How To Pick Your Fall Classes For College

When you're considering the many different options that a college schedule offers you, one glance at a seemingly endless course catalog can overwhelm you. And no wonder- colleges offer hundreds of classes, only a few of which will be appropriate for you and your future.

If you already know your major, that's where you start. What are the general requirements for that major? What are the general requirements for your college as a whole?

First, consider what sort of schedule you would like to have. Open up Google Calendar, a planner, or even just an open Word document.

What to expect:

Some colleges require a core of classes, or general education classes (better known as gen eds) that will fulfill departmental or university standards for that major. These classes offer you many possible times to choose from, as they're considered fundamental to your college education.

If there's a class or subject you know you're going to hate but it's required, take it first, so you can get it out of the way. Don't make the mistake I did: if you hate math but you need to take college algebra to graduate, take that class first. Don't avoid it until your senior year when you find yourself taking an 8 am algebra class because it was the only one open.

Scheduling your classes:

DO NOT TAKE THAT 7:30 AM CLASS. You will be tired and you will fall asleep in the middle of class, especially if you have a late-night study group or lab class the night before.

Ask yourself the following questions:

• What are my classes for my major?
• What classes are offered this semester?
• Will I have time to get to class? 

This last question depends on variables: the size of your campus, the heaviness of your backpack, and your class load. If you're late to one class because you were hurrying to get from one class to another, how much worse will it be when your professors begin assigning tests and quizzes? Always allow 15-20 minutes between classes unless you absolutely need that class. 

Most gen-eds will be offered in multiple sections, so you should have plenty of options. 

Scheduling study time: 

You may have heard that a good rule of thumb is to allow one to two hours of study time per every credit hour you're taking.

 I disagree. Depending on the class's difficulty and your previous knowledge of the subject, the amount you study will depend on different factors: 

• If the professor promises you will be reading every week, you may have to allow for more study time. However, if you're a quick reader, this study time may be shorter.
• If there's reliable homework or quizzes every week, you'll also have to devote more time to study.
• If there's multiple writing assignments, you should also expect to spend more time writing.
• Depending on the number of classes you're taking, your study time will also vary. 

All in all, you should tentatively schedule study times based on the CLASSES you're taking and the COURSE expectations for those classes. In practice, this number usually boils down to 3-5 hours per day.

Working and Attending Class
Before you select your classes, consider:

• Are you attending college part-time and working the rest of the time? 
• Are you planning to work on campus? How much time do you need to allow for work?
• Will your employer work around your class schedule?

If your employer will allow you to schedule your work times after your classes, leave this part until the end. If not and your work times are already scheduled, plan your fall classes around your work calendar. 

Will you have time to sleep, exercise, and relax? 

If you have no time for these things on your schedule, go back and make sure you're working towards your best self. If you know you won't retain information at 9 pm, don't take a class at 9 pm. You need to sleep in order to maintain a healthy and receptive brain, and if you can't sleep, you won't succeed.

Also, don't take a 7:30 am class or an 8 am class, either. I already said this, but I'll say it again. Don't do it. You'll thank me later.