I am a senior going into my second and unfortunately final semester here at Boston College. It has taken me until this registration period to FINALLY get a good pick time. For the past few years, I have had to use many tactics or trust my luck in getting into those coveted classes. Even if you are on the afternoon on the second day of your pick time, you can still get into some great classes and make the most of your situation. Stuck in a 15 minute time crunch to pick my classes and unsure what to take, I have selected classes that weren’t so appealing at first to me, but were actually quite rewarding in the end. Instead of getting caught up in complaining about your pick time, do something proactive and make the most of it. Here are some Her Campus BC tips on how to make the most of your pick time:
1. Always have a Plan B (and maybe Plans C, D, E if needed).
Classes do close up – it is the nature of going to BC and being able to take small, personal classes. Although smaller classes have their benefits, there is also the downside of not getting into the class unless you have a great pick time. This means you should have more options. If a class has different sections, think of taking another section. If you are trying to fulfill at least one core a semester, make sure you have an option for Philosophy, Theology, etc. When making your list of options, make sure you actually WANT to take them because you may wind up in them. I have learned that my back up classes have actually been enjoyable classes that let me learn more about a different side of me (aka a Psych major taking Intro to Theater).
2. If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again.
Keep checking UIS throughout the semester and especially during Drop/Add period. A lot of times people switch out of their classes, so positions will open up. It is usually the luck of the draw so be proactive in checking times. Also, if you do not get into the class during your underclassmen years, consider trying to get into it when you are an upperclassman and have a better pick time. In the mean time, get rid of some requirements you may not want to worry about as a second semester senior.
3. Your best buddy may not always be your study buddy.
Although it is always awesome to have a friendly face in one of your classes, a friend can also be a distraction. Make sure you know that if you are taking a class with a friend they will be able to concentrate and refrain from gossip, texting or mooching off you during the class.
4. Make sure you “Show and Tell.”
If a class closes, it is always helpful to email a professor or even better, show up in person to their office. This shows you are highly interested in taking the course. **Hint: Make sure you have a good reason for why you want to take the class.** Some professors may not be able to do more than put you on a waiting list or tell you to wait till Drop/Add. Some students have success if they go to the first day of class and speak to the professor in person. Talk about dedication!
5. I was a poet and didn’t even know it.
Take a class you would have never expected to take. Remember that professors are experts in their field and therefore you can gain a lot of knowledge from them. Have an interest you were never able to explore due to a packed schedule or concern for meeting requirements? Take a class in it: Poetry, Intro to Social Psychology, Buddhism…anything! It makes for great conversation.
6. It’s not the end of the world.
You have four years here at BC, which means that you will be able to take great classes throughout that time. Eventually you will be a senior and have first dibs. Wait your turn and don’t stress. Most students are able to graduate with a double major, minor or list of extra electives.
7. Ask around and do your research.
Peps, BC Class Evaluations and the advice of friends are all great references for honest information on classes here at BC. Ask around about the content, format and workload of classes as well as the personality and availability of professors. Of course everyone has their own personal opinion and perception of classes, so you can decide how much to weigh the information available in your decision.
Photo Sources:
http://www.funnyjunk.com/channel/funny/Class+Registration/GsewGTf/
http://blog.boundless.com/2013/07/our-favorite-college-memes/