Things to Consider When Scheduling Classes

When you schedule classes here are questions you should ask your advisor:

• How far are the classes from each other? Are they one the same campus or do they require a bus or other transportation?
• Do I have enough time to get to my classes?
  
• How is the professor? Are they new or have been at the college for a while? Do they speak good English (listening to a professor with bad English can some times makes the class more difficult)? Check out ratemyprofessor.com for reviews.
  
• Is the class difficult or hard? It's good to know what you're getting yourself into. Don't schedule all hard classes if you can help it.
  
• Is the class useful or is it a fluff class?
  
• Is the class required for the major, a general education class or an elective?
  
• What time does the class meet? If you're a morning person don't schedule an 8am class and if you're not a night person don't schedule a class at 9pm.
  
• What are the pre-requisites for the class?
  
• Can I test out of the class? It'll save you money in the long run.
  
• What kind of a class and does it need additional classes? Does the class need a lab? Is it an online, lab, clinical, classroom, or lecture class?
• What do I need to do to get a four year plan set up? It's important to plan ahead for what classes need to be taken in all your years of college to make sure you graduate when you want to.
• Does the have additional fees or supplies?
• How much does the textbook cost for the class? The same class by another professor can have a textbook that costs less.
• How much outside work and or homework does the class require?
• How many many credits is the class?
  
• Do you have homework breaks? Some majors this is a necessity.
• How is the class graded? Is it based on 3 tests or is there homework grades?

Your advisor may not know all the answers to this question but it doesn't hurt to find out as much as you can. Talk to students who have taken the same classes. This is also a good opportunity to see if you can buy books from other students (it's a win win situation). You can also sit in on classes the first week and decide what professors you like if you have the option. Usually you can move around the first week of school. Check on Facebook.com for more information about other people who are in the same classes you are in.