# Academics and Course Planning OC Blog Posts

**Source**: https://approaching.stanford.edu/academics-and-course-planning-oc-blog-posts
**Parent**: https://approaching.stanford.edu/academic-themed-blog-posts

- [A Guide to the Language Requirement](/academics-and-course-planning-oc-blog-posts#langreq)
- [Balancing Academics & Personal Life in College](/academics-and-course-planning-oc-blog-posts#balanceacademicsandpersonal)
- [About Subject Placement Tests & Diagnostics](/academics-and-course-planning-oc-blog-posts#placementtests)
- [What are Frosh 101 & Transfer 101?](/academics-and-course-planning-oc-blog-posts#frosh101andtransfer101)
- [A Glimpse Into the First-Year Course Requirements](/academics-and-course-planning-oc-blog-posts#firstyearreqs)
- [Navigating Class Planning & Enrollment](/academics-and-course-planning-oc-blog-posts#navigateclasses)

## A Guide to the Language Requirement

It’s officially that time of the summer - you’re getting notified about placing into courses at Stanford and thinking about what your course journey here will look like, and it’s very exciting! But you also likely have questions and might be thinking, “How can I maximize the courses I took in high school and use that knowledge and credit here at Stanford?” As you probably know, Stanford has a one-year language requirement for all undergraduate students, but there are many ways that you can fulfill this. And, you may have questions like: what if I have exposure to a language but haven’t taken any formal courses in it? What if I’ve taken AP or IB language classes? What if I want to explore a new language here? To give you a sense of some of the options that you have for fulfilling the language requirement, here is an overview of what exactly the language requirement and placement exams are and some advice from your OCs.

### What is the Language Requirement at Stanford?

In order to graduate, each Stanford student is required to take at least one year of courses in a language other than English. This means 3 quarters of coursework that involves the oral, reading, and writing components of the language. Language courses take place 5 days a week throughout the 10-week quarter at Stanford and are the gateway to many opportunities throughout your undergraduate career, such as majoring or minoring in a foreign language or studying abroad (some programs across Europe and Asia have language requirements).

As with many academic programs and courses at Stanford, there are helpful resources for students taking language courses - the main source of extra practice and tutoring in a language is through the CTL (Center for Teaching and Learning) Conversation Partners, but you only have access during the quarter that you take a language class. Once you're in a class, take advantage of this great resource! These conversation partners will provide opportunities for you to have a conversation with another student in your target language and get feedback after doing that practice so that you can build your confidence and feel prepared to succeed in your course. But now you might be wondering: how do I know which course is right for me based on my experience in the language and my academic goals?

### Language Placement Tests at Stanford

To answer this question, Stanford has a window in which students can take Language Placement Tests in a variety of languages other than English that the university offers. If it’s been 2 or more years since you took a course in this language, you will need to take the placement test to evaluate where you stand with your knowledge of the material. The first portion of these tests take place online throughout June and early July for incoming students, and each consists of reading, writing, and grammar assessments that will be followed by an oral segment later. The questions asked in the conversational/interview portion of the test vary based on the student’s perceived grasp of and history with the language, so do your best on the exam and ensure that you’re accurately reflecting your command of the language. Here are some highlight tips from your OCs on how to succeed with the language placement test and why it’s important to take it early!

1. #### Taking the Placement Test Early Has Multiple Benefits

   All of the OCs encourage you to take the language placement test as soon as possible, if not the summer before your first year. Taking it early ensures that you maximize your time to explore and take new courses. You may realize that you have a passion for learning a certain language or that you want to study abroad and there is a certain language requirement to satisfy in order to do so, and knowing where you stand in your language courses can help to make that possible.
2. #### Find a Quiet Room to Take the Test

   An important tip as you’re preparing to take the Language Placement Test is also to find a quiet space to take the exam. As these placement tests are administered online, there won’t be a given quiet testing environment where other students are also completing the same exam. So, it’s important to ensure that you are able to construct your ideal testing environment from where you’re taking the test.

   Finding a quiet space with adequate test-taking materials will be important
3. #### The Interviewers Are Looking for Natural Conversation

   When you have your oral interview portion of the language placement test, keep in mind that your interviewer is searching for your ability to hold a natural conversation in your language. Do your best to try to think of this as a regular conversation and focus on ensuring that you understand what you’re being asked and what you’re speaking about rather than using sophisticated vocabulary.
4. #### Each Language Department Has Different Deadlines for the Placement Tests, so Stay Aware!

