Choosing
required classes proves a struggle
By
Andrew Joseph
Daily Forty-Niner
Contributing Writer
The fall 2005 semester has officially started and, as usual, students are trying
to add classes they need at the last minute.
On the first day of classes, students navigated through packed hallways and
screamed at full parking lots. This was because the number of enrolled freshmen
has risen, due in part to the 50 percent admission rate for first-time fall
2005 freshmen.
“Generally they’re taking classes to meet the English and math GE
requirements, depending on how the students scored on their placement exams,” said
Angela Williams, lead evaluator for admissions. Many freshmen are taking remediation
courses, which don’t count toward their degree because of their score on
the ELM and/or the EPT.
Continuing students still have to deal with decisions such as deciding when
to graduate, juggling hectic schedules, trying to get into classes for their
major and fulfilling an array of requirements.
There are no trends for freshmen choosing classes according to cost and quantity
of books but Williams said freshmen usually discover by their second semester
that those things may matter financially.
“I more so went off the teacher than off the times,” said Marcello
Frazier, a second semester business marketing transfer student. When choosing
classes, Frazier said he is “not necessarily looking for an easy teacher,
but the best qualified [teacher].”
Choosing a teacher you work well with is a good idea because the Associated
Students Senate is thinking of changing the university grading system to a
plus/minus scale, so, for example, students who receive a B+ will be rewarded
with a 3.3 while those who earn a C- will come out with a 2.7. Though not to
worry, since it was said that most professors are against the idea along with
most students.
Planning out classes for your degree is also a great idea.
“I base it on the GE requirements,” said Martha Welderufael, who
also researched and chose her teachers using www.professor. com.
Williams advises all freshmen to attend the summer SOAR program before attending
Cal State Long Beach to gain exposure to advisors who provide great assistance
in choosing classes and planning what needs to get done.
All freshmen are required to attend a mandatory advising session after their
first semester to choose their classes for the next semester and obtain some
overall guidance.
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