Planning for college is one of the most important steps you can take toward success as a student. You can create a personal road map to your goals in higher education . . . and it's easy to do!
Here is a practical 8 step plan:
- Get a copy of the college catalog for your school. These annual guides list all course offerings and are usually available at the campus bookstore. The annual college catalog also lists all degree programs and the course requirements for each.
- Look inside the college catalog and find the requirements for your selected major or course of study. Make sure to take into account any general education, prerequisites or special requirements mentioned in the catalog.
- Select a class to fulfill each requirement and write it on a list. If possible, choose an alternate class that will also fulfill the requirement. Planning for flexibility will allow you to maintain momentum toward obtaining your degree. You will inevitably face obstacles in the form of full classes, inconvenient class times and the occasional professor you'd rather not be alone with in a dark office.
- Write the number of quarters or semesters you intend to attend college before completing your requirements. Note your intended graduation date. It's best to choose an ideal graduation date and another later date in case it takes longer to fulfill the degree requirements than you had originally anticipated. For example, you may elect to drop a class or take a leave of absence from your studies for personal reasons. Ask a college counselor how many quarters or semesters you are allowed to attend before school policy indicates that you must graduate or leave. Many schools limit the amount of units you can accumulate before you must declare the intent to graduate.
- Divide the number of semesters from step four by the number of courses you must complete in order to graduate. This number will indicate how many classes you must take each term to graduate by your predetermined graduation date. You may be required to enroll in a minimum amount of course units in order to be considered a full-time student. Full-time status may be important to students who seek federal and state financial aid. Speak to a financial aid counselor at the college you will attend and check the Free Application For Federal Student Aid Eligibility FAQ for help with financial aid planning.
- Write a heading for each semester (i.e. Fall 2008, Spring 2009, etc.) on a new list. Using the number from step five, list that number of classes from your list under each heading. Make certain that you select classes that you would like to take at the same time. For example, you may want to take an elective at the same time that you take a more intense class to balance your course load. You may also consider enrolling in courses with similar subject matter during the same term in order to take advantage of cross referenced knowledge. Two term papers for similar History courses can become one term paper, reedited to target the objective of each of two or more related classes.
- Make an appointment with a college counselor at your school and have him or her review you plan. They can make helpful suggestions or guide you toward resources related to your studies.
- Be flexible. Sometimes a class won't be available, you may be able to speed up your plan or you may fall behind. You may even find that your interests change completely and you need to adjust or create an entirely new plan. With your plan you will be able to make steady measurable progress and achieve your goal!
Tiye Baldwin is a graduate of the University of California at Santa Barbara with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Global Studies. Baldwin has worked as a Bilingual Career Consultant, News Journalist, Graphic Artist and Software Engineer. Tiye Baldwin writes articles to help readers improve their lives through empowerment in the areas of credit, education and career development. For more information, go to http://www.educationempowers.com |
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