How to Register for College Classes

Choosing Your Classes

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   Determine how many credit hours you should take. Full time students often take between twelve and sixteen credit hours per semester, and many (though not all) classes are three credits each.^[1]

   1. So you would need to take four classes (four classes x three hours each) to reach a full time status of twelve credit hours.
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   Decide which curriculum requirements to focus on this semester. There are a few course categories that you will need to fulfill to graduate, and you should keep in mind timing when planning your semesters. You don't have to have your entire college career set in stone, but getting an idea of what you need to accomplish in the next four years will help you decide what to take each semester.^[2]

   1. Most schools have planning worksheets available. This will allow you to see the big picture when thinking about what classes to take right now.
   2. Having some idea of what you need to graduate will help you avoid wasting time on classes that don't count toward your degree.
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   Think about fulfilling your general education requirements. General education (or "gen ed" or "core") classes are required of all students. They will be across a variety of disciplines, such as math, language, history, and science, and will be introductory. Gen ed courses will give you a broad intellectual foundation by exposing you to a variety of disciplines (whether you like them all or not!) and will make you a well-rounded student. If you are unsure of your major, this sampling of departments might help you decide which subject to pursue.^[3]

   1. Focus on taking these classes in your freshman and sophomore years.
   2. These typically have lower course numbers, such as English 101.
   3. Try to avoid putting off these classes, even if you are uninterested or find the subject difficult. Passing these classes, called prerequisites, will often be required to move on to other specific courses later.
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   Focus on your major. Once you have determined your major, you will take a series of specialized courses in that discipline or department. These courses will usually relate to whatever you want to do after graduation, whether that means beginning a job in your chosen field or going on to graduate school. So if you want to become a marine biologist, you will concentrate on courses in the sciences to prime you for that career.^[4]

   1. Generally, you will move on to these upper-division classes once you've completed most or all of your gen ed requirements, roughly around the end of your sophomore year or beginning of your junior year. So you'll need to declare a major at that point, if you haven't done so already.
   2. In most departments, there will be requirements for the major, so you will have to take particular classes. For instance, a History major might be required to take at least one class in American history, European history, and African history.
   3. Many majors require a capstone course, taken in your senior year and required for graduation, which will give you a chance to show off all you learned as a major.
   4. These courses might have higher numbers like History 440.
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   Round out your schedule with electives that interest you. Most programs offer the opportunity for you to choose a number of classes simply because you are interested in them. They may be in any discipline and give you a chance to explore and have fun with your schedule.

   1. You will have time for electives once you complete your gen ed classes.
   2. Electives can compliment your major, or if you concentrate on a secondary discipline, they can form your minor. But if an Art class in comic book illustration doesn't relate to your program requirements, it's ok because you can take it as an elective!
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   Talk to your advisor. Your advisor is your best friend! Most schools will have counselors available to help students plan their programs each semester. Even if you are confident in your choice of courses, running your plan by a knowledgeable advisor can ensure that you haven't missed something.^[5]

   1. If you have chosen a major, your advisor may be in your department. If not, you can talk to an advisor in student services. Contact your department secretary to find out if you have an assigned advisor.
   2. Meet with your advisor regularly so that you stay on track to graduation. You don't want to get to the end of your senior year only to find out you forgot to take a required class.
   3. Some advisors have drop in hours. But to be on the safe side, call or email to make an appointment. Arrive on time, with a list of questions and some idea of what you would like to take.
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   Find out if you qualify for any course exemptions. You may not have to take all of your required courses, particularly at the gen ed level. The registrar is the campus office that handles all things related to registration. Contact them to see if you qualify for an exemption and to be sure these credits are on your record.^[6]

   1. If you took AP or IB exams, you may be exempt from some requirements.
   2. You may be able to test out of certain courses, such as foreign language, if you get a high enough score on a placement test.
   3. If you took classes at another college, you may be able to transfer some credits.