It's about that time again -- halfway through the semester and it's already time to start looking to the next one. Registration for the summer and fall semesters is right around the corner and that means only one thing in the minds of many students. “Which classes can I take where I won't be in Strozier the entire semester?" Of course, there are many more factors to deciding which classes to take but I know that this weighs heavily on the minds of many students. So how do you really decide which classes you should take for the upcoming semesters?
Research
Take some time out and actually look into your future and which classes you need to graduate. Pick up an information sheet about your major from whichever school your major is located in and start to plan out which courses you need to take in order to graduate in a reasonable amount of time. Right now is about the time that students are beginning to find out if they have been accepted into their program of choice, so go ahead and go to the advising office, now, before you are forced to wait in line all day to talk to an advisor.
That brings me to my next point -- go talk to an advisor! They are here for your benefit so use it to your advantage. I also suggest that you schedule an appointment to meet with one so you are not stuck last minute and unable to register for the one class you need to graduate.
Beware of websites such as ratemyprofessors.com. The postings that students make are not always accurate for how the professor truly is. Don't just read the first few comments and make a decision based on a few opinions, actually read and decide for yourself if you really would like to take a course with that professor. And I shouldn't have to say this, but don't pick a professor because the pepper next to their name is flaming, because even though they may be hot, they may not be the best professor you want. FSU offers evaluation reports of professors based on the end of semester questionnaires filled out by students, which can also help in your decision making process.
And, lastly, talk to your friends or people within your organization about past classes they have taken and which professors they had. Maybe they have notes or study guides that you can use to help better your understanding the material if you ultimately decide to take the class. Use that network to your advantage so that you are not stuck taking an 8 a.m. with a professor you cannot stand for an entire semester. Trust me; it's happened to me and I don't recommend it.
