Getting ready for your freshman year of college can be both extremely exciting and scary at the same time. One big questions a lot of students wonder about is what classes to take in college freshman year. Having spent 10 years in higher education in instructing and advising capacities, here are some things you need to consider.
What Classes to Take in College Freshman Year
Tip 1: Take at least one major-relevant course each semester
Many people believe that your first two years of college are for general education courses such as math, English, and history. While you will likely take many general education courses in your first two years, it is imperative that you enroll in at least one major-related course each semester.
If you are a business major, for example, I highly recommend taking Introduction to Business the first semester of your freshman year and another business course, perhaps accounting or economics, the second semester of your freshman year. Research has proven that students who engage in career-related courses earlier in their academic journey are more focused and have higher success rates.
Tip 2: Follow the degree plan for your major.
Each major at every college will have a degree plan. This guide or flowchart will show you which classes are recommended each semester of your education. It is important to refer to and follow this plan because:
1. Not all classes are offered every semester.
Following a degree plan will make sure you don’t miss a class and have to wait an entire year before it is offered again.
2. Many classes have prerequisites or corequisites.
Your degree plan will help you take classes in order so you don’t accidentally miss a course that is required for an upper-level class.
3. It will help ensure you graduate on time.
Extra semesters and classes equal extra tuition. Not following a degree plan is one of the main reasons students spend extra semesters in college and end up graduating with unnecessary units.
If you are unsure how to find the degree plan for your major, contact your advisor at your college. If you are unsure who your advisor is, ask a professor. He/she should be able to put you in touch with the correct person or provide you with a link to the correct degree plan.
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Tip 3: Consider the units and workload of the courses.
The transition to college can be a really big one for many students. Give yourself some grace and “wiggle room” by not overloading your schedule with a lot of units or tough courses. 15 units is a great starting point for a college freshman. This is a full course load, which is important for scholarships and financial aid, but will allow you to drop one course and maintain the full course load should you need to. Taking 18 units your first semester isn’t advisable simply because you will still want to have time to socialize, make friends, and possibly work a part-time job.
Additionally, pay close attention to the workload of the courses your freshman year. When my husband was a freshman, he enrolled in honors calculus, chemistry, history, and an honors leadership course. While his units were right around 15, taking two honors courses (one of which was calculus) and chemistry in his first semester was ambitious. He was successful, but it was a hard semester and he knew he could have done better had he not been spread so thin.
What Classes to Take in College Freshman Year if Undecided Major
If you are going to college wondering what classes to take in college freshman year because you are undecided about your major, make finding your future career path your first priority. As I share in my free guide to college and career planning, the best way to approach planning for the future is to begin with the end in mind. Choose your career path first, then the academic major or vocation program that will best prepare you, then look at colleges that have the best programs for that career path.
If you’re thinking, “I’ve tried choosing a career but I’m stuck!” I can help. I am passionate about helping young students determine a fulfilling career path so they enter college more focused and motivated to pursue their goals. We begin by building criteria that will bring you satisfaction and fulfillment. Then, we explore top careers of interest that meet those criteria by gathering information first-hand. Finally, you’ll be ready to make an informed decision about your future!
Do you need help choosing a major that is right for you?
I’ve helped hundreds of students choose and plan for a fulfilling career, and I can help you too! I work with students one-on-one to establish criteria, explore careers, choose the best path for them, and plan for a successful future. I offer free consultations to anyone who wants to talk about careers and planning for the future!
