if you are a govt & politics major, why aren’t you planning on signing up for intro gvpt classes? Go to page three of this pdf document to see the recommended 4 yr plan for gvpt majors http://www.ltsc.umd.edu/majorguides/GovernmentPolitics.pdf