The extremely daunting process of choosing your spring 2016 class schedule is quickly approaching. Even for seasoned collegiettes, the task of picking your fate for the upcoming fifteen weeks can be stressful, but for freshman who have never done this before, this process can seem terrifying. Here are a few tips to successful scheduling for the upcoming semester:
Know what day you schedule
This may sound simple, but knowing this information can sometimes be confusing! Point Park lists that freshman with 0-29 credits schedule on a specific day. For first year freshman, you currently have 0 credits since scheduling occurs before this semester is complete. You never count the courses that you are currently enrolled in in the number of credits that you have! This semester, freshman with 0-29 credits schedule on November 6.
Meet with your advisor
Your advisor is there to help. They’ve been through this scheduling process more times than you can fathom with a huge variety of different students. In the upcoming weeks, set up a meeting with your advisor to talk about what classes you want to take and what classes you need to take. Make sure you come to your meeting prepared! Bring your program guide so your advisor can see the courses you have already taken and the ones you still need.
Take a variety of different classes
While getting all your core classes out of the way as quickly as possible may seem like a great idea, you may want to reconsider. Loading up on required classes as opposed to ones that you are interested in could make for a miserable and difficult semester. Try to incorporate a variety of classes into your schedule; take some core classes, some major requirements, and maybe even throw in an elective of something that you are interested in!
Have a backup schedule
Scheduling as a freshman, you are the last group of individuals to choose your schedule. That being said, the classes you originally chose could very well fill up before you even get a chance to schedule. Make sure you have some backup options to avoid a meltdown when half of the classes you planned on taking are filled up when you attempt to schedule.
Wake up early to create your schedule
Scheduling usually opens up fairly early in the morning. If you are stressing about creating your schedule, make sure you are logged on to Point Web as soon as scheduling opens up! This will give you a better chance at getting into the classes you want. Also, you’ll get your scheduling out of the way early – that way you can take a deep breath and relax for the rest of the day!
Check PointWeb during the days before creating your schedule
While you won’t be able to actually sign up for classes, if you log on to Point Web and click on “Spring 2016 schedule” in the week before scheduling occurs, you will be able to see the times that the courses you want are offered. Oftentimes, the professors are listed, as well. This takes a ton of the stress away from scheduling and allows you to plan ahead more efficiently!
Scheduling begins Monday, November 2nd, but here is the complete schedule by credit standing:
Following these tips should help take a lot of the stress and anxiety away from the scheduling process. Good luck and happy scheduling!