   While the deadline for the online portion of the language placement tests for many language departments is Monday, July 15th, there are different deadlines for this first segment of language placement testing depending on the language you’re testing in. Please keep an eye out for the [specific deadlines and timelines](https://language.stanford.edu/academics/testing/placement-testing/fall-placement-testing) per your language department so that you don’t miss out!
5. #### Transferring AP/IB Credit Varies by Department

   Depending on the languages you’ve taken courses in, you may also be able to fulfill your language requirement using credit you already have from prior courses. Similar to the placement testing and the varying timelines by department, however, only credit for higher level courses in certain languages can be accepted for the language requirement. Please take a look at the [resources provided here](https://advising.stanford.edu/current-students/advising-student-handbook/ap-ib-transfer) to look at the specific courses that are accepted for language credit.
6. #### There Are Ways You Can Prepare for the Test

   While it’s important to make sure that your performance on the test accurately reflects your level of proficiency with the language (if you place in a first year language class required for the graduation requirement, you must take that class), there are also ways in which you can set yourself up for success. The OCs encourage you to try timed reading and writing in your target language and ensure that you practice speaking as much as possible in your target language so that you feel confident and ready to showcase your knowledge.

#### OC Malik and the Arabic Language

Modern Standard Arabic was Malik’s first language, and he placed out of Stanford’s language requirement and into Arabic literature courses after taking the Arabic placement test the summer before his first year. He emphasizes that the interviewers for the exam are searching for natural conversational flow and that the university only accepts Modern Standard Arabic, specifically - the Arabic department does not administer placement tests in any other dialects or accept academic credit of any kind received in other dialects.

#### OC Jack and the Spanish Language

Jack had been learning Spanish for 13-14 years before coming to Stanford and took AP Spanish in high school, which is usually accepted for credit here at Stanford with a given exam score. However, he still needed to take the language placement test because it had been 2 years since he took the AP Spanish exam. Jack placed out of the language requirement, but decided to take 2nd-year Spanish so that he could minor in Spanish and hopefully study abroad in Madrid.

#### OC Sophia and the French Language

Sophia had been fluent in French before coming to Stanford, so she decided to take the French Language Placement Test and see if she could test out of the language requirement. The exam involved reading, grammar, verb conjugation, writing a letter to someone, an online interview, and an overview of her history with French. Sophia tested out of French language and into French literature. Her language experience meant she ended up tutoring French on campus!

#### OC Bryan and the Spanish Language

Spanish was Bryan’s first language, so he decided to take the Spanish Language Placement Test and ultimately tested out of the language requirement. He had taken 2 years of Spanish in high school, but similar to Jack, he still needed to take the test because of the time between his last Spanish course and his first year at Stanford.

#### OC Malaika and the Igbo Language

Malaika has spoken Igbo (a Nigerian tribal language) since birth and plans to take the language placement test this summer! She plans to take Igbo language courses here and explore her second language at a collegiate level.

#### OC Canon and the Spanish Language

Canon had taken IB Spanish SL in high school, so she decided to take the Spanish Language Placement Test and see how far her experience would take her. She placed into Spanish 3, which is First Year, Third Quarter Spanish. She took the one quarter of Spanish she needed in her frosh fall and enjoyed the class.

We hope that these tips and things to know help you in deciding whether or not to take the language placement test or preparing to do so if you haven’t already. We wish you luck as you move forward in your language journey at Stanford!

## Balancing Academics & Personal Life in College

Coming to Stanford and envisioning what your experience will be like here, it can be hard to predict what will happen and how you’ll navigate your experience. Many of you likely have a variety of different activities you’re interested in, classes you want to take, and people you want to meet once you get to campus. But, at the end of the day, you are one person, and it’s important to take care of yourself during the transition to college. So how do you balance all of that to ensure that you’re feeling fulfilled in the activities you’re doing, able to keep up with your coursework, and getting time to prioritize yourself? Based on my own experience and input from your OCs, here is some advice for how to explore during your first year at Stanford and maintain your mental and physical health.

### Taking a Manageable Course Load in the Fall

One of the most important aspects of balancing your academic and personal life in the fall will be ensuring that you take the recommended 12-15 units that your Academic Advisors suggest. And within that unit count, many students come to realize that it helps to take a variety of classes, especially if you are deciding between different majors and academic interests. Frosh year is a great time to explore and experience each of them. [Introsems (Introductory Seminars)](https://introsems.stanford.edu/) are also great ways to do that exploring - these courses are application-based and are designed to serve as a student’s introduction to a specific field. Feel free to ask your academic advisors more about this and read the webpage linked above.

Additionally, taking a 1-2 unit course that doesn’t strictly correlate to an academic interest can help provide balance and ease both the academic and social transitions of coming to Stanford. Some examples of these courses are [Stanford’s Physical Wellness courses](https://rec.stanford.edu/learn/academic/physical-wellness) (also known as PhysWell) and [Frosh & Transfer 101](https://frosh101.stanford.edu/). PhysWell courses are offered across a variety of different sports and activities, such as tennis, swimming, yoga, and more. They are a great opportunity to be physically active and meet other students in your first quarter! Frosh & Transfer 101 is a 1-unit course that many students take with their dorm mates in their first quarter at Stanford to help reflect on  the transition to Stanford and discover their place in Stanford’s community. The course sections meet in the dorms for about an hour weekly during the quarter and are led by students.

