Registering for classes can be pretty scary. That’s probably why advisors are there to assist you when you register for your first semester of classes at orientation. However, when you register for the spring semester, you’re left completely on your own. But don’t fear – here’s a list of tips for getting through your first registration:
- Make sure you’re completing as many requirements as possible. Now, that definitely doesn’t mean you can’t take interesting classes, but make sure you’re aware of what courses you need to graduate. For example, you may have already completed your history requirement with an AP test in high school, so you do not have to take more history classes if you do not want to. It would stink to get halfway through next semester and realize that a class you thought was satisfying a requirement actually wasn’t.
- Think about how you function best in your daily schedule when picking times for classes. One of the best parts of registration is that you pick what time you want to take classes at. As someone who doesn’t study well during one-hour breaks in the day, I always try to schedule classes back-to-back so I don’t have breaks. However, if you eat snacks a lot during the day and get burnt out after a 90-minute lecture, you should schedule breaks. Additionally, if you are not able to concentrate in the evening, take more morning classes. Sometimes you have to sacrifice timing to get into a certain class, but for the most part, you have a lot of flexibility here.
- Research your professors! This is arguably one of my most important tips because a professor can truly make or break a class. Websites like RateMyProfessors.com can be helpful to get a feel for what classes might seem like, but be careful when reading through comments. Some of them can be years old, and some students could write very negative reviews for very ridiculous reasons. My best advice would be to try to find other people who have taken courses with those professors in the past. Talking to them in person can give you a great feel for what the course and the professor are actually like.
- Use the “Planner” option under the “Registration” tab on the StudentLink so all of your classes are pre-loaded when you go to register. When the StudentLink unlocks during your registration time, you have the option of registering for the courses you put into your planner. This is the quickest and best way to register for classes because if you don’t utilize the planner you have to individually search for each course one at a time.
- Stay calm! Although registration can seem really scary, in the end your schedule will work out. You can always schedule an appointment with an Academic Advisor in COM Student Services to find out what exact courses you need to take. Also, be sure to reach out to upperclassmen in COM or your COM Ambassadors who have registered before if you still have lingering questions. And even if you can’t get into a course you really wanted to take, always remember that most courses will be offered again and you will have plenty of time to take them before you graduate!
