by Sadie Tallarico

Created on: July 27, 2009   Last Updated: July 28, 2009

Whether a freshman or a returning student, choosing classes for the coming semester doesn't have to be a headache! First, check with a mentor, guidance counselor, or admissions representative for any requirements you need to meet for your given major. To maintain either full or part-time student status a certain number of credit hours may be necessary; make sure you are choosing enough courses to satisfy the school's criteria.

To start, choose courses that are essential to your major. Some classes are only offered during certain semesters and not available all year, so it is helpful to take these when you can to avoid having any issues later as far as graduation delays or getting stuck taking weekend, summer, or interim courses. Many of these compulsory classes may be in high-demand; so it helps to begin looking at the school's schedule offerings beforehand so you can register as soon as possible to ensure you get what you want.

Some core classes as well as elective classes that may be required, or you just have your eye on, demand a prerequisite course be completed. Check to see if any of these apply to you so that you aren't disappointed later when you don't qualify for a particular course.

After choosing what's necessary for you to take, you can begin looking at courses of interest to you that will also apply to your major. It helps to pick corresponding courses to emphasize your learning experience and to help you study. For instance; taking an art course with an art appreciation, or taking chemistry with algebra or a math equivalent. Taking courses that complement one another may offer guidance, inspiration, or additional understanding of the other one's subject matter.

Your schedule should be balanced with serious academia as well as elective courses. So, finally, with the remainder of credits you have for the semester available to 'play with' you can pick courses of more personal interest. These are not always graduation requirements, but may offer lifestyle and personal enrichment. These classes can be anything from business to dance to stress management, depending on what's offered. These are a nice way to counter out your semester by taking away from a heavy and concentrated workload.

Be sure to keep your full schedule in mind as you add courses so as not to overcrowd or overstress yourself! Usually you will be alerted if you have overlapping time slots, but be aware of when you are available as you pick the course days and times. Organize your schedule so that you have enough time to get to and from classes and enough time in the week to accomplish the workload you have taken on.

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