It’s that time of the semester where we are getting ready to schedule our classes for next semester. It can be very overwhelming to figure out what classes you need to take so here is a guide to help you get prepared for your advising appointment.
Before your Advising Appointment
Decide if you want to stay with your major, change it, or add a major/minor
If you have felt unhappy with your current major, now is a good time to decide if you want to change it. You can browse all of UK’s major on the university website and see what possible job outcomes those majors have. If you are satisfied with your major but you want more, decide if you want to double major or add a minor. Adding a minor only adds on a few classes and helps you learn new skills or express hobbies that you have but might not want to fully major in.
Check your Major Map and Degree Audit
This is an essential step to complete before you meet with your advisor. Your major map shows you how the university would plan your four years of classes for your career. This is a good resource to see what you should have completed and what you should be completing in the following semesters. Your Degree Audit is essential to planning classes. This will show you what UK cores you have completed, what pre-major requirements you have completed, and major/minor course requirements. Take time to utilize both your major map and degree audit to make a list of the classes that you need and want to take in the following semester. This is something you will discuss with your advisor at your appointment.
Check the available classes next semester
By browsing the course catalog, you can see what classes are going to be offered in the following semesters. Look up any class that you need to take or really want to take to make sure it is being offered next semester!
After your Advising Appointment
Revise your schedule you made and insert it to your course planner
After you and your advisor have talked about the classes you need to take next semester, revise your list of classes you previously made before the appointment. This is when you can decide how many credits you want to take and what other classes you can take other than the ones your advisor has recommended. After you have decided these things, look through the course catalog and add the classes and sections you want to register for to your course planner. This will be helpful when you register so you will just have to click a few buttons. Always have back-up classes and sections just in case your class is full when you register.
Set a reminder for when you have to schedule
Classes go fast so be sure to set a reminder on your phone to alert you when it is time to register! Give yourself time to get your computer set-up and make sure everything is working so that you can just hit register at the time. It can be helpful to also have the course catalog up on a different tab just in case you need to look up a different section or class.
Register
When the time comes to register, log on and do it! The longer you wait to register the more likely it will be for your classes to be full. You can always add/drop after you register up until next semester if you make a mistake so don’t worry if your schedule isn’t perfect.
Using these tips to prepare yourself for your advising appointment and registration will make the process go a lot smoother and less stressful!