How to build your first semester schedule.
While it may feel like college is all about meeting new people, joining clubs and going to parties, don't forget that you are actually here to learn something!
Creating your schedule, however, can be nerve-wracking. Going through the thick course catalogue, you might spot a few cryptic-sounding classes. "Justice, Equality and Liberty?" "Social Movements?" The smorgasbord of options can be overwhelming to even the most confident of freshmen.
Good news: the Daily is here to help.
How to pick your classes
Our first recommendation: set aside a solid block of time to peruse the course catalogue. Keep an open mind as you read through class descriptions. College, particularly freshman year, is a time to experiment with different disciplines and find the ones that most appeal to you. Don't worry about requirements quite yet.
When picking classes, you should focus most on the quality of the professor. Don't pick classes simply because the titles sound cool or the class seems easy.
Even if a class seems challenging, it's often the best professors who assign a lot of work. Make the most of your tuition!
People who can help
There are many upperclassmen that are available to help you with course selection, such as your April Open House overnight host, your Resident Assistant, your orientation leaders and your pre-orientation program staff. Make sure to ask them to share their wisdom.
Your pre-major adviser, which the university has assigned to you, can also be a great help in recommending courses.
Check out RaptorAttack.com as you begin to create your schedule. This website allows you to plan out your schedule in a calendar format so you don't accidentally schedule two classes at the same time.
Tufts.JumboAccess.com and RateMyProfessors.com will fill you in on Tufts' professors. Both websites list reviews of professors by Tufts students. However, consider that some of this information may be outdated or written by overly dramatic students, so you should not rely on these websites too heavily.
Other words of advice
You can shop for courses in the first couple of months of school by sitting in more classes than you will actually take. One option is to register for five classes, then drop the one you like the least. Signing up for five gives you a bit of wiggle room.
Freshmen may drop a class at any point until Nov. 15, so you can test out a number of classes until that date.
Don't overburden yourself with too many classes during your first semester. For many, four classes will be more than enough, considering everything you will be doing as you transition to Tufts.
Don't forget about Experimental College (ExCollege) classes. Registration for ExCollege classes begins at 9 a.m. on Sept. 6, the first day of class. These classes tend to be smaller and more participation-based and are often taught by visiting professors who are experts in their fields. The selection of ExCollege classes changes each semester, so if you see one that strikes your fancy, take it while you can.
Also, try to avoid Friday classes. You will thank yourself later as you enjoy your three-day weekends.
-- compiled by the Daily News Department
