Scheduling Classes

Some schools offer hundreds even thousands of classes. Although it may feel overwhelming, you will appreciate the variety of classes offered, as some are offered in the morning, afternoon, evening, and even online, to fit your schedule. The following tips will be helpful when selecting your courses:

Review the Course Catalog

In the catalog, you’ll find course requirements for different majors and courses offered within each department. Make a note of the classes that interest you. Consider taking general requirements in these areas. If you don’t know what you want to major in yet, take a class in area that may interest you. Have you always wanted to know why people behave a certain way? Sign up for sociology.

Be Realistic

You need to be real with yourself – If you find yourself struggling to get out of bed before noon, you shouldn’t schedule any morning classes. That’s the beauty of college – classes are offered in the morning, afternoon and evening. Take classes when you are wide-awake and can give your undivided attention.

Don’t Overburden Yourself

Although you may be in a hurry to get your difficult classes over with, beware. College courses are very challenging and require a lot of reading and other work. You may not realize how challenging college courses can be, and how much reading and other work they require. Too many hard courses can be stressful and it will show in your grade.

Find a Balance

Take subjects take require different types of work. For example, some classes, like history, require a lot reading, while others, like journalism, require a lot of writing. Other courses, like math and science, expect students to solve problem sets instead of reading books. Having a variety of subjects will help you so you’re not stuck having to read three books or write four term papers in one week.

Use Your Advisor

Most schools assign you an academic advisor during your first year. When you arrive on campus, make it a priority to set up an appointment with your advisor and come with questions, whether it’s about classes or campus life. If your advisor can’t answer all your questions, ask if she can direct you to someone who can help.