Scheduling Your College Classes Amongst the hustle and bustle of pre-semester preparations is the complicated task of signing up for classes. Each school’s registration system is different, as are each school’s course requirements. However, across the board, there are some tips that can help you make the most out of your schedule.
Major? If you already know what major you want, find out what pre-requisites are required and if you have to take certain courses in order or not. Also, look to see when these classes are offered. Sometimes classes are only offered once a year, rather than once a semester. If there is a limited-offering class you have your heart set on, make sure you sign up for a semester that it is offered. If, on the other hand, you aren’t sure of what major you will choose, take a variety of general classes. Most colleges require all students to enroll in introductory courses from philosophy to earth science. Take a range of these required classes, and any others that perk your interest. This should help you hone in on your real interests and help you select a major. Most importantly, make sure you take a writing class your very first semester. Whether you are working for business marketing degree Denver, or finance degree Denver, or an accounting degree Denver, writing well is an essential skill for ANY major. So get a jump on it!
Work Load Make sure you only sign up for a schedule that you can handle. Most students aim for 14-16 credit hours per semester. This varies between online colleges and campus based ones, but few people should even tackle more than 5 or 6 classes at once. If you are an incoming freshmen, stick to introductory classes your first semester. No matter how confident you are in your intellectual ability, don’t risk your GPA by jumping into classes that could be over your head. College and high school classes are very different. Start safe and adjust from there.
Sensible Schedule Do your best to schedule your classes logically. Starting classes in the morning is a good idea. Your mind is fresher in the morning and you will accomplish more if you start your day earlier rather than later. Also, try to keep classes fairly close to each other in location and time. You don’t want to run all the way across campus during a short five minute class break or waste time during awkward 45 minute breaks in-between classes.
Remember that you need time off every day to get other, non-related school work and play done. For example, a good schedule may be daily classes from 9-1, then having the rest of the day to work, do homework, and relax. But know your style. If you’d rather be in class all day long, two days a week, and have the rest of the week off to finish homework, etc., go for it! Do whatever motivates you best and gives you the best life balance.