### Exploring But Narrowing Down Your Interests

When it comes to extracurricular activities and student groups, there will be a vast array of potential ways to go. Stanford has a broad range of groups from cultural and religious groups to pre-professional groups– you can learn more about these when you read OC Jack’s blog post on Navigating Student Groups on Campus next Friday 07/25!

All of these groups will be at FestiFall, which is the campus-wide club fair that happens during the first part of fall quarter. Let’s say that you find several clubs that you’re interested in–it might be a good idea to explore the top 3-4 clubs that you’re curious about and attend their first meeting. Afterwards, you might be able to narrow it down to your top 1-2 groups that you’d like to commit to for the rest of the year or potentially decide that you’d like to rotate which groups you’re involved with from quarter to quarter. These are just some ways that you can approach balancing all of the groups and extracurriculars you find interesting. You’ll discover this more clearly once you arrive on campus!

### Managing Your Social Energy

When coming to Stanford and thinking about your personal life, there will be so many possible avenues for social interaction and meeting others. But how does one effectively balance being social with others and also keeping up their social energy and care for themselves? Some ways to do this involve navigating the dorm socials, campus-wide events, and hangouts with smaller groups. Every Friday and Saturday night, for example, dorms will host fun activities, where you can get to know others in your dorm and your RAs (Resident Assistants, who will be your student leaders/guides in your dorm). But, since these happen every Friday and Saturday night, that definitely means you shouldn’t feel pressured to go to every one! I would definitely recommend going when you can, but you can gauge based on the weekend and how long you’d like to stop by. The activities will also be fresh every week, so if you stop by one and it isn’t an activity you’re particularly interested in, don’t hesitate to come another week to see what the new activities are!

Same with Stanford-wide events that you’ll see pop up throughout your first year - these are a great time, but if there’s a weekend where you just need some time for yourself or you have an exam coming up, trust your instincts. Take care of yourself and skip it or attend for a short time. Or if there’s an event coming up that all of your friends are going to and you really don’t want to miss even though you’ve had a busy week, you could stop by just for a bit to check it out and say hi to your friends. But it is always okay to skip it to take care of yourself.

Taking care of oneself and getting time outdoors is very important for finding balance

Perhaps there will be weekends where you’re feeling adventurous and decide to go into SF (which is just about a 45-50 minute Caltrain ride away) or another off-campus spot to explore. There are many fun restaurants on University Avenue right beyond the Palo Alto Caltrain Station and in the city of San Francisco itself! These can be great opportunities to make memories with others you’d like to get to know better and explore the Bay Area!

With all of this said, it’s important to balance these social activities (which you should most definitely explore when you get a chance) with time to yourself. Things like allotting time to call home, read your favorite book, go for a walk, journal, or make yourself some tea can be great ways to refresh at the end of a busy day or week.

### Using Your Resources and Asking for Guidance

To wrap this all up, a key point is that as you navigate your first quarter and year at Stanford, it will be important to understand the resources available to you for both academic and personal exploration. For instance, your Academic Advisors (whom you’ll hear from in mid-August) will have guidance regarding study resources, course planning, finding your balance, and connecting with professors. Beyond that, speaking with your professors about their department or other courses they teach can offer further insight into a particular academic field you’re interested in.

Your RAs can also provide some tools and tips that they’ve tried during their time at Stanford to ensure that they are maintaining their personal well-being and keeping up their academics at the same time. RFs (Resident Fellows) are great resources too; they can provide guidance on many topics, and they know resources to refer you to. In short, you will have a great support system at Stanford to be of guidance if you have more questions, new ideas, or uncertainties pop up as you navigate your first year. Don’t hesitate to reach out and ask questions!

### Wrapping Up & Conclusions

I realize that’s a lot of information - so to wrap it all up, I just wanted to remind you that balancing academics & personal life becomes easier over time and that everyone approaches it differently. You will find a certain activity, group, or space that you’re drawn to that can help you find a balance and feel more at home here. Throughout your journey (especially in your first year), do your best to check in with yourself and make sure that you’re not feeling stretched thin. Take time to invest in not only the things that you are passionate about, but also yourself and your well-being. You’ve got this!

With OC Love - Canon <3

## About Subject Placement Tests & Diagnostics

As we enter the month of August, there will be lots of information coming out about course planning, academic advising, and first-year course requirements. One important aspect of being able to enroll in specific courses in the fall is to know the prerequisites for those courses, and one of the best ways to see where you stand is with diagnostic assessments. Since these subject placement tests opened up this week or are about to open, we thought we’d start with an article about what you can expect from those and how they fit into your first-year schedule.

### What Are the Subject Placement Tests & Diagnostics?

The [subject placement tests and diagnostics](https://approaching.stanford.edu/first-years/advising-enrollment/placement-tests-diagnostics) are offered in mathematics, chemistry, and physics, and will include an online examination or two because some departments may need to assess your preparedness across multiple subject areas. For example, physics and chemistry require a background in quantitative and applied mathematics to some extent and it is highly recommend that students take the math placement diagnostic if they are interested in taking these courses.

