4 answers
Omniya
Student
Bedford, Texas
1
Question
Asked
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What should I prioritize when choosing Freshman year classes?
I'm a TX senior moving out of state to attend college in California. There are so many classes to choose from, and I could use some help. What should I prioritize when choosing classes: Subject? Helpfulness for a degree? Out of my comfort zone? Only my interests? Teachers' reputations? The building they're in? Or their credits to complete GEDs?
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4 answers
Casandra Valencia
Strategy and Planning
10
Answers
Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Updated
Casandra’s Answer
Hi! With a long list of classes to choose from it can feel overwhelming, but lean on your academic advisor. Don't be afraid to ask a lot of questions. I would suggest making a list of priorities for yourself and rank them. Do you like early morning classes, mid-day classes, or later? If you are not a morning person those early morning classes could be brutal. As a freshman, regardless of your degree program, you need to take core classes (Composition, Math, etc). Usually, those classes are the same for all degree programs. I'd start with those personally. This will allow you to experience a new school in a new state but not feeling totally overwhelmed. I'd never suggest an incoming freshman to take a full load of classes the first semester. Taking those core classes will give you time to explore the university, talk to fellow students about professor suggestions and take advantage of the resources your university has for you. Good luck!
This was super helpful, thank you!
Omniya
Ankita Sakhare
23
Answers
Updated
Ankita’s Answer
Congrats on your move and starting college — that’s a big step! When choosing freshman year classes, prioritize these in order:
1. Degree Requirements (GE credits or major prerequisites)
These keep you on track to graduate and give you a solid academic foundation.
2. Explore Interests (but with purpose)
Pick 1–2 classes that spark your curiosity or match your passions — college is a chance to discover new paths.
3. Balance Difficulty and Workload
Mix harder subjects with ones you're more comfortable in so you don’t burn out.
4. Class Size & Teaching Style
Look up reviews if available, and consider what kind of learning environment works best for you.
5. Location and Schedule
Choose classes that give you enough time to eat, rest, and study — especially in your first semester adjusting to a new state and routine.
Start with a strong base, but leave space to grow. You’ll have time to take risks later once you settle in.
1. Degree Requirements (GE credits or major prerequisites)
These keep you on track to graduate and give you a solid academic foundation.
2. Explore Interests (but with purpose)
Pick 1–2 classes that spark your curiosity or match your passions — college is a chance to discover new paths.
3. Balance Difficulty and Workload
Mix harder subjects with ones you're more comfortable in so you don’t burn out.
4. Class Size & Teaching Style
Look up reviews if available, and consider what kind of learning environment works best for you.
5. Location and Schedule
Choose classes that give you enough time to eat, rest, and study — especially in your first semester adjusting to a new state and routine.
Start with a strong base, but leave space to grow. You’ll have time to take risks later once you settle in.
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Omniya
Danille Jager
Global Talent Leader
6
Answers
Mount Kisco, New York
Updated
Danille’s Answer
Congratulations on your next steps - this is exciting stuff!
When you're selecting classes for freshman year - think about how you learn best. Are you a morning person? A night owl? Would you like to have multiple classes over the course of a few days and have some lighter-class workload days in between? When you are in college, you'll need to juggle class time with study/homework time, too, so be sure you're allowing time in your day for both.... and time to rest, have some you time, and socialize, too.
Your college will have a career office. Head there and ask to speak with a counselor/advisor if you don't already have someone assigned to you. You may need to complete the credits for particular degree requirements in a certain order, and those will be key to focus on first.
Feel free to also change it up with some fun electives/needs for things like physical education. Could you take a dance class? yoga? swim? College is a wonderful time to explore new things.
Wishing you the best - you'll do great!
When you're selecting classes for freshman year - think about how you learn best. Are you a morning person? A night owl? Would you like to have multiple classes over the course of a few days and have some lighter-class workload days in between? When you are in college, you'll need to juggle class time with study/homework time, too, so be sure you're allowing time in your day for both.... and time to rest, have some you time, and socialize, too.
Your college will have a career office. Head there and ask to speak with a counselor/advisor if you don't already have someone assigned to you. You may need to complete the credits for particular degree requirements in a certain order, and those will be key to focus on first.
Feel free to also change it up with some fun electives/needs for things like physical education. Could you take a dance class? yoga? swim? College is a wonderful time to explore new things.
Wishing you the best - you'll do great!
Katie Schwartz, CCC-SLP
15
Answers
Durham, North Carolina
Updated
Katie’s Answer
Cassandra's answer was excellent! Depending on the university and your intended major, the required distribution courses can vary, and your advisor. can suggest recommended courses.
I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question.
Omniya
Omniya, Thanks for your comment!! Choosing courses can seem overwhelming., but that's what advisors are for!Some people dpn't learn as well, or get to class, for the 8:00 classes. If that is your experience, the time of te class matters. When you choose electives, select ones that are out of your comfort zone. I learned a lot in them and the knowledge came in handy years later. Good luck!
Katie Schwartz, CCC-SLP