Enroll in a Class

Enrolling in Fall Classes

1. Compile your recommended classes

If you haven't already, make a list of required and/or recommended classes.

• What classes are recommended or required for your intended or exploratory major?  (Refer to Step 2: Explore Possible Majors)
• Which Core class sections apply to you?   (Refer to How to Enroll in Porter Core Class)

2. Plan for a full-time schedule

15 credits (or three 5-credit classes) is considered a full-time class load. For your first quarter, your schedule will most likely look like one of the three options below:

• 
Class 1: Porter Core Class
  Class 2: Introductory or preparatory class for your major

  Class 3: Introductory or preparatory class for a second major or elective class of interest, or GE class



or

• Class 1: Porter Core Course

  Class 2: Elective class of interest, or GE class
  
Class 3: Elective class of interest, or GE course

or

• 

Class 1:  Porter Core Course

  Class 2: Introductory or preparatory class for your major

  Class 3: Introductory or preparatory class for a second major  

3. Search for classes

- Go to your student portal: my.ucsc.edu and navigate to the class search.

- Begin searching for Fall classes. You can refine your search by using the pull-down lists, and will get better results by constraining your search in multiple ways. For your first quarter, make sure you do the following:

• Start by searching for “All Classes” (rather than just “Open Classes”). Some introductory courses look closed in June and early July, but open up spaces for Frosh over the Summer.
• Make sure you are only taking "Lower Division" classes (classes numbered 1-99). Under "Class Number", select "less than or equal to", and type "99". 
• If you want to search for General Education classes, you can select a GE code and see options for that code. Make sure you look for GEs that apply to you (some older GE codes apply only to current and transfer students). Review the General Education Chart or general education requirements for your GEs. Make sure you limit the classes to lower division options (classes numbered 1-99).  
• To find the Porter Core class, use the Department "Porter College". 
• Click on the classes you are interested in and read the description. Look at the dates and times it meets. Check for Enrollment Requirements. Many classes have prerequisites, or require placement exams -- if you have not satisfied the prerequisite requirements by the time you are enrolling, you will not be able to enroll in the class.

4. Make a plan, identify back up classes, and use your shopping cart

• Start mapping out a possible schedule for yourself using the Schedule Planner (pdf). Map out several potential options for your classes. Remember that some classes also have "Discussion Sections" which are either mandatory or optional. You will need to enroll into mandatory discussion sections so plan them in your class schedue.
• Backup classes are essential -- you might not be able to get your very first pick of classes in your first quarter. You should have at least ten (10) possible classes to enroll in. We recommend three options for core course sections, and at least seven other classes of interest for major preparation or exploration, GEs, etc.)
• Beginning mid-July, you can add the courses you are interested in to your "shopping cart" on the my.ucsc.edu portal. This will make enrolling at your appointment time a much faster (and smoother) process).

5. Prepare for orientation

• Once you have at least ten classes in your shopping cart, print out your cart list OR write down the class ID (PRTR 80A-17), 5-digit Class # (22120), days/time for lecture (MWF 11:00 - 12:10 p.m.), days/times for discussion sections or labs (keep Monday 8-10 p.m. clear for the core class' evening component).

• Visually map out your ideal schedule and bring this with you to orientation to use when you enroll.
• If you attend summer orientation, you will be able to enroll at your orientation session in the afternoon.

6. Enroll

• Go to your my.ucsc.edu student portal, select "My Student Center," and using these instructions, enroll in your classes.
 Refer to the Enrollment FAQs if you want to review an enrollment tutorial.
• Be sure to print out a copy of your final schedule (to make sure you successfully enrolled) and to catch any enrollment errors early.
• Enrollment appointments for new students who do not attend summer orientation is August 5th.

Still Have Questions? 

Rview the Porter Guide for New Frosh or

Review UCSC's New Student Advising Guide or

Contact Porter Advising: porteradviser@ucsc.edu or 831-459-2273.