Students can register to take the placement diagnostic test via a Canvas course that will soon be available, if it is not already. Once in this Canvas course, the placement test will be an assessment made available to take in one sitting with one attempt allowed. When you get ready to take the exam, all you’ll need is your test-taking device, a piece of scratch paper, and something to write with. Calculators won’t be allowed on the exams, so you’ll be just fine as long as you have your workspace and scratchpaper ready!

The goal of these placement tests is to find the most appropriate course for you to begin with in each of these series, though the results you’ll receive are a recommendation, so you can take any of the courses that you’re eligible for after your placement (please see the [details here](https://approaching.stanford.edu/first-years/advising-enrollment/placement-tests-diagnostics) for more information). If you’re interested in taking any courses in math, chemistry, or physics at all, it’s highly recommended that you complete the placement diagnostic so that you can gauge as accurately as possible where you stand and where you should begin your coursework in these subjects.

### Tips for the Placement Assessments

Now that you know a bit more about what to expect from the placement tests, here are some helpful tips and things to be aware of going in! Please note that this is not specific advice on what to do if you receive a specific placement, but rather a quick summary of good things to know - if you have questions about particular courses or course paths, please reach out to your Academic Advisor, who you’ll hear from by mid-August!

1. #### Taking the Placement Test Early Has Multiple Benefits

   Tip #1 is to try to take the placement diagnostic test as early as possible! Taking the exam does not bind you to the result you get, meaning that if you take it over the summer, you are not required to take that course in the fall. It’s also completely natural to be unsure of what your academic plan will look like and be interested in many things, so it’s good to be prepared and know where you would begin in each of these course series so that you’re prepared if and when you do decide to take these courses.
2. #### Find a Quiet Room to Take the Test/Diagnostic

   An important tip as you’re preparing to take the subject placement tests is to find a quiet space to take the exam. As these placement tests are administered online, there won’t be a given quiet testing environment where other students are also completing the same exam. So, it’s important to ensure that you are able to construct your ideal testing environment from where you’re taking the test.
3. #### Each Department Has Slightly Different Deadlines, So Be Aware!

   Since these subject placement diagnostic tests take place across three different departments, each also has their own deadline, regulations, and resources provided for taking the diagnostic. We will elaborate further on these later in this article so that you can get a sense of when to take each placement test and what it will entail.
4. #### Transferring AP/IB Credit Varies by Department

   Depending on your previous coursework, you may be able to fulfill prerequisites for some courses with your transferable credit. Similar to the placement testing and the varying timelines by department, however, this is very dependent on the courses you have credit in. If you’re curious to see whether the AP/IB courses you’ve completed might impact your course placement, please refer to [the chart linked here](https://studentservices.stanford.edu/my-academics/earn-my-degree/undergraduate-degree-progress/test-transfer-credit/external-test-0) for more information. It’s also highly recommended that you submit your test scores this summer (ideally before August or in early August) if you’d like to request test credit for course placement.

### Mathematics Placement Diagnostic

Before we begin, I’d like to point out that this is just a summary and overview of what the math placement diagnostic is - please refer to [the linked webpage for detailed information](https://mathematics.stanford.edu/academics/math-placement) about math, including the math 21 requirement. Let's start with an important placement test that you’ll need if you want to take courses in any three of these subject areas: [mathematics](https://mathematics.stanford.edu/academics/math-placement).

In terms of preparing for the mathematics placement diagnostic, there will be a pre-calculus refresher course available in the Math Placement Diagnostic Canvas course. This is a helpful resource for before you take the placement exam, as it will help you review the fundamental concepts required for college-level calculus and reflect your best mathematician on the exam!

*A lecturer models planes and vectors on the chalkboard*

The official placement diagnostic will open in early August, and it will be open until 3 pm on the Thursday of Week 3 in winter quarter for placement in succeeding quarters. Once you finish, it’s time to relax and take a step back as you wait for your results. You’ve taken the very first step in beginning your math journey at Stanford and set yourself up for a rewarding experience in your courses. Your results will be sent in an email within 7 days of completing the exam - then it’s time to decide which of the eligible courses you’d like to enroll in and get ready to plan your first quarter!

### Chemistry Diagnostic Placement Test

Moving to the next subject, let’s take a dive into the [Chemistry Placement Diagnostic](https://chemistry.stanford.edu/academics/undergraduate-program/how-choose-your-first-class)! Again, this is just an overview and you’ll want to check [this webpage](https://chemistry.stanford.edu/academics/undergraduate-program/how-choose-your-first-class) for more details and information. The Chemistry placement exam includes fundamental concepts of algebra and chemistry, helping students find the best possible course for them based on their experience with the mathematical foundations and applied aspects of the subject. Students should also take the mathematics placement diagnostic if they are planning to take courses in chemistry since it utilizes practical mathematics in a scientific context.

