Academic Planning, Majors, and Careers

Selecting Courses Combine your interests with requirements. Talk with your advisor about your interests and general academic requirements. Take time to fully understand what is required for graduation or what is recommended if you plan to transfer to another school later on. If you are returning to school after a break in your education, your advisor will help you determine what courses you need to take to complete your degree, taking into consideration any prior college credits you have.

Selecting Courses (continued) Map out your academic plan. If possible, create a mixture of courses that provides variety in terms of the subjects represented and the type of work that will be performed in each class. Whether or not you know your major yet, try to determine when you will take your additional requirements during the remainder of college. Your advisor can help you grapple with selecting courses only if you tell him or her what your interests are and whether you’re struggling to make a decision.

Balance Your Course Load

Quick Tip Keep Your Advisor in the Loop Schedule regular meetings with your advisor throughout the year to discuss how things are going. How do you like your classes? Which classes do you find most interesting or most surprising? Which classes don’t you enjoy? Does the course load feel manageable? If not, where are you struggling, and how can you get the help you need to succeed? Be honest with your advisor so that you get the advice you need and can make the most of each term.

Selecting Courses (continued) Be smart about class exploration. Be realistic about your preparedness. Acknowledge your specific challenges. Consider how challenged you’ll be. Ask yourself how many challenging classes you can handle. When a course is too difficult: Talk to the instructor, go to the Academic Advising Office to find out what you can do to help yourself, and consider working with a tutor. If you consider to struggle, you may be able to withdraw.

Quick Tip Share Your History Talk with your instructor during the first week of class if you haven’t had any exposure to the subject matter, didn’t have a good experience in a relevant AP class, or are returning to the classroom after a break in your education. Make sure the instructor is aware of your background in the subject in case you find the class particularly challenging. Ask about strategies to help you succeed in the class, such as visiting the instructor during office hours or getting a tutor. You may realize that you need to work much harder than other students in your class.

Quick Tip Learn from Your Struggles If you struggle in a class or get a bad grade even though you put in a lot of effort, keep that in mind when you’re choosing courses for the next term. Picking different types of courses doesn’t mean you’re a failure; it usually means that certain material is particularly challenging and that other subjects might be more suited to your strengths and interests.

5 Mistakes Smart First-Year Students Sometimes Make 1.Taking a class because a friend thought it was easy. 2.Exploring classes or a degree program that only your mom, dad, or partner is interested in. 3.Taking an online course because you thought it would be easier. 4.Deciding to get the “tough classes” out of the way. 5.Taking more than the recommended number of courses to “get ahead.”

Selecting Courses (continued) Understand online course registration. Always consult with your advisor before registering for any courses online or making course status changes. If you’re interested in taking a limited-enrollment class, check how the online course registration system will inform you that: You’ve been accepted into the class. You’ve been placed on a waiting list for the class. That you haven’t gotten into the class.

Choose a Major That Is Right for You Balance your goals and interests. You want to major in something you enjoy, at least somewhat. The more you enjoy the classes in your major, the more likely you are to work harder. Consider a minor. Minoring in a subject can be a great way to fulfill your interests and may be easier than you think. Another way to combine many academic interests is to major in two or three fields, but talk extensively with your advisor about this decision.

Choose a Major That Is Right for You (continued) It’s okay to be undecided. Figuring out your academic interests can take time. If you take a variety of courses during your first term and don’t think any are right for you as a major, don’t worry. Trial and error is inevitable. It’s okay to change your mind. If you have a change of heart regarding your major, be sure to meet with your advisor or someone at the Academic Advising Office to determine what steps you need to take to switch majors. If you can’t change majors easily, consider minoring in the field that interests you.

Quick Tip Keep an Open Mind You might be quite sure of your academic interests upon entering college, but you also might surprise yourself. It’s fine if you think you know what you want to study as soon as you step foot on campus, but you might want to challenge yourself to explore other options. Fortunately, with so many academic disciplines to choose from, you will be able to find your individual path to success. So, while a particular major or minor might prove too challenging, be open-minded as you discover what other disciplines are a better fit.

Choose a Major That Is Right for You (continued) Recognize career influences. Your major will probably influence your career decisions. Your academic experiences might reinforce your previous career goals, alter your career trajectory, or completely change your career interests. Take the time to be introspective throughout college so that you can discover what career options truly interest you.

Career Planning Colleges have resources to help you navigate the wider world: Career counseling Help with writing resumes and cover letters Assistance with finding internships and summer positions Help conducting a job search and applying for available positions Visit the Career Services Office during your first year to explore the resources it offers.