Tips For Choosing College Classes
Last updated February 13, 2020
The promise of being able to choose your classes and set the schedule you want in college is enough to make anyone drunk with power. But it’s also a little scary. Luckily, you will have plenty of help. This list from your friends at Big Future by the College Board can get you started.
Check out your options
The first thing you should do is open up your school’s general education/core curriculum and the course catalog. If you already declared a major, also look at those requirements. Find classes that you need to take and list them out. Then find out the times they are offered. You can then research the professors as well as figure out how your schedule will look like.
Create a schedule that works
You need to take a minimum of 12 credits a semester. Ideally you should aim to sign up for four to six courses during a semester. When you design your schedule make sure you spread them out through the week so you have time to study, eat, and do other activities. There is usually a period of a few weeks at the beginning of the school year where you can change your program as long as you remain with at least 12 credits. It is important to remember that advancing each year requires a minimum of 15 credits each semester.
Visit your adviser
You will be assigned an adviser you can schedule an appointment with to provide you with some guidance. It’s important to meet with them before registration since this will give you an edge on knowing what you should sign up for before classes fill up!
Get requirements out of the way
The first two years of college usually consist of general education/core requirements or introductory courses in your major. By maintaining a high GPA in these courses, you will be more ready for the advanced courses later in college. The last thing you want is to not be able to take an awesome course for seniors because you forgot to take an introductory writing or language course. At some schools, your GPA in the first two years can qualify you or disqualify you for acceptance into your major’s advance program. For more tips on creating the perfect college schedule, head over to Big Future by the College Board!