<p>How many units should I take during first semester? </p>
<p>I’m starting at USC in the fall, but I know some colleges recommend starting with a small amount of units, like Berkeley (13 units).</p>
<p>Would this schedule be difficult?</p>
<li>MATH 126 </li>
<li>GEOG 260 Lg or GEOG 265 Lg</li>
<li>HIST 200 gm</li>
<li>MUIN 277x (Would I be allowed to take this if I haven’t declared the music industry minor as of yet?)</li>
<li>MPWP 153 (Are non music performance majors allowed to take this 1-2 unit class?</li>
</ol>
<p>It all depends on how hard you’re willing to work, of course. And the classes, obviously. Some people can handle a bunch of technical classes no sweat, others can’t. The 18-credit limit is supposed to be a reasonable limit for average students, to have some free time, graduate in four years, and maybe take a couple of fun classes.</p>
<p>Does that mean I’m allowed to take MUIN 277x and MPWP 153 (Saxophone)? I’m not a music nor music industry major currently, but I’m thinking of declaring a Music Industry minor.</p>
<p>If I can’t take MUIN 277x and MPWP 153, then I’ll only have 12 units. Are there any good freshmen seminars to take or other interesting classes for freshmen or related to music, math finance, or music industry?</p>
<p>Are clearances something that can be arranged on site at orientation or do we need to get clearances before orientation? Is it easier to get clearances in August instead?</p>
<p>At USC the recommended courseload for first semester freshmen is 16 units (typically 4 courses). Freshmen often take one GE and Writing 140. The best thing is really to wait until you are at orientation and ask your questions to your academic advisor. The reason they don’t send more info upfront is there are many ins and outs and lots of specifics to each student depending on major/minor plans and those who are undecided.</p>
<p>I didn’t want to mix Writ 140 with Math 126 on the same semester because of the difficulty of Math 126 (as it’s a weeder class) and I don’t really do well in writing unless I have a light schedule (as I’ve noticed in high school).</p>
<p>That’s why I’m taking Writ 140 in the spring.</p>
<p>Are there any fun classes you can recommend? Or maybe classes related to music industry, music performance, or mathematical finance minors?</p>
<p>You can register for MUIN 277 without clearance. Right now the MPWP 153 classes have a D next to them so you’re gonna need clearance. I would think they hold the spots for the actual music majors and if there are any left then they open them for anyone else who wants lessons.</p>
<p>You could also take ECON 203/205 or Business Stat (MATH 218).</p>
<p>Thanks, War Chant. I’ll have to think about the 4th class in my schedule. Because 16 units is recommended, does that mean 16 units is manageable during the first semester?</p>
<p>I really want to maintain at least a 3.0-3.5 GPA because I’m getting an outside scholarship next year, which I can renew if I maintain a satisfactory GPA.</p>
<p>Again, it depends on how hard you’re willing to work. You can have 12 credits (3 classes) and still slack off in them, or you can have 20 credits (5-6 classes) and pull a 4.0. 16 credits is nice and average, but you’re paying for up to 18 units, why not use them? Find a 2-credit freshman seminar or some PE classes.</p>
<p>IMO, 16 is very manageable, especially if you don’t have labs or quiz periods or multiple classes that meet MWF. You could squeeze in more if you wanted to.</p>
<p>If you find one that interests you, register for it. If its too much work or if you end up not liking it, drop it by Sept. 11th without penalty. Remember that freshman seminars are P/NP so you only need a C- to pass, they only meet once a week and are shortened so the end a week or two before finals.</p>