Choosing Courses for the First Semester
The first few semesters are an excellent opportunity to be adventurous and request courses that stimulate intellectual curiosity.
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It is wise to keep potential major interests in mind, but not be limited to a single potential field of study. The Class Handbook includes a section with descriptions of various departments and programs, including suggested courses suitable for freshmen.
Freshman Seminar
While not required, freshman seminars are an excellent introduction to College academic life, and are highly recommended for first- or second-semester students.
Language Course
It is recommended that students begin to satisfy the Foreign Language Requirement in their first semester and continue to take courses without break until the requirement is fulfilled. Students planning to continue with a language that they have studied previously should read about language placement. Students who decide to start a new language at Penn should anticipate that it will require four full semesters of course work to achieve competency in the language and to fulfill the Foreign Language Requirement.
Writing Seminar
Students should satisfy the Writing Requirement by taking a writing seminar sometime in their first year. For more information on writing seminars, visit the Critical Writing Program website .
Mathematics
It is recommended that students interested in a field that requires mathematics plan to take calculus in their freshman year. It is important that students begin their mathematics study at Penn at the appropriate level. Students should discuss advanced placement credit for calculus or any other questions concerning course selection with their pre-major advisor or advisors in the College Office or the Department of Mathematics.
Exploration
Be adventurous—start to investigate the remarkable range of courses presented by the College's departments and programs.