Registration
This past Monday was the beginning of possibly the most stressful week for college students, and no it is not finals week. Registration is a time of rapid planning and last minute advising meeting. Although it may not seem like picking classes for the next semester should be so difficult. It is. It always is. You are force to pretty much plan out your entire life. if you don’t get into the classes you so badly need; you are force to come up with an entirely new strategy of attack that can often lead to extra semesters filled with unnecessary electives.
I have found it is best to make a plan and write it out. Write down your “ideal” schedule for the next semester, and don’t forget the course numbers or whatever other nonsense you need to register. Then, write down alternative classes that will fit into that schedule and even write down and entire alternative schedule. It is always important to have back up plans.
Register as soon as you are able to. Don’t wait until the last minute because it increases the chances that you won’t get into the classes that you need. This applies even if you have to stay up until 2 a.m. or wake up at 6 a.m. Just do it. More than likely you’ll be beating out all those people who decided to sleep in or weren’t prepared. Registration shouldn’t be this difficult, but it is. It can impact your entire college career, so it is important to make a plan and take is seriously.
Finally, remember if you have questions or are unsure of what classes to take, see your adviser early on. Before all those last panic appointments get made. This will set your mind at ease and make the overall process much less stressful. Take a deep breath, make a plan, register, and relax. 🙂