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Home > Student Success > Tips for Success > Tips for Choosing Classes
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| Tips for Choosing Classes |
Determine your academic strengths and shortcomings. Students who struggle in certain areas, such as reading, should avoid taking too many courses with heavy reading requirements. Try not to overload yourself with courses that challenge your academic preparation. It's better to take a few courses and succeed, rather than take too many courses and withdraw or fail.
Course sequences can make a difference. Research indicates students are more successful when taking sequential courses back-to-back. For example, students completing prep math should immediately enroll in the next level of math. Don't avoid advancing to the next level because you dislike the subject. If you wait, you may forget information that makes the next level easier.
Consider life situations and obligations. Students who work, care for a family (especially single parents), or have other obligations should consider taking fewer classes. College coursework places added stress on students. If you have recently gone through a traumatic life experience (divorce, death of a friend or family member) you may consider waiting until you are emotionally ready to deal with college-level classes.
Combinations of courses make a difference. Students should take into consideration the total combination of their course workload. Try to blend reading, writing and analytical courses within the same term. It is recommended students not take more than two college prep courses in the same term or take them in the express term.
Consider a Distance-Learning class. Distance Learning classes include Internet, television and videotaped-base classes. They involve little or no traditional classroom instruction. While they offer the convenience of flexible instruction delivery, but they are not appropriate for every student. Distance Learning students but be self-directed, self-motivated, excellent time managers and focused on completing assignments independently an on time. For more information, visit the Distance Learning web site.
Financial planning for college pays huge dividends. Do you have the financial resources to enroll in classes? The most often-cited reason for students withdrawing from classes is the lack of finances. Have you applied for financial aid? The prevailing myth that only full time students receive financial aid is untrue. Part time students can receive state and federal aid. Consult with a financial aid counselor on your campus or visit the Palm Beach State College Financial Aid Web site.
Have you made your "major" decision? Selection of a college major should be made carefully, with thoughtful consideration. Palm Beach State College offers a wealth of services and resources to aid in making a decision, including the advisement center, career center and online resources. Career development courses are offered each term that can assist you in making a well-informed decision on college majors and careers. For more information, visit the online Career Center.
Get the FACTS on an A.A. degree. Students pursuing an Associate in Arts degree should go to FACTS.org or consult with an academic advisor to determine appropriate coursework to their specific bachelors degree. Students taking courses not specified in the degree requirements of the selected four-year college or university may end up taking more than the required number of semester hours to graduate.
Most important: Don't take chances - see an Academic Advisor frequently! The Academic Advising staff is available to assist you with a variety of academic and educational planning issues.
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