So you would need to take four classes (four classes x three hours each) to reach a full time status of twelve credit hours.
Most schools have planning worksheets available. This will allow you to see the big picture when thinking about what classes to take right now. Having some idea of what you need to graduate will help you avoid wasting time on classes that don’t count toward your degree.
Focus on taking these classes in your freshman and sophomore years. These typically have lower course numbers, such as English 101. Try to avoid putting off these classes, even if you are uninterested or find the subject difficult. Passing these classes, called prerequisites, will often be required to move on to other specific courses later.
Generally, you will move on to these upper-division classes once you’ve completed most or all of your gen ed requirements, roughly around the end of your sophomore year or beginning of your junior year. So you’ll need to declare a major at that point, if you haven’t done so already. In most departments, there will be requirements for the major, so you will have to take particular classes. For instance, a History major might be required to take at least one class in American history, European history, and African history. Many majors require a capstone course, taken in your senior year and required for graduation, which will give you a chance to show off all you learned as a major. These courses might have higher numbers like History 440.
You will have time for electives once you complete your gen ed classes. Electives can compliment your major, or if you concentrate on a secondary discipline, they can form your minor. But if an Art class in comic book illustration doesn’t relate to your program requirements, it’s ok because you can take it as an elective!
In some schools, it’s mandatory to meet with your advisor before you register for classes. [5] X Expert Source Alexander Ruiz, M. Ed. Educational Consultant Expert Interview. 18 June 2020. If you have chosen a major, your advisor may be in your department. If not, you can talk to an advisor in student services. Contact your department secretary to find out if you have an assigned advisor. Meet with your advisor regularly so that you stay on track to graduation. You don’t want to get to the end of your senior year only to find out you forgot to take a required class. Some advisors have drop in hours. But to be on the safe side, call or email to make an appointment. Arrive on time, with a list of questions and some idea of what you would like to take.
If you took AP or IB exams, you may be exempt from some requirements. You may be able to test out of certain courses, such as foreign language, if you get a high enough score on a placement test. If you took classes at another college, you may be able to transfer some credits.
Note if one of your preferred course has a prerequisite, which is a lower-level class that you are required to pass before you can move on to another.
Much of your classroom experience will be based on your professor. Ask upperclassmen for recommendations on which professors they had good experiences with. You can also check out ratemyprofessor. com for reviews.
If you work on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, it might be hard to get up for an 8am class on Wednesdays and Fridays. You should also note where on campus your chosen classes are located. You may not want to race to the other side of campus in between classes.
While looking at the professor’s reviews, look out for anything suggesting they are very tough when it comes to grading, their teaching style is confusing, their attitude is unacceptable, or if they frequently cancel class or always arrive late.
If you don’t get in to a class you really want or need to take, find out if it will be offered again sometime soon. If not, keep an eye on registration in the first week or so of the semester, when students are allowed to add or drop classes without penalty. In some cases, professors are willing to over cap, or open up seats, to a small number of students after the class has filled. Contact the professor directly to inquire about this possibility, but don’t count on it and don’t beg.
Online learning requires a lot of self-discipline, since you’d be responsible for getting the coursework done on your own time, without as much supervision as a traditional class. You will have less personal interaction with your professor and classmates, and might not be able to build as many relationships as you would in a classroom. So you might want to avoid online classes if you are a particularly social person.