*The Sapp Center for Teaching and Learning, where most chemistry courses are held*

The placement diagnostic test will open in early August via the previously mentioned Canvas course and take about an hour to complete. If you’re planning to take Chemistry in the fall, make sure to complete your placement exam by September 1st so that you can be placed! Results will be emailed out to you in early September, but until then you can sit back and relax once you’ve finished the placement test!

### Physics Placement Diagnostic

Rounding out the series of math and science-related subject placement diagnostics is the [Physics Placement Diagnostic](https://physics.stanford.edu/undergraduate/placement-diagnostic) - please see the [webpage linked here](https://physics.stanford.edu/undergraduate/placement-diagnostic) for more official details and information! This exam will cover a series of conceptual and quantitative calculus along with the fundamentals of physics. Because of this, the Physics Department faculty note that you should take the mathematics placement diagnostic before you take the physics diagnostic so that you can have a refresher on the calculus you’ll need, and you’ll know where you stand in the mathematical elements of physics.

*Inside a physics laboratory*

You’ll be able to access the Physics Placement Diagnostic a month before registration opens for the fall and up until 3 pm the Thursday of Week 3 in Winter Quarter. Once you take the exam, you’ll receive your results within the next hour after submitting and get the chance to evaluate which of the eligible courses you’d like to take. Then you can rest assured that you’re starting off your Physics journey at Stanford on a path that will be best suited for you!

### Wrapping Up & Concluding Thoughts

Thank you for tuning in and learning more about the subject placement diagnostic tests you’ll become familiar with as you navigate your course planning at Stanford! We OCs hope that this information was helpful for you, and remember that these are diagnostics designed to best guide you during your academic journey. Everyone’s background in these subjects will be different, and your placement is not at all a reflection on your ability to succeed in a particular academic path. The most important thing is that if you have multiple paths you’re interested in and any one of them involves any of these three subjects, you take the placement test as soon as possible so that you can plan accordingly and know what your journey will look like. Best of luck!

Sending all the best,

OC Canon <3

## What are Frosh 101 & Transfer 101?

*by OCs Canon & Bryan*

As you begin to explore courses at Stanford and think about how to find your communities, you’ll realize that there are unique opportunities to find balance and navigate your transition. We’ve mentioned this in some of our previous blog content, but Frosh 101 and Transfer 101 are great options for doing this exploration and discovering your communities and spaces on campus. OCs Bryan and I both co-lead Frosh 101 during our second years, and we’re hoping that some of the insights in this article help you learn what Frosh 101 and Transfer 101 is and inform your decisions on how to balance your first quarter courses!

### What is the Program?

Frosh and Transfer 101 is a course that students can take in their dorms as a way to discuss their transition to Stanford with a group of their peers. This one unit course takes place once a week for an hour and 20 minutes across dorms with frosh and Kimball. A unique feature of the course is that it will be completely facilitated by a pair of undergraduate students who will take you through a series of discussions about your transition to Stanford and activities that will allow you to connect with your peers. Some of these pairs consist of two program co-leads; some of the pairs consist of a program co-lead and a dorm RA; and for Transfer 101, it is a pair of transfer students who have taken the course the prior year.

### Why Should You Take It?

Now that you have some background into what Frosh 101 and Transfer 101 are, the question becomes: why should I take it? What can I learn and apply throughout my Stanford career? In class you will have the chance to think through some tough questions that will help you during your transition and adjustment to Stanford. This will provide guidance as you explore your space and community on campus and learn what it means to navigate the transition to college. You’ll get to reflect and process the journey you’re on within the context of a larger group - so you’ll know for sure you’re not alone in anything you’re feeling. This is definitely a course to consider as you build and balance your course schedule during your first quarter!

In addition to having the foundations from Frosh 101 and Transfer 101 behind you as you navigate your Stanford journey, you will also have the chance to get to know a group of individuals you can talk to in your dorm and turn to for support, including peers in your section and the upperclass leaders.

### Hear From The Program Directors

The Frosh 101 and Transfer 101 Program wouldn’t be possible without the incredible program directors who oversee all of the work behind it! Patti Hanlon-Baker and Niles Wilson are the instructors and administrators who coordinate Frosh 101 and Transfer 101, and if you end up co-leading a section in your second year, you’ll get to know them very well!

Here’s some insights directly from the directors themselves:

Patti emphasizes that while Frosh 101 and Transfer 101 are often described as great ways to meet people in the dorm, they are also important spaces “to reflect on your own transition to Stanford as well as hear from peers about theirs. Connecting with others about challenging, joyful, and surprising experiences as a new student is an important, and often reassuring, part of building community in the dorm. In addition to hearing from peers, the upperclass student leaders will share what they learned about navigating their first year here. In a Frosh 101 or Transfer 101 section, you can learn a lot about other communities and experiences on campus. Through all of this, friendships will indeed develop and grow.”

