Advising Week. There is nothing worse than when you get an e-mail in the middle of a semester saying that you already have to think about the next semester. I know personally I’m just trying to get through my day and now the school wants me to think about next semester’s credits and courses? It’s easy to freak out, but these steps will help you get through advising with a great schedule.
Meet with your advisorYour advisor can be your greatest ally if you make the effort. If you don’t like your advisor, go to a professor in your major! Set up a meeting and ask some questions about what classes to take. Take some notes when you meet too.
Check the course bookletSee what courses are available and what you need/want to take. Focus on your core and your major or minor first then look at what else is offered. Create a list of courses and write them down; remember to pick more than the standard 5 seeing as some may be full when you go to register.
Do some background checksLook what professors are teaching the classes and check them out! Ask around and check ratings online with websites like ratemyprofessor.com. Remember, everyone has a different experience so the opinions you hear may not always match the experience you will have, however it will give you an idea of what you’re walking into.
Create schedulesOnce you have the courses and professors you want, check what times the classes are being offered. Take a piece of paper and map out a week’s schedule and put in classes that work. Create multiple schedules so that when you go to register you are prepared. Always keep your options open!
Stay CalmAdvising and registration is one of the most stressful parts of the semester so it is important to stay calm so you don’t get overwhelmed. Stay organized and take deep breaths, you’ll do great!