In the first year or two of college, students should choose courses that help them develop strong intellectual and communication skills. Trying something entirely new, in a field they have never before studied, can add new dimension to a student's outlook. Even if your students have specific academic expectations and goals, exploring elective courses in other fields will enrich their educational experiences.
Academic advisers are available to assist students with their academic choices.
As soon as students have been accepted for admission to Berkeley, they should learn the requirements they have to fulfill to earn their bachelor's degree. Students are admitted to Cal with the assumption that they will be able to carry a full-time course of study. Within these limits, there are several views on how many units a first-year student should take. While many students are able to handle a full load from the beginning, some choose to take a lighter load the first semester to allow themselves time to adjust to the rigors of Cal classes and to student life. Each student should choose the number and combination of courses after thorough conversations with advisers.