Tips and Tricks for Choosing Classes

DePaul Classroom with windows, chairs and desks and a podium.

Choosing classes is always a little exciting and nerve wracking. I enjoy finding the next classes I want and need to take. Sometimes trying to figure out how it all fits together can be a little bit like a jigsaw puzzle. I have discovered some ways that make the process much easier!

Meet with an Academic Advisor

The first thing I always like to do is make an appointment with my academic advisor. I try to schedule this in week 3 or 4 because when the course cart opens the spots can fill up pretty fast. I think this is a crucial thing to do, because they have the inside scoop on classes and which classes may be easier to do together and which ones to wait on.

Inside DePaul Center, a glass window office with a sign above saying “Business Advising. Comfy chairs and a front desk are within view.

A computer screen with a search bar at the top, then different class codes and options below it.

Look through the Course Catalog

The course catalog is where you find all the information about each class. From professors, size, time, and if it’s in person or online. I know the course catalog can get overwhelming at times. With so many options you need to take it a little slow and have some patience

Progress Degree Report

The progress degree report does a really nice job of laying out what you still need to complete to graduate! As a visual person seeing all the classes I still need to complete mapped out makes it easier to understand. It also is very reassuring seeing all that I have completed already.

2 Columns, the first is labeled liberal studies program, and has a bunch of classes underneath ranging from red, yellow, and green. The next column is labeled “business core” and underneath follows the same pattern of different classes color coded.

A note book open with a schedule written out Monday thru Thursday, with each day having different times and classes written down

Write it down

When it comes time to choose classes and build next quarter’s schedule, I find the best way not to confuse myself is by writing it down. I have a little outline of each day and write down the name, time, and if it is online, hybrid, or in person. Having this also makes it easier when having to choose a backup class, as I know where the other classes fit in already.

Set an Alarm

The biggest thing to make choosing classes go smoothly is setting an alarm for when you can add classes. Each student gets a day and time for when their course carts open. I like to set an alarm and put it in my planner. I found it best to enroll in the classes right away and then you can go back and change if something comes up.

An black screen with numbers for time, and day to set an iphone alarm. The subject for the alarm is “Course Carts Open”.

Sienna and friend, smiling and holding decorated pumpkins up. Sitting inside the Loop Life Office at DePaul.

Talk to Friends

Another great resource is friends. I found one of the best ways to get the vibe of a professor or class is by talking to people. I make mental notes when a friend mentions a professor they really like. It never hurts to ask them, since they have the best perspective as another student.

Choosing classes is always a little exciting as it is setting up the next quarter. I found being proactive when choosing classes eases any stress involved.

~Sienna