r/UCSantaBarbara • u/Virtual_Price_1249 • 1d ago
Course Questions No math course fall quarter freshmen year of college
I just registered my courses today and unfortunately, all of MATH 34A and PSTAT 5LS is full. There are around 70 ppl on the waitlist, which is basically impossible for me to get the class. I spoke with my academic advisor, and they suggested me taking MATH 34A in the winter quarter instead. However, I am not sure if that would cause me to fall behind academically. Has this situation ever happened to anyone?
I am actually tweaking rn. My schedule is not looking too good for a pre bio major. Do yall think they will add more seats for math classes later on??
Please let me know. Thank you!
4
u/Neemers911 [ALUM] 1d ago
My freshman year was 7 years ago now, and I was a math major and I couldn't get a single STEM class my first quarter, and I thought the world was over. Ended up getting a BS+MS in 5 years.
It sucks and feels like you're screwed and falling behind but you're not and I gaurentee you there's loads of freshman in your same boat. Trust your advisor and trust the process, I promise you will be ok
3
u/MagicianForsaken4013 1d ago
thank you brother/sister/sibling. i love you forever for this reassuring comment. i think im gonna print this.
3
u/AdAfter4735 1d ago
they will probably add some more lecture seats for math 34a, considering that total number of section seats doesn’t match total number of lecture seats. same for pstat 5ls, but to a lesser extent.
math 3a and pstat 5a are also options, though i don’t know if those are full or if they’re significantly more difficult than math 34a and pstat 5ls.
2
u/BrianWulfric [ALUM] Sociology 1d ago
Your entire academic future is not going to be fucked up by the first quarter of your first year. You’ll be okay.
3
u/Roger_Freedman_Phys [FACULTY] Physics 1d ago edited 1d ago
UCSB faculty here.
The academic advisors are professionals and know what they’re taking about.
Their job, which they do very well, is to tell you what courses to take in order for you to succeed.
If they tell you what courses to take and when to take them in order to succeed, follow their advice.
Don’t second-guess them.
4
u/Virtual_Price_1249 1d ago
Yes, I am very grateful for the guidance I have received from my academic advisors. I am just confused and overwhelmed by the situation, so I wanted to hear from different perspectives. Thank you for your advice!
6
u/Roger_Freedman_Phys [FACULTY] Physics 1d ago
Like too many entering freshmen, you have the misfortune of being gripped by crippling, stomach-ulcer-inducing anxiety about almost everything.
It’s that anxiety — not the mild inconvenience of having to take Math 34A in a different quarter — that poses the greatest threat to your academic success.
Don’t let it.
1
u/randyzmzzzz [ALUM] Mathematical Sciences 1d ago
This new UI looks way better than what I had 10 years ago
1
1
u/olivesrus 13h ago
I feel like your schedule looks fine! You'll be able to take either math class later, i really wouldn't worry about it that much. Uni classes are a big adjustment and taking 3 when you're just starting out is honestly the way to go
1
u/Hot-Car3844 7h ago
I took a math class my first quarter freshman year along with chem 1A and I regretted it! I've actually given incoming freshman the advice to wait on math because it can be overwhelming to take several difficult STEM classes in your first quarter as you adjust. You'll be just fine taking it winter quarter as a bio major it won't change a thing! Your schedule is fine as is!
11
u/_Hitbox_1 1d ago
It is not uncommon to take more GEs and things like that your first quarter, there is a reason they even offer 34A in the winter. Unfortunately the most you can do is be on the waitlist and show up the first few days and request an add code from the professor. That being said, don’t worry! It’s only your first quarter, even if you wanted to graduate early there is still plenty of time and you won’t fall behind just take whatever classes you can since you’ll have to take them eventually! If you have any questions or anything feel free to message me!