Your number one choice is filled up
After days (or hours – some work faster than others) of dreaming up the ultimate schedule, the worst thing happens. One of your must-take classes is filled up. Seriously? Instead of throwing your laptop against a wall and cursing the schedule gods, take a deep breath because this problem can be fixed! “If the class that filled up is a class that you need for a major or some other requirement, see if you can find out when that class will be offered next so that you can make room in your schedule for it,” says Annie. “If the class is an elective, see if you can find other classes that may cover similar subject areas, if that’s what you’re set on.” But what if this dilemma affects the rest of your beautiful schedule? “If there’s a class you truly have your heart set on, reaching out directly to a professor is a good start,” says Dean Sabovik. Try emailing the professor and ask to be put on a waiting list. You never know—your future professor might appreciate your dedication and welcome you with open arms. Don’t forget to email your professor even after classes have started. A lot of kids usually switch around classes during the first few weeks of school (I mean, did we just go over switching classes for nothing?), so a seat may open up!
Need a second opinion?
Though it’s important to conference with a college advisor before you create you very first collegiette schedule, you may be itching for a collegiette (or collegent) take on the classes you’re signing up for. Maybe your college advisor thinks “Intro to Swahili” is a great way to knock out those language requirements, but that sounds kind of … intimidating. “Sit down with an upperclassman prior to registering and ask them what they think about certain classes,” says Erica Avesian, a senior at the University of Michigan and HC Contributing Writer. Just one small problem: there’s a pretty big chance you’re not BFFs with any upperclassmen. Don’t freak out just yet, there are so many ways to find a second opinion:
- Contact a high school alum who’s a student at your college.
- Talk to your orientation leader! Most of them are upperclassmen.
- Do some research! Since you’re already stalking potential classmates on Facebook (don’t lie), take a chance and contact an upperclassman who you have something in common with (e.g., mutual friends, similar major, in a club you want to join, etc.).
Upperclassmen are usually enthusiastic when it comes to helping out freshmen so don’t be afraid to reach out! You never know, you could make a new friend just by asking questions.
Though college is filled with amazing friends and memories, it’s also a time to broaden your academic horizons. Believe it or not, the premise of college is to learn. With an incredible classes and an out-of-this world schedule, how could you not want to embrace crazy courses and brilliant professors? Our thoughts exactly.
