Early November is an important time for students to begin thinking about and registering for spring classes.
The classes you choose at any point set the tone for your Bradley experience, and there are many things to consider as you navigate the process.
Before you meet with your advisor, make sure to review your audit and create a proposed schedule of classes. Don’t be afraid to ask your advisor various questions at any point throughout advising and registration. They are there to help and guide you during your time at Bradley.
With that being said, make sure you aren’t persuaded to take on a hefty or overwhelming course load. Don’t feel pressured to take more credit hours than you are comfortable with or can manage. No one in the same major is going to have an identical sequence of classes, so know that it’s okay to have a different path than your peers.
Developing a healthy balance between classes, homework, extracurriculars and personal time is crucial to achieving academic and personal success.
When registering for classes, remember to be adaptable and open-minded. While you should have that tentative schedule in mind, know that you are not always going to get into all of the classes you want. Don’t be discouraged if you get waitlisted for a class or have to take it in a future semester.
It is helpful to have a backup class in mind when creating your schedule in case one of your classes fills up or gets canceled.
To make the registration process easier, you can add your desired classes to the Course Planning Cart in MyBradley. When your registration time arrives, you can add classes with a simple click by choosing the “Register from Cart” option.
Selecting classes for the upcoming semester can reinforce your passion for, or highlight your discontent, with your major. If you are not progressing through your program or feel disconnected from the subject, don’t be afraid to make a change.
Veering off your initial path can be daunting, but it is never too late to change your mind and pursue a field that better suits you. If you are considering a switch, be sure to advocate for yourself, consider your interests outside of the classroom and explore other programs.
In addition, it can be beneficial to consider adding a minor if there is another discipline you are interested in and if there is room in your schedule. Many minors only require 15 hours of coursework and can easily be achieved, especially if some minor classes overlap with ones from your major requirements.
You can also consider branching out of your college to take a class that interests you. Just because you are an engineering major doesn’t mean you can’t take a business or communications class, and maybe that class can lead you to add a minor or concentration. If nothing else, it’s good to step out of your comfort zone and take the opportunity to learn something new.
For students, looking ahead to the upcoming semester can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. Make informed decisions about your classes, communicate with your advisor and develop a balanced schedule that suits your individual needs.