It is that time of the semester one cannot help but look forward to and simultaneously dread…it’s time for course registration!
Since this can be a stressful time of the year here are some tips. These are applicable to returning students or newcomers and aim to help you maximize your chances of getting the courses you want, what to do if courses fill up, and just general advice for getting ready for next semester/term.
Start with your Major (or Minor)
You may know this already, but once you get that notification that course offerings have opened, start organizing. Check what you need for your major (or minors) and plan to meet with an advisor if needed to make the best schedule for fulfilling graduating requirements. Also check for pre-registration at this time. Most departments will notify majors and minors of special chances to get courses early so take advantage, it will be a stress reliever later on.
Choose an exciting Elective
Now that you have planned out your required courses for your degree, start listing what other electives are of interest to you. You will not have a free course during the semester, but if you are able to have an opening, pick a class that you will enjoy, will be low stress, or maybe even will supplement your future resume.
Schedule
Okay, so you’ve identified required courses and elective, now make a schedule! Know if you’re a morning, afternoon, evening (if that’s an option) class taker and organize your courses to reflect a desirable but realistic schedule. You will not always get what you want come registration day but if you make multiple, I recommend 3 or 4, potential schedules then you should be able to come out of registration week with a line-up not completely miserable. For Colgate in particular you can go to the registration page and click on the plan ahead option. Then enter in course codes to make up to 5 schedules and save them for the day. Extra details are on the university website under course registration if you need more guidance. But the planning option allows you to open your schedule when it is your time to register and in three clicks enter in and save your schedule all at once!
Get Ready
You’ve checked your courses, met with advisors, and made your schedules now it’s time to get ready for the day itself. Set your calendar and have your schedules easily accessible. Rewatch the ‘How To’ for the plan ahead feature and put your registration time reminder on your phone, leaving nothing up to chance. I also recommend not registering for classes alone, it’s extremely stressful so having a friend there can help ease your worries and also look out for how fast courses are filling up so you can edit your schedules if need be.
Register for Classes!
The day is here! Take a breath and make sure your device is charged. Double check your schedules if that makes you feel better, and know what’s happening with course offerings as it gets nearer to your time. Don’t panic, you will get what you need and if your course fills then put yourself on the waiting list. Remember this is just once course cycle and you will graduate, so do not over stress about one course. Seniors I am also looking at you, your college wants you to graduate so breath and trust your process.
After Registration
Congrats! You’ve made it through course registration! Stressful, I know, but it’s done, for the most part. If you unfortunately did not get the courses you desired, then put yourself on the waitlist or consult your backups, remember your other schedules! If that is not an option then reconsult the course offerings or email the Professor, they can help you—but don’t panic. Remember there is also a drop/add period, so if you do not get the course at this moment you may be able to sneak in later on.
Altogether, I hope these few tips will help you prepare for your respective course registration adventure or at the very least help alleviate a little of your stress. You will be golden and get the courses you need or want. Just trust your process, be prepared, and course registration will just be another day on campus. Good luck everyone!