Getting Ready to Register
So you've been accepted to a college and made the decision to attend. Now what? Registering for your first semester will be different in some ways than in future semesters, but some things are true no matter what. Keep reading for tips to help you pick the right classes and get on the right track!
If you have come in with significant advanced credit, such as AP, or are adept at a language that is part of your intended course of study, you should inform someone of this as soon as possible when you're getting ready to register. This can change what the recommended classes are for you. For languages, there may be an option to sit with a teacher of that language and "test" out of introductory classes. You can even inquire ahead of registration about taking a "CLEP" test to test out of other core classes - I'll leave you to research and decide if that's right for you. Beforehand, take a look at a map of campus; my first year, I had one class that ended 15 minutes before a yoga class and had to bike to get to the gym across campus on time, as the gym class ended up having a strict tardy policy and the bus was too slow. When it was rainy or my first class ran over, I ended up in difficult situations. If classes are back to back, make sure they're in the same general vicinity!
You should be careful when choosing class sizes (it should be visible when registering), as some classes are quite small and some much larger. If you anticipate needing careful explanation - like for calculus, maybe - try to aim for smaller classes of around 40 people; if you struggle with class discussions and being put on the spot, or like more independence, you might do better in large lecture classes of 100 to 200 students. In high school, you might have woken up around 6:00am - or 6:30 if you hit snooze too often - to get on the 6:40 bus and start Physics class by 7:40. You might, therefore, be tempted to take 8am classes, even if you were tired in high school, after all, you managed just fine. In reality, it is 5 times more difficult to get up in the morning. If you're not a natural morning person, I advise against 8 am classes unless there's no other option. Your core classes will be hard - many freshman have a difficult transition - but may be easier than upper-level classes; learn what does and doesn't work for you now.
In the future, you can use websites like ratemyprofessor.com to compare teachers, but take those reviews with a grain of salt, as some people just don't get along with perfectly good professors, or may be upset that the class wasn't super easy. If you like a teacher, take more classes with them! Building strong relationships and finding mentors will be extremely important and helpful for you down the line (if you're given the opportunity to participate in research with a professor, I recommend you jump at the chance!). When you register, 12 credit hours or 4 classes is full time, needed to maintain many federal grants and scholarships. However, keep in mind that 15 hours costs no more than 12, and taking 12 per semester may not be enough. It depends on how much you can handle; if you take too many and struggle, you might risk your GPA for years, so find your perfect balance. You might take 12 per semester but more during the summer instead.
Once you've started classes, you'll have an Add/Drop period in which you can drop a class and pick up another one, though availability will be lower at that point, in case you realize a large class isn't for you or you don't get along with the teacher. After that, you'll have a period of a couple of months before the deadline to withdraw; you have a limited number of withdrawals that don't impact your GPA and allow you an exit - minus your time and money - if you are certain you'll get a very bad grade. Before withdrawing, you should have tried every other option, as it can delay graduating and waste your money. See other articles about studying and academic struggles if this applies! (note: if you have significant and unusual mental or physical health challenges, you might be able to appeal the Dean of Students for a special Medical Withdrawal).
After your first semester, you'll be required to meet with an advisor before you register, and if you have a good advisor, this process will be easy. However, always double check with the financial aid office about any financial information from your advisor, as their offices may or may not communicate. If you have a complicated academic situation or a poor advisor (or both), you may need to do more work to prepare for advisement, gathering your questions beforehand. You might be able to request a different advisor, but you might not. You can also meet with your academic advisor beyond the required meeting if necessary. It's important to do your own research on course requirements, in case your advisor overlooks something; I've heard many stories of students advised to take a class only to find out they didn't need it. The extra bit of effort can save you an extra semester and money.
While the goal is to graduate on time, don't be afraid to change your mind, transfer, or switch majors. Many students take 5 or 6 years, and it's better to graduate with the right degree. Switching halfway through is better financially and can be easier than dropping out because you can't stand the classes or graduating and going back years later. However, if the choice is between dropping out near the end of your studies because you realize you don't want to pursue that field or finishing, I recommend finishing your degree anyways because there are many jobs that don't care what degree you have as long as you have one, or where a degree is not needed but can increase your salary prospects.
Whether it's your first time registering or not, keep in mind your different options and what works best for you. College is a marathon, not a sprint, but choosing the right classes and staying on top of things along the way will go a long ways to making that marathon easier to navigate.
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