Niles references “Frosh 101 and Transfer 101 is technically a class, but it’s also a way for incoming students to meet other students in their house and/or cohort and reflect on their transition to Stanford. There are a couple of things that I hope students take away from Frosh 101 and Transfer 101: First, I hope that they realize they have cheerleaders here at Stanford - people who are invested in their growth. Second, I hope students realize that however they are feeling about coming to Stanford, there are others who feel the same way and those feelings are completely natural and valid.”

### Hear From An Incoming Co-Lead

Going into mid-August, the incoming cohort of Frosh 101 and Transfer 101 co-leads who will lead your sections have begun preparing for a great fall quarter come September! Your section may have multiple program co-leads or have a program co-lead and an RA co-lead facilitating; in Transfer 101, you will have two transfer students who have taken the course. Each of your program co-leads will be students who recently went through the transition to Stanford and finished their first year, meaning that they will have lots of great experiences to share with you all.

Zadie (‘28) reflects on her thoughts going into being a co-lead this coming fall. “My experience in Frosh 101 made it very easy to meet people in my dorm and make it not just a place where I lived, but also a place where I knew others and could start a conversation,” she says. Zadie notes that her experience as a frosh is an important reason why she is excited to step into the role of being a co-lead and facilitating a section. She goes on to note that she found a sense of belonging and shared experience in her Frosh 101 course. “Everyone here are real people, and you don’t need to worry about fitting in because you already belong here,” she says, reassuring any student who is searching for shared experience and peers they can form real and meaningful connections with.

### Closing Thoughts From Former Co-Leads

We hope that hearing these perspectives and seeing how excited your program directors and co-leads are lets you know that you have so much to look forward to as well as many options for finding support as you transition to Stanford. Frosh 101 and Transfer 101 are one of the many ways you can balance your schedule and headspace as you transition to Stanford - you can officially enroll in a section when your enrollment time opens. For our incoming Transfer students, that will open on September 4th, and for incoming Frosh, you will enroll on Wednesday, September 17th. More to come on that later, but you’ll be able to explore the course offerings before you enroll!

Here are some insights from another former co-lead who is now a TA for the incoming cohort of Frosh 101 and Transfer 101 co-leads who will lead your sections! Princess ('27) reflects on her journey with the program, noting that, "Participating in Frosh 101 during my freshman year was one of the best decisions I made. Coming to Stanford was both exciting and overwhelming because it was so different from what I was used to. Luckily, Frosh 101 became a space where I could process my emotions while building a sense of community. It was comforting to connect with other freshmen, especially those who shared similar thoughts and experiences. By the end of the class, I had grown so much as a person and gained a clearer vision of what I wanted my Stanford experience to be. I also learned valuable lessons on how to navigate this place, which has stuck with me ever since."

As former co-leads ourselves, we look back and express our gratitude for this program and enthusiasm for passing the torch to future co-leads. My (OC Canon) Frosh 101 experience in my first-year dorm was instrumental in helping me meet others and find community in my dorm as I navigated coming to Stanford. The conversations we had in class taught me that there was so much community to be found in college and that there were faculty and students I could feel comfortable reaching out to during my transition.

All in all, we hope that you explore the available options on campus to help navigate your transition and know that there are unique opportunities to do just that!

Best OC wishes,

OCs Canon and Bryan

## A Glimpse Into the First-Year Course Requirements

*by Your OCs*

A lot of information has been sent your way in the past couple of weeks, one of the pieces being your assignments for your first-year requirements such as Civic, Liberal, and Global Education (COLLEGE) and the Program in Writing and Rhetoric (PWR). There are several ways you can fulfill these requirements: through programs such as Structured Liberal Education (SLE), ITALIC, or ESF or by taking traditional COLLEGE or PWR courses. We’ll break down what each of those means and provide some insight into what you’ll learn from these courses or programs.

### What are the First-Year Requirements?

As you navigate your journey to Stanford, there are a couple of courses you’ll take that will help you discover your place in the Stanford community and prepare you with important conversational and written skills that you’ll use throughout your career.

The first of these first-year requirements is [called COLLEGE](https://college.stanford.edu/), which is spread across 2 quarters and allows you to consider the value of higher education (beyond employment) and becoming a civically engaged member of any community you are a part of.

In addition, you’ll take either a [Program in Writing and Rhetoric (PWR) course](https://pwr.stanford.edu/) or the equivalent in your first year and then another in your second, with different focuses. Year one of your PWR courses will focus on writing and using the formal paper as a form of rhetoric while the second year will be centered around oral presentation and spoken communication.

*Your COLLEGE & PWR courses will be seminar-style and smaller in size like this one*

### SLE, ESF, and ITALIC

When I say that you might take the equivalent of PWR or COLLEGE, I’m referring to those of you who will be participating in a program like ESF, SLE, or Italic. Each of these offers a unique perspective and experience based on what you’re most interested in!

