The past week was spent looking forward, preparing for registering for classes - my registration time was last Thursday. Now that I have everything set up, I'm in a completely different mindset. But I was definitely very wrapped up in all the details last week, worrying about the classes that were filling up already, arranging and rearranging various options in the CU Schedule Planner, and generally worrying about how it would all work out.
A few things I learned:
1. Don't get too attached to one plan/class/schedule: This kept happening to me. I would think I had "the perfect schedule," with all the classes I thought I needed, all arranged in just the right order (not too early - no 8AMs - and not too late - this semester I have a class that goes till 10PM). But again and again, these "perfect schedules" kept falling through, and I'd have to start over.
2. You should prepare: I have no idea how I would have dealt with picking classes if I hadn't already known what I was planning on doing when I signed onto CUConnect at my assigned time. There's plenty you can do to prepare, like making several schedules that would work, or at the very least, choosing classes you're interested in.
3. Keep track of things: both the Schedule Planner and CUConnect itself will list how many people are already enrolled in classes, whether the class is closed or still has room. Several of the classes I wanted filled up or were even canceled before I got there, but I was able to rearrange my plans because I kept checking every few days.
As for my own personal approach, I made goals: I didn't want 8AM classes, I wanted either Friday or Monday off, I wanted to get as many Core credits done as possible, and I wanted to continue moving in my film major. I was ready to acknowledge that some of these goals might not work out, but in the end, I kept working on my schedule until they did.
So that's a little bit about my experience with registering - I'm sure that each semester, it will get easier. I hope it goes well for everyone else in college this semester, or that it went well, if you've already registered.
Cheers :)
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1 comment:
I have been enjoying your Blog these past few weeks.
It is particularly interesting to hear the experiences you are having getting to know the ebb and flow of this campus and college life.
Reading this particular post I thought I would add another thing to consider when registering for courses - Continuing Education.
CU's Division of Continuing Ed offers courses for CU credit in the evening and online. It is a great way to pick up courses that you may have been shut out of, or to make your schedule more flexible.
They also offer free academic and financial aid advising to help you make sure you don't make a registration mistake.
You should check it out.
http://conted.colorado.edu/programs/boulder-evening/courses/
http://conted.colorado.edu/programs/independent-learning/courses/
Keep in mind that the courses are charged ON TOP of your main campus bill.
I hope this is helpful for you.
Ted
(FULL DISCLOSURE - I work at Continuing Ed. But I am confident if you talk to some of your classmates/academic advisor you will find that there are times when Continuing Ed is a great option for filling the gaps in your schedule)
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