Choosing Classes

As a Summer Edge student you will take your first UCSC classes in person or online this summer. All new admits will be automatically enrolled in the mandatory 1-credit online Slug Orientation Course through the Orientation Department. The other 7 (or more) credits are up to you! 

Guidance on Choosing Courses

Let us help you pick the perfect summer classes. Most summer classes are taught at an accelerated 5-week pace so you can complete requirements in half the time of the standard 10-week quarter. Follow our online guides, or email us at summeredge@ucsc.edu 

• First Year Course Selection Guide (2025 Guide Coming in Spring)
• Transfer Course Selection Guide (2025 Guide Coming in Spring)

Course Basics

Sample Summer Schedules

• A typical weekday includes class time and optional activities
• There is not an additional “finals week” over the summer. Instructors schedule the final on the last meeting block of the session.

Course Days/Times

• After March 15, you can click on the course from our website or search for it in Class Search. If days/times are listed, they are synchronous, and students are expected to attend all classes during those days/times
• No accommodations can be made for vacations, extensions, or ending your UC Santa Cruz course early, so be mindful of dates before enrolling

Course Credits

• Most courses are 5 credits. Students should expect a minimum of 35 hours of class meeting time. UCSC Academic Advising recommends 2 hours of studying for every 1 hour of class time. To meet the 8-credit minimum students can take a 5-credit course and add a 2 or 3-credit course, or take two 5-credit courses or more.

Summer Accommodations

• If you need testing or other accommodations, you must first become affiliated with our Disability Resource Center (DRC). Email them at drc@ucsc.edu for an appointment

We’re here to help guide you - so let’s start exploring classes!

Next Steps:

• First Year Course Selection Guide
• Transfer Course Selection Guide