For instance, [ITALIC is a first-year program](https://sis.stanford.edu/italic-arts-minded-residence-based-academic-program-first-year-students) focusing on the arts and collaborative creativity across areas such as Art, Art History, Music, English, and Theater & Performance Studies. All students in the program will live in the Burbank dorm in Stern and enjoy a series of workshops, guest speakers, projects, and seminars.

On the other hand, [SLE focuses on the study of western collections of art and thought](https://sis.stanford.edu/structured-liberal-education-sle) across fields such as philosophy, literature, painting, and film. All students in the program will live in Florence Moore and also take courses together with the rest of the students in the program as they explore the ideas of thinkers who introduced new ways of exploring and creating.

Maintaining similar learning goals and qualities to ITALIC and SLE, [ESF is a quarter- long program](https://sis.stanford.edu/education-self-fashioning-esf) in which students choose a course to explore written rhetoric and research organization. Students in the program will be able to connect with a faculty member and their peers to articulate ideas about identity, life, and critical thinking via dialogue and writing.

### OC Tips & Perspectives

Now that you have an idea of what the first-year requirements are and some of the various ways to fulfill them, these are some of your OCs’ main takeaways and tips when it comes to these courses and programs.

#### OC Sophia:

For all of the first year requirements, what you put in is what you get out. For PWR, especially if your high school didn’t offer a lot of writing opportunities, it’s a great chance to learn some more of those skills. COLLEGE and PWR classes are small, so it’s a good opportunity to get to know your professors and your classmates through discussions. If you haven’t participated in small, seminar-style classes before, you can use COLLEGE as a chance to become more comfortable with speaking in class and boost your confidence to engage in other academic settings. Speaking with your COLLEGE and PWR professors is a good way to become more familiar with speaking with faculty, so I encourage you to reach out!

#### OC Bryan:

I loved my PWR class. I was really happy that I got the opportunity to choose a PWR class that fit more into my interests. I took a PWR class called Beyond the Achievement Gap: Writing About Education (1LS), since I’m minoring in education and I really loved it for that reason. I also got to meet a lot of people who were interested in the same thing! I also really loved my COLLEGE class - some of my closest friends are from my COLLEGE class since it was so small, and it was nice to see the same faces twice a week in class

#### OC Jack:

PWR was really helpful to me when I was coming to Stanford. I didn’t gain a lot of experience writing longer, structured research papers in high school. After taking PWR, though, I learned a lot of relevant skills that I could apply for other courses. I also got introduced to the Hume Center for Writing and Speaking, which is a great resource for navigating written and oral communication. It was a great preparation for taking other paper-based and research-heavy courses - very applicable skills!

#### OC Malik:

Make sure to take a PWR class you enjoy! You’re going to have multiple resources to glean from between your class and the Hume Center. For COLLEGE if you have it in the fall and/or winter you won’t get to choose the section you take, but you can make the most of it!

## Concluding Thoughts & Wrapping Up

We hope that this overview helps to give you a sense of what to expect in your courses for your first-year requirements! These will prepare you for many other courses at Stanford and help you gain and practice skills that will serve you well throughout the future. The more you participate, ask questions, and get to know your professors, the more enjoyment and knowledge you’ll gain! Have fun and happy learning!

## Navigating Class Planning & Enrollment

*by OC Sophia*

With only 18 days left until NSO, you’re probably wondering about a few things: packing, dorm life, roommates, friends, but also enrollment! This blog post will discuss tips and best practices for using [Navigate Classes](https://navigator.stanford.edu/classes?classes%5BrefinementList%5D%5BtermOffered%5D%5B0%5D=Autumn%202025) and [Navigate Enrollment](https://studentservices.stanford.edu/my-academics/enroll-classes) for course planning and registration.

### Filters and Searching Tips

First and foremost, ensure you’re looking at the correct year! If you search for a class, you might get results from previous years. On the left-hand panel, you can click on different academic terms to filter your results.

*Some examples of filters you can use to search in the "Class Search" tab*

If you’re interested in looking at all of your options, however, I recommend using the top panel to filter by department. Many majors specify that you must take a certain number of units of “electives.” Most often, elective classes are classes that fall within your major’s department and aren’t used to fulfill the major’s other requirements. So, if you still have empty space in your schedule and you’re looking to make progress towards your major or to explore a field you’re curious about, I recommend searching by department. If you’re looking to expand your interests and search across different fields, then you might conduct a more general search and filter by day, unit count, or quarter, for example. Your freshman year is a great time to try new things or pursue a variety of interests. Most majors are designed to take around two years to complete, so don’t feel like you’ll be behind if you don’t take certain classes right away.

### Planning in Navigate Classes and Enrollment

Ahead of enrollment, you’ll want to plan your classes with Navigator’s planning function. You’ll see a button that says “Batch Enroll” which you’ll use to quickly enroll in all of your planned courses once your enrollment gate time comes, so it is important that you already list out all of the classes you want to take. If you try to enroll in each class one after the other, your odds of getting into a class might decrease as other students try to enroll. I recommend coming into enrollment with a few backup plans. If you don’t get your first choices, what are your alternatives?

