K.I.S.S: Choosing Classes

No, no i'm not talking about the band kiss!

Today, I am introducing a new series called the "Keeping It Simple Series" or "K.I.S.S." The goal of this is pretty self-explanatory, but my hope is that I can help often-difficult tasks such as choosing classes really simple. Let's begin!

Step #1: Assessing your educational goal

-For this, as I stated in my previous post, is to figure out what you want from community college. As you know, community colleges cater to many people, each with a distinct educational goal. For instance, my goal is to complete my first two years of classes at a community college then transfer to a four year college. You may want to take classes for personal enjoyment or to upgrade your job skills. The possibilities are endless.

Step #2: Know the requirements

-Like every community college, there are certain requiremnts that you must fulfill. For me, I would like to earn a 2 year degree (called an associate's degree). At my school, in order to earn one, you need to take classes outside of the core classes that many colleges require. Examples of this may include Student Success Skills and Physical Education. However, its also possible to transfer under an articulation agreement with a 4 year school. An articulation agreement, also called a "guarenteed admissions agreement", allows you to be admitted as a junior to a 4 year institution if you complete ALL of the requirments of the agreemnt. Of course, you can still apply, even if you don't fulfill every requiremnt, though its not a sure thing you will get in. Surprisingly, you can also opt to transfer directly to a 4 year school after meeting their requiremnts and not even get an associate's degree.

Step #3: Speak to an academic counselor

-After completing the first two steps, go ahead and go to a counselor to talk to them about your goals and which classes you need to take. Trust me, they will save you valuable time when helping you register for your classes.

Step #4: Find out who the good professors are

-When I first started out, I admittedly skipped this step. My professors were so bad that, before I nearly flunked out, I had to withdraw from all my classes and I paid a dear price for it. Although I didn't sabotage my academic record, I lost time, energy, and money.

But you don't have to make the same mistake! My advice is to go ask around and see who the popular professors are. If you are still confused, go on ratemyprofessors.com. It's surprisingly accurate and I have found some great professors that way.

Remember, and this is important: Even if you try your hardest, a professor can still sabotage your academic career. Don't let this happen. A good professor can be found who has reasonable requiremnts and insightful lectures

Step #5: Register for classes EARLY

-I cannot possibly stress this one enough. I've lost a good class here and there by not signing up early!

Step #6: Tack on one or more classes the first week

-There's only one way to find out if a professor is good: Sit in on a class for a whole week. Thats's right, you heard it here! But the trick here is that you should sign up for at least one more class than you know you can reasoably handle. The goal here is to go through all of those classes in a week. Yes, I know, it will be exhausting. But after a week, you can drop that least favorite class!

Step #6: Take a student success skills your first semester if you can

-Sure, they will tell you common sense stuff about how to study and all that. You know the drill: "You need a pencil, paper, and a brain to succeed". However, many community colleges require this before you graduate with an associate's degree. Plus, its only a 1 or 2 credit class! You may learn something new and insightful that will help your career at community college. For instance, mine required that i go to each of my teacher's office hours and interview them. This was helpful because I got to introduce myself and I learned quite a bit about them

Step #7: Observe your teachers

-With each class, get a copy of the syllabus and look at the workload you will have. Still confused? Go to office hours and ask them what the class is like and how much work will be assigned. If it sounds reasonable, keep the class. If it doesn't, drop it like its hot!

Step #8: Treat your teachers with respect no matter what

-Teachers are there to help you learn. Plus, if you get to know them really well, they can REALLY help you out! I'm talking about letters of reccomendation, induction to an honors society they are head of, you get the drill. But DO NOT get on their bad side! They can make your class time miserable! DO NOT complain about their teaching style because I seriously doubt they will change for you. If you absolutely hate the class, drop it by all means!