How to Choose College Classes

Most colleges have some required classes, which will simplify your decisions, but it's a good idea to explore possible majors and areas of interest with elective courses.

Instructions

1. Find out which courses are required and use these as a basis for your schedule.

2. Meet with your advisor to find out which core classes you must take for the major or majors that interest you.

3. Peruse course schedules and highlight interesting classes. Check to see if these conflict with required classes.

4. Draw up a list of interesting classes that fit your schedule and prioritize them.

5. Ask older students or your advisor which teachers and courses have the best reputation.

6. Sign up for more classes than you will end up taking.

7. Attend the first day of each class to evaluate the professor and coursework.

8. Drop the classes you don't like or need, and continue attending each class you find interesting, even if you are not yet enrolled. Persistence can pay off.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are interested in a class but it is already full, place yourself on the waiting list or "crash" the course. This means you attend it without being registered and attempt to get in when others drop the course.

• Find out how long you can remain undeclared. You don't have to choose a major right away.

• Avoid taking more than two reading-intensive or problem-solving courses in one semester or quarter.