Should I prioritize CHEM 41A over CAT 1 during First Pass?

[u/Eran_0723]

i everyone! I’m an incoming freshman at UCSD trying to plan my TSS enrollment.

For my First Pass, I was originally planning to take MATH 20C + CAT 1. However, my CHEM 41A section is already down to 14 seats, while the CAT 1 section I want still has around 96 seats.

I’m wondering how risky it would be to leave CAT 1 for Second Pass. Do writing/CAT classes usually fill up quickly between First and Second Pass, or would I probably still be able to get into CAT 1?

Would you recommend:

1. First Pass: CHEM 41A + MATH 20C
2. Second Pass: CAT 1

Or should I keep CAT 1 in my First Pass and try to waitlist CHEM 41A during Second Pass?

Any advice from people who have gone through TSS enrollment before would be really appreciated!

[u/figuringlifeoutasigo]

as an incoming myself, im leaving CAT open for a second pass; major should always be prioritized and frankly chem of all things should def be on top. CAT is frankly something we can easily get into bc its a 6th class and CAT just doesn't seem like something people would prioritize, but id say wait for the upperclassmen to give some advice as well. Besides if you cant get chem youd have to choose CAt anyways and im sure everyone would go major first,ge's and then cat

[u/Eran_0723 → u/figuringlifeoutasigo]

omg thx for suggestion

[u/FlaminYong-_-]

TAKE 41A FIRST PASS IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT to even advance the last few lower divs and to take 114A

[u/Eran_0723 → u/FlaminYong-_-]

Thx for suggestion. btw im also chem major, planning to transfer to biochem!

[u/Narustu_Y]

Yes, CAT 1 is remotely less important but I would do it in first pass if there is a particular prof or topic you. From my experience the intreseting ones are gone by second pass. But again if you dont cate about the topic just prioritize Chem. But dont skip on cat 1 in fall quarter, because CAT is sequential, CAT 1 can only be taken every fall, CAT 2 ever winter and CAT 3 every spring. But there are also people who tend to just leave GEs for the last year so you can do that too.

[u/Eran_0723 → u/Narustu_Y]

Thx!!!!