<p>for CSE you have a lot more GE requirements than other types of engineering at around 33 units while others only have 24. If you are familiar with programming classes (in highschool and such) then you might want to challenge yourself with putting in ECS30 as your first class. Remember, ECS 30 and ECS 40 are weeder courses especially if your professor is Sean Davis.</p>
<p>If you are not confident in programming, you can take ECS10 (or ECS15 I forget) which is basic programming that goes over rudimentary concepts. I would focus mostly on your major courses throughout the year since most of your classes that you take in your first couple years are prerequisites for your upper division courses. Make sure you have those done so you can at least move onto upper division coursework. </p>
<p>Similarly, take your MAT21/22 courses and your PHY courses early. You don’t necessarily have to take CHE2A so early since you only have to take just 2A and not the rest of the series. A bit of advice is to take it in your first year at least because many of your colleagues will also be taking then. Also, CHE2A has a time consuming lab which may interfere with some of your other later courses so it may be best to take it soon.</p>
<p>Usually in your first year, taking ~16 units is pretty standard (3-5 units/course x 4 courses). As a CSE, I would recommend at least taking MAT21A, ECS10 or ECS30, and possibly one GE for a minimum of 12 units. It is difficult to get the classes that you want in your first quarter so don’t be too worried about not following the suggested quarter outline provided by engineering department.</p>