1. Are you a morning person or an evening person?
Really though, figure this out. Can you get to class at 8:00 a.m.? Can you concentrate at 8:00 p.m.? Or, do you need a nap in the middle of the day? Don’t be that student that falls asleep in class—your friends will just shame you on social media anyway.
2. Out of all the classes offered next term—regardless of subject code or level—which ones interest you the most?
Think long term here. It will have a huge impact later. If you’re unsure of your major, browse the whole course catalogue or go to the Duck Store and walk down every book aisle. Whatever interests you the most, add the course number, department, and professor to your list. If you have declared your major, look at the upper-division courses being offered and plan ahead.
3. For the classes you want to take the most, what are the pre-requisites?
If you are excited when you see that you can take a class on Parasites and Human Evolution (ANTH 410) then sign up for the pre-requisite so that next quarter you can. Or, take a different class entirely from the same teacher. Chances are, if you and them are interested in similar topics, many classes they teach will interest you.
4. If you absolutely have to take a class you have no interest in, how can you make the best of it?
Of all the sections or options offered, which classroom or building is nicest? Which one has a syllabus that plays to your strengths? Which classes are your friends planning on taking? Look at the bios of the teachers; which one has interests most similar to yours? These are especially important for Writing 121, 122, and 123.
5. What are your back-up classes in case the ones you want are full?
MAKE A BACK UP LIST RIGHT NOW. This is so much more important than you think. You will not get every class you want. Ever. Only exception: You’re a super-super senior who loves upper-division economics classes. Otherwise, you need back ups.
Really do as much as you can to make every class worth it. Your future you will appreciate it.
By Bridget O'Donnell-Davidson