*The window you'll see for Batch Enrolling once you've planned your courses*

Moreover, you might think about your preferred learning style when you plan your classes. Some students enjoy having a few heavier days in the week, complemented by a few light days, whereas other students will ensure they spread out their workload. Would you thrive in an interesting 3-hour seminar? Or would that definitely be too long for you? Would you be alright with only STEM classes for a quarter, or does your brain need a creative outlet? Questions like these are important to keep in mind when you design your quarter. You can always talk with your academic advisor and get their advice on adjusting your schedule to fit your learning style.

In terms of general tips for enrollment, make sure you are in a good spot with wifi when you enroll. You don’t want to miss out on a class you wanted to take because you couldn’t get into the system. Similarly, check the morning of enrollment that you do not have any holds in Axess. If you haven’t filled out certain forms or acknowledged various information, then you’ll see an enrollment hold  on your account. Holds can stop you from enrolling, so make sure you have nothing to resolve ahead of enrollment!

Now that you’ve gotten an overview of Navigate Classes and what to expect for enrollment, you’ll hear from each of your OCs about their experiences and advice.

### OC Malaika: On Units and Transitions

Taking a lighter quarter was important to Malaika when she arrived at Stanford. Transitioning to college can take time and some of your bandwidth during the fall. The energy you pour into finding friends and adjusting to campus may limit the amount of energy you feel you have for your classes. Although Malaika felt that her course load was light in the fall, she remains grateful that she did not pack on more because she was able to learn the nuances of academics at college and find community. If you choose a lighter quarter, that doesn’t mean that you will be behind. Students will often vary how many units they take from quarter to quarter. Essentially, you’re trying to target an average of 15 units per quarter. Malaika would recommend you give yourself grace and recognize that transitioning is important. Taking fewer units in your first quarter can be an investment for the rest of your time here!

### OC Canon: On Balance and Exploration

It’s beneficial to stretch your brain through different types of classes, not to mention fun! Canon has found that maintaining a balance between the classes she is using towards her major and the ones she takes for fun is vital to her course planning. In freshman year, she chose to take Frosh 101 and loved the experience. She really enjoyed how the class became an opportunity to meet people in her dorm and adjust to college life. Frosh 101 is just one example of how you can branch out in your first year. In addition to taking math to work toward her Data Science major requirements, Canon took a course called East Asia Discovers the World: From Mongols to Meiji so that she could learn more about her Korean heritage. Canon stresses that you have a lot of time here at Stanford, so you should feel free to take some classes just out of pure interest. Even if you’ve already decided on your major, elective classes are a great way to fuel lifelong interests and learn more about topics you care about.

### OC Bryan: On Enrollment and Finding Your Path

Enrollment itself can be fast-paced. Bryan recommends that you come prepared with your favorite classes planned in Navigate Enrollment, but that you also have a list of backup courses. However, please note that if you try to enroll in more than 20 units, you will probably encounter an error! Moreover, you may feel pressured at times to take different classes because your friends are taking them or because you’ve heard that they’re important classes to take. You’ll have plenty of quarters to take classes with your friends and you’ll surely find other friends in your classes, so don’t feel pressured to follow anyone else’s course trajectory. Lastly, Bryan would say that you have plenty of time to figure out your path. Bryan started as an English major but explored many different fields throughout his second year, before he settled on an English major and an Education minor. The quarter system is fantastic because it gives you this room to explore. You get to take many more classes in a year than you would on a semester system, so feel free to make use of it!

### OC Jack: On Academic Advisors and Extracurriculars

Perhaps you’re unsure about what you should take this fall. Maybe you have too many things you want to do or maybe you’re having a hard time picking classes from a seemingly overwhelming course catalog. If this is the case for you, then your academic advisor is the perfect person to talk to. Jack talked to his academic advisor during the summer before Stanford and found their advice very helpful to planning his first quarter. His advisor suggested introductory courses that were a good fit and helped him plan his courseload. It was important to Jack that he left time to explore different extracurricular opportunities, so he found 14 units to be the perfect balance for him.

### OC Sophia: On Academic Advisors and Flexibility

It took me a while to realize that I could take classes differently than I did in high school. I thought that once I committed to a plan, I should stick to it. That is not always the case. I took an introductory course in the winter of my freshman year and really felt like the course wasn’t for me. After one class, I already thought about switching to another course I found really exciting. In the end, I didn’t switch. However, if a class is not a direct requirement, you shouldn’t feel bound to a choice after only one day. Stanford has a 3-week “shopping period” where you can add or drop classes without the action being reflected on your transcript. This shopping period can be especially helpful for students who are on the waitlist for a class and might enroll late. In addition, I recommend that for any decisions where you are undecided about switching grading basis (ex. from letter to credit / no credit) or changing courses, talk to your academic advisor! They are very knowledgeable and can help you work through a decision.

Best wishes,

OC Sophia :)

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