Pre-registering for courses towards the end of the semester can be thrilling, given the range of tempting classes the University offers. Yet it can soon devolve into a disorienting experience. Sometimes it feels like that very range of classes is mocking us, saying: “Look at all the classes that you could choose from but that are at the wrong time, that are full, that are graduate-level only, or that have five prerequisites that you can’t take either, because they’re at the wrong time, are full….” We could certainly do without the confusion, so here are a few tips on how to choose classes.
1) Prioritize major requirements. If you know what you’re majoring in or you’re leaning toward a particular major or subject area, pick a required lower-level course that sounds interesting. You may be finishing off requirements early, but even if you pick a different major, you might be able to count the class toward a requirement for courses outside your chosen department.
2) Try to choose class timings that fit your preferred personal schedule. For some, the random gaps between classes—not short enough just to be passing time but not long enough to get a significant amount of work done—are frustrating to work around. If that sounds like you, try scheduling all your classes one after another in one block so you can have the rest of the day to do assignments uninterrupted. On the other hand, many people find that long stretches of classes make them less attentive. Don’t trick yourself into thinking you’re a morning person if you’re not.
3) Choose professors with teaching styles you like. Regardless of how important teaching style is to you, it’s a good idea to find out more about the professors beforehand, at least to know what to expect and how to prepare yourself.
4) Choose classes that might be useful practically. If you have a spot left for electives, or if you’re still exploring topics, go with courses that may be of practical use to you, such as Principles of Economics or a foreign language. Of course, electives are also meant for exploring topics that you don’t know much about and would like to, but why not combine that desire with pragmatism? If anything, it will narrow down the classes you’re choosing from.
5) Have back-up options for L-courses (limited space courses---a Barnard thing). L-courses are infamous for being offered to upperclassmen before first-years, and this inevitably causes a lot of anxiety, more so when you’ve been put on a waitlist and are not sure till the end of registration period whether or not you will get into the class. There’s always some risk of this happening, especially in L-courses with very small capacities, so it’s a good idea to keep a couple of other classes (perhaps ones with no cap) up your sleeve in case your L-course registration doesn’t work out.
6) Take a P.E course to relieve some stress. It’s hard to believe, but P.E classes, especially if they’re the last class of the day, can be very relieving. It’s a time when you can exert yourself physically more than mentally—plus there’s the well-known endorphin rush! (And if you’re in CC or SEAS, P.E. classes are a Core requirement.)
Good luck to everyone, first-year or otherwise, with their registration!
Comments
1. This was posted the day after first-years registered.
2. You don't acknowledge that it's often impossible to do any of these things because they're full by the time first-years register.