Tips for creating the perfect spring semester schedule
It’s time to sign up for spring classes! For most colleges registration has been up for a while, so be sure to check with your school on the proper registration dates.
1. Day vs. Night classes
I adore evening classes. It allows for me to able to work/blog in the AM and focus on school in the evening. I also know people who take early morning classes and work in the afternoon/evening. Consider when you will be working or other time commitments you have.
Things to consider when choosing times for classes:
Are you going to be working this semester?
What is your commute time to class?
Are you more of a morning/night person?
2. Consider prerequisites you need to take.
A prerequisite is a course or sometimes even a certain requirement that you must complete before taking a more advanced course. Be sure to find out what classes you need to qualify for other classes you will want to take or need to take in later semesters.
3. Talk to your advisor.
See if there are any classes they suggest you take. Ask if any new classes are available for your major or that you need to your degree. A good advisor can suggest classes to fit into your schedule.
4. Consider late start classes, if your school offers them.
Classes that start after the first week of the term are referred to as late-start classes. For the Spring Semester, this would mean that the class is less than the typical 16-week class. These can be great for students that excel in shorter classes or students paying for classes out of pocket and need a few more weeks to save up. This would make your spring semester a short but intense one.
5. Online vs. On-Campus classes
Online classes can be perfect for on-the-go students or students living away from campus. Something to keep in mind for online classes is that they work best for more organized students. You have to keep up with all your assignments and online lectures with no reminders like you would get in a face-to-face class. When deciding on classes for the spring semester, consider whether which option is best for you.
6. Research teachers and courses.
Ask around with fellow students and your advisor to get suggestions for good teachers. Another good resource is “Rate my Professors” where students go and rate professors based on overall quality, level of difficulty, and other various tags. This can be a great resource to ensure you have the perfect teacher for your perfect spring semester schedule.
I hope you a wonderful Spring Semester!