Registration is one of the roughest days of the year, next to housing and exams. Last year, it had my roommate crying at 7:30 in the morning. But here are some tips so you do not end up like her.
1. Make a four year plan.
In order to know which classes you need, you need to plan out your four-year plan. Now, if you are undecided about your major, try to plan out as much as you can: look at core classes, pathway classes or study abroad choices. If you are unsure of your emphasis, concentration, or minor, then plan the rest and leave extra space. Once you do this, make an appointment with an advisor to make sure your four-year plan checks out.
2. Meet with your advisor.
Your can reach your advisor by email. You need to meet with them so they can make sure you’re on the right track with your 4-year plan. They check to make sure you have meet prerequisites for your classes you are taking next, or that a center level of standing (sophomore, junior, senior), isn’t required. They also clear you to register when the time comes. Or else you will NOT register. Make an appointment early so you can beat the rush.
3. Transfer credits early.
I took a college level calculus class, and this really put me above the rest. It helped me get at the 7:00 time slot both times freshman year, and got me out of calculus here at Marist. Plus, it gave me credits I no longer have to take to graduate. So, in order to get the perks of high school classes, transfer them early. You probably should have done this already, but if you have yet to, do it know. Plus, if there are any classes you’re questioning if you get college credit, then check. It never hurts.
4. Plan many schedules.
While the perfect schedule may seem within reach now, it may not by by registration day. Plan many schedules, and be prepared to change them at a moment’s notice. A backup plan will be your lifesaver at 7 a.m.
5. Keep an eye on the classes you want in the days leading up to your registration day.
If you look at the courses and see the numbers dwindle, then you may want to consider changing your various schedules. Change your schedules so you have something you can live with, and something you can actually get into.
6. Be flexible about backup courses.
Your planned schedule may be perfect, but you may not get all the classes you want with the teachers you want. Instead, look at backup courses. You may want to take accounting, but macroeconomics may be open instead. Plus, you always have core and pathway classes to fall back on. Be flexible.
7. Get enough sleep the night before.
The night before is not the time to be planning out your schedule and trying to figure it all out. Do your required homework the day before, go to sleep early, and wake up early enough so you will be wide awake and ready to fight by the time registration rolls around. I would say wake up half-an-hour before your scheduled time so you can wake up, use the bathroom, and check to see how full your classes are.
8. Get those yellow override forms ready!
You will probably have to override into at least one class. Last semester, I had to override into three – it was rough to say the least- but you can do it. Have the paperwork filed out and the location of the professor’s office ready. You may need to hurry to be the first one there.
9. If needed, be a few minutes late to class.
Sometimes, you have to skip a class to get a class. I am not the person to ditch class, but if I really wanted a teacher and needed that override form signed, I would be willing. I have had roommates and friends who have in the past. Teachers are generally understanding, and you can always get the classwork from a friend.
In the end, you need a schedule. It may not be perfect, but hopefully, by doing all of this, it will be feasible and manageable. Happy Registration Day. May the odds be ever in your favor.