How to conquer course selection

Course registration: Two words that automatically send college students into a complete frenzy. These two words are that much worse for students on Hawk Hill, because as a Jesuit university, we are expected to meet many more GEP requirements. These requirements often leave students spending hours on The Nest, searching for the perfect electives and courses that fit into their major requirements. Here are some ways that you can prepare to make this stressful, but necessary, process less daunting.

Meet with your advisor:

Advisors are like Dumbledore: They have all the wisdom. Scheduling a meeting with yours can help you map out which classes you need to take each semester. Meeting with your advisor before registration time can ease any stress you may have, and they can answer any questions hanging over your head. They also have your PIN, and you can’t pick anything without that.

Have options:

Once you know which classes you want to take, highlight different options that fulfill each requirement. Having many options will help you feel better about the worst-case scenario: Not getting your ideal schedule.

Ask around:

When you have compiled your list of options, reach out to your friends to see if anyone has been in that class or had that professor before. There is no better way to know about what a class could be like than to ask people who have experienced it first-hand. Getting this extra information will allow you to knock out options, or to be confident about the ones that you definitely want to register for.

Know it like the back of your hand:

Have your PIN and course registration numbers handy, maybe on a post-it note stuck onto your laptop. Become familiar with all of the course’s numbers so that it is easier for you to plug them in once your pick time goes live.

Practice patience:

Patience is a virtue, and everyone’s patience is definitely tested during this time of the semester. However, it’s important to remain calm and not get flustered over picking courses. Most of the time, everything will work out the way that it is supposed to. If you do not get into the course you want on the first try, there are different ways that you can go about getting into it. Putting yourself on the Wait List or emailing the professor are two good places to start.

Although the process leading up to picking classes is grueling, remember that all of the time and energy you put into it is worth it. Have faith, stay positive, and everything will fall into place.