I'm in! Now what?

scualum
Sat, 27 Jun 2009 12:22:44 +0000

Perhaps you could take Chinese as a summer school or, if they have such a term, the one month January term? This would allow you to focus on just the one subject and avoid the doubling up which could be very difficult.

My other advice is what I learned the hard way - and I tell my kids now - get out to an early start in the semester.

If you can find out what books you are using for a specific class (e.g. John Taylor’s Economics for Econ 1A) get the book this summer and self study the first few chapters. The lectures will make a heck of a lot more sense if you have read the material before coming to class. Then make an effort to stay ahead during the first part of the semester - if you build a strong foundation on everything through the first mid term, life becomes much easier the second half of the semester. College courses really build on the early material - so mastery of that is key to success in the class.

I also agree with the idea of taking a light load the first year. If 12 units is the minimum for full time, take 12 units. Then add one more class - a one unit PE class of some kind. It won’t require any time outside of class - and will give you an outlet for nervous energy. Also, if possible, take classes that relate to one another. For example - British Lit and History of Great Britain. The overlap will aid you in both classes.