I am an incoming freshman. My major is civil engineer but all calculus classes are full. I am currently on wait list and I’m number 4. If I can’t get in would it be okay if I don’t take a math class my first semester?
math is one of those subjects that’s hard to pick back up after a semester off. As an engineering major, you probably ought to take a math class each semester until your requirements are complete.
It depends the class capacity. People tend to drop classes a lot during the first couple weeks of a term. So if you are number 4 for a class that is like 200 people, I would say there’s an 80% chance you’d get into the class. But if you were number 4 for a class of like 30 people, its still possible that you’ll get in but not for sure.
I’d suggest you show up to the class you are waitlisted for even if you aren’t actually enrolled so that if you do get in, you won’t be behind. Or you can talk to the professor to see if they will make an exception for you and let you into their class.
You should make every effort to try to take math this semester especially as an engineering major since calculus is usually a pre-req for physics and engineering courses. So delaying calculus delays the rest of your classes down the line.
If it is calculus 1, you definitely need it first semester, or your prerequisite sequencing will be delayed, likely causing you to need an extra semester.
Consider waiting it out. #4 should be good enough for you to get in. Calculus is the type of class which students will drop out after a week or two. Talk to the instructor to get an idea of your chances.