Scheduling Classes in College

Scheduling classes can be very stressful, but there are always people to help you!

My biggest advice is DO NOT take any more than two hard classes per quarter. For example, if you are a science major DO NOT take any more than two science classes. Trust me, these classes are extremely hard and it is important you do well in them. Make sure when you are scheduling your classes do not overwhelm yourself with hard classes. It is very important that you have time to study for those hard classes, and you do not burn out. So, another piece of advice I have is to take a fun class every quarter. Take an elective or a learning domain you find interesting! This will serve as a much-needed break in your schedule. 

Time is also very important when picking classes, so make sure that you are paying attention to times when scheduling your classes. If you are not a morning person do not take an 8 am, and if you are a morning person do not take a night class. Also, make sure to pay attention to the amount of time you have between classes. For example, I love to get my classes over and done with. I like to take morning classes and schedule my classes one after another. I do this so I can study the rest of the day, go to events/meetings, and go to SI sessions (SI is like tutoring), and have time for myself. It is also important to note what works your someone might not work for you! 

I also recommend that you look at Rate My Professor when you are picking classes. The professor that you pick will affect the class so much. Make sure to take a good professor that has a good rating on Rate My Professor. But, please note that Rate my Professor is not always accurate, and do not trust everything you read! I use it to get an idea of what the professor is like, but what is even more helpful is asking an upperclassman. An upperclassman or even your orientation leader can give you advice on what professors to take because they went through what you are going through. 

When you are signing up for classes, it is also important that you have an idea of the classes you want to take! Don’t forget that YOU pick YOUR classes. By this, I mean that you should not feel pressured into taking any classes that you don’t want to your first quarter (with the exception of your discover/explore class).  If you do not want to take classes for your major in your first quarter you don’t have to, and that’s perfectly okay. My first quarter I took two core classes more my major (my major is Health Science so I took Gen Biology 1 and Gen Chemistry 1), an open elective, and my discover Chicago class. It is also really important that you have a backup class ready. Classes fill up quickly and freshmen sign up last, so you may not get into a class that you want to take.

My last piece of advice is DO NOT be afraid to ask questions! There will be someone from your college helping you pick out your classes, and they are there to help you! If you have a question do not be afraid to ask them, and take your time. Another person that you can always ask for help is your orientation leader. Your orientation leader went through exactly what you are going through now. Do not be afraid to ask them for help with anything, they will always advocate for you! Lastly, never forget that everyone you meet is there to help you. Scheduling classes is stressful and overwhelming, but when it is done it means that you are officially enrolled in classes! Welcome to the Blue Demon family!

– Nancy Godinez