It’s several weeks before the start of school--you've sent
in your deposit, you have your roommate’s email address, and you have (almost)
everything for your dorm room. Now is your next big college task to accomplish:
the college schedule. While high school was fairly regimented (you had to take
these classes at these times in order to get that diploma) college gives you
way more freedom to create the schedule that works best. In no time you’ll be
looking through your college’s course catalog trying to plan the perfect first
semester. However, talking with current students can make registration seem more like a horror movie than anything else.
To avoid the stress, keep these tips in mind to create your best schedule.
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- Check your requirements: In most schools,
freshman can only take certain classes. Look at the 100-level classes offered
at your school and start making a list of those that you’re interested in. See
if there are any prerequisites, or classes you need to take before taking
another. Also look at any major requirements (if you have a major) and see if
any beginner classes are open in the fall. Another good thing to check in to is
your General Education requirements. These are your math, science, history, and
English classes you need to take in order to graduate. See what options are
available and if there are any pesky prereqs. If you’re struggling, talk with
an academic advisor at your school. They've seen many students like you
before—a fifteen minute appointment or email to them can help you get on the
right track and excited for your first semester.
- Decide when you want to take classes: Here’s the
beauty of college—you don’t have to go to class at 8am if you don’t want to. Decide
when’s the best time to take your classes—all in the morning, nights, three
days a week. Be aware: some classes are only offered at certain times. Make
sure you take this in to account (and also make sure you don’t register for two
classes that meet at the same time!).
- Make a timeline: If you meet with your academic
advisor, it could be a good idea to map out your year (or all four years) so
you have an idea of what to take and when. That way, when your last semester
rolls around you won’t be worrying about missing a gen-ed requirement or not
having enough credits in your major.
- Have backups (and backups of backups): The
classes you want may be filled by upperclassmen by the time you get to campus,
so come with alternates lined up. That children’s lit class may be filled, but
the class on American short stories could have one space left that you can
take. This way, you’re not stunned when half of your options are gone and everyone
else is scrambling for another class to fill their schedule.
- Go to registration on time: Whether you’re
registering online, by mail, or in person during orientation, make sure you
arrive on time with your plan. Being early will give you a better chance of
getting the classes you want and will prepare you for future registrations.
Happy Registration!
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