Hey Everyone!
Matthew here, and it is that time of the semester where once again we come to registration. This time is championed by lots of frantic searching for classes and the ever present question, "So, what are you taking next semester?" I wanted to give what I think are 5 important things to remember while registering.
They go like this:
I would say this is the first thing because you never know how many times you will change what you want to do. I have gone through 3 potential majors before settling on sociology. One of the many things you can do is create a four-year academic plan. This is in no way binding and it can just be an aid. I would recommend using http://counts.oxy.edu/ to look for potential classes and also the course catalog to see what types of classes you may want to take in the future.
This tip goes along with the last one, but I think it deserves its own point. I realize that finishing the Core Requirements(hyperlink: /core-program/requirements) can be tedious, but if you understand how they work you can definitely knock them out quickly. I finished my core before the end of my sophomore year and this is mainly due to double dipping. Double dipping is when one class can knock out two requirements. This greatly increases the speed at which you can conquer the core.
You will most likely have a one-on-one meeting with you advisor to pick up your registration information. This will come in handy if you need help picking a class or need recommendations on professors. While this meeting may be all you think you need, I would highly suggest asking other professors as well. Even a five minute conversation with a professor after class could greatly affirm your class choices or make you want to revisit a couple. Professors are here to help you, so use them.
When choosing classes remember that it is an unfortunate possibility that you will not get your first choice of classes. It is so much easier if you know what your back up classes are ahead of time rather than trying to come up with them on the spot. Also, before sitting to register remember to have all the information you need. The two most important things you will need are you registration pin and the CRN numbers for the class. Knowing these will help you register quickly and effectively.
Registration does not have to be as stressful as some people make it out to be. Personally, I have always been able to get any class that I have wanted to. This is one of the benefits of going to such a small school like Oxy. If you are well prepared, registration will be a breeze. If you feel as if you aren’t prepared, read this blog again…you missed the most important part. When it comes to that fateful time, find a quiet spot on campus to register. I would recommend Swan Hall. These places will help minimize your stress and will allow for a more enjoyable registration experience.
I hope that these tips have provided a little more insight to what registering for classes is like on campus. I have never had a bad registration experience and I think that is because of the effort I have put in to preparing.
To any future Oxy students, I hope this helps and you realize that getting your classes is extremely easy and there is no need to freak out.
You got this.