College Academics

College academics allow you to explore new subjects and interests, learn more about core subjects, and get advanced education in a specific area to earn your degree. There are many aspects of college that will help you find success.

Utilize Your Academic Advisor

Your academic advisor is a faculty member that will help you choose classes and provide advice on your academic pursuits and select of major. Meet with your academic advisor at least once a semester. A good advisor is a great resource for success. (You can request a different advisor if you don't click with the one assigned to you.)

Choose Classes Wisely and Expand Your Interests

Make sure you are taking all your required courses for graduation, but also expand your interests by taking some elective classes outside your major (or potential major). Use course catalogs, your advisor and other students as resources. Being well-rounded is a reward in itself, but employers and graduate schools also like to see that characteristic in applicants.

The Registration Process

Follow these tips to make the process smoother:

Be on time. If enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis, register during your assigned time. If you end up registering later, you might miss the chance to use your seniority to get into a class. Plus, many of your backup options might be closed.
Pay up. Make sure your college bill is paid in full. If you're behind on your payments, you may not be allowed to register.
Make a connection. Develop a good relationship with your academic advisor. They may be able to help you get into the classes you need. They can also talk to the department head and request a spot for you in full classes.
Create a plan B. Choose a backup class for every course. Chances are you won't get into all your first-choice classes every semester.
Go prepared. Have everything ready before you go online, get in line or meet with your advisor. Make sure you have course names and numbers with you.
Talk it out. If you have any problems, a meeting with the Registrar may identify your options.

Selecting Classes

College is costing you a lot of money, so don't randomly pick classes without thinking about it. Some things to consider when you're choosing classes:

Use the course catalog to find out what courses you need for your major and what prerequisites are required for upper-level classes.
Talk to your academic advisor. They can tell you how useful or necessary different classes are.
Know your general education requirements. Make sure you take all the classes you need for graduation.
Take a variety of classes, especially if you haven't picked a major yet. You may find your true calling or discover you really dislike a certain branch of study.
Ask around. Talk to other students about classes, professors and teaching styles they liked.
Know yourself. Think about whether you're a morning person or if you'd do better in difficult courses later in the day.
Fill in the blanks. If you've taken all your general education courses and the classes for your major, or can't get into them this semester, take some fun classes or work on a minor or certification. Your advisor can give you ideas.
Challenge yourself. You are here to learn something. You're better off in the long run with a class or instructor that challenges you than you are with one that leaves you yawning.

Dropping a Class

If you end up in a class that isn't what you thought it was, you may have an out. Most colleges have a drop/add/change period when you can make changes to your class schedule. Make sure you know when it is.

Dropping a class might affect your:

Financial aid eligibility.
Tuition bill.
Athletic eligibility.
Graduation timeline.

Pick a Major

First - don't rush into choosing a major. You don't have to choose a major immediately. While there are advantages to choosing a course of study early, it's also ok to take some time to find out what makes you happy. Do a little research and take a variety of classes. Once you have a direction in mind, talk to your academic advisor to declare your major. Once you declare, remember you can still change your mind.

Change majors if you need to.

Sometimes you discover you like something else or just that you don't like what you initially chose. If you're thinking about changing your major, you're in good company. It happens all the time at colleges across the country. In fact, one recent study at a major university showed that 75% to 85% of the students who entered college with a declared major ended up changing it at least once before graduation. Below are some things to consider.

Changing Your Major During Freshman or Sophomore Year:

If you change your major during your first two years, you:

May still graduate on time, depending on:
- Your program.
- The number of general education vs. core classes you've taken.
Should visit with your academic advisor to:
- Find out how you go about switching your major.
- Discuss requirements or any waiting lists for your new major.

Changing Your Major During Junior or Senior Year:

If you decide to change your major in the your final two years, it may mean you:

May not graduate when you planned.
May end up paying more in college costs.
Should discuss your options with:
- Your academic advisor.
- The financial aid office.
- The campus career center.

Is It Too Late to Change Your Major?

If you really wish you had chosen a different major but it's simply too late for you to change, these strategies can help:

Focus on your skills, not their labels. Many skills are useful for any type of job. Biology research, for example, may give you the skills to gather, analyze and make sense of any type of information.
Get the right experience. No matter what your major is, you can intern in fields that reflect your new interests. On-the-job experience will be as valuable as, or more valuable than, the right major to employers.
Use the rest of your time wisely. You might be just a few credits short of a minor or find out that a certification program doesn't require a lot more coursework. Talk to your advisor about how you can develop skills that will make you competitive in your chosen field. Find clubs or organizations that will reinforce your skills or give you leadership opportunities.
Think about going on. Some graduate programs allow students from any major to apply. Continuing your education will mean more expenses and may keep you from entering the workforce right away, so research programs and the schools offering them carefully to make an informed decision.