6 Tips On Picking Your Perfect Schedule

There are seriously a million courses my college has to offer.

And when I’m surfing the course catalog online, I get class ADD and find myself looking up the time schedules for ‘Fencing 1101′ and ‘Art 2103: Metals Studio’. Pretty soon I’ve spent most of my afternoon browsing course descriptions and end up with a shopping bag full non-cohesive credits. Whoops… Time to start over, and this time I’ve got some methods to contain my scheduling madness.

Things to consider when choosing your classes:

1. Your college’s general graduation requirements. Do you need to take a certain number of science credits before you graduate? Credits in arts and humanities? Mathematics? Check your college website to make sure you’re on track with the basic requirements.
2. Your intended major requirements. Obviously, each major has required courses in order to get a degree in it. If you’re still major-shopping, consider taking classes that overlap–they cover a general requirement as well as a requirement for a major you’re interested in. This way you’re not wasting time/money/credits.
3. Professors. Honestly, a professor can make you or break you in a class. The best professors can make a boring subject come to life, and the worst can kill even an interesting one entirely. Be sure to keep your ears open and ask around as to who to take and who to avoid.
4. Time management. Do you prefer to get all your classes done in the morning? Or do you like to sleep in, do some work, and go to class in the evening? Is it beneficial to have gaps between classes or get them all done one after the other? Consider these things (as well as things like your job, activities you’re involved in, when you like to eat, when you like to do homework, etc.) when picking the time of your classes.
5. Balance. Don’t cram your schedule full of all science classes, all math classes, or all art classes. Having variety in your schedule will keep you from getting bored with your classes, and will stimulate different sides of your brain throughout your week. Even if one particular subject is your passion, remember the general requirements– better to flavor them in as a mixture with classes you enjoy rather than have to survive a term of all required classes.
6. Pick for pleasure. College is a time to explore. So, if you’re like me and a class like Fencing caught your eye– try it! Just make sure the class isn’t a ton of credits and you’re not cramming your schedule too full. Also, consider taking the class pass/fail in order to keep it fun and eliminate the stress. I went ahead and added the Metals Studio class to my winter quarter schedule, and I think it’s way cool that I get to learn how to make jewelry by welding.

Composing your schedule is exciting.

Unlike high school, you have so much more flexibility and freedom in choosing your courses in college. It’s about you, and your future. Take this opportunity of picking your schedule to a level of perfection by considering the above 6 tips, and enjoy!