This week we’re tackling confusion surrounding course registration. Early registration begins next week, and normal registration will follow soon after. It’s time to get prepared.
Questions: “Will taking Chem 1 and Bio 1 at the same time be way too difficult? I know they're tough, but if I go into the class mentally prepared, will they be manageable?” — Anonymous
“I’m kind of confused about the gen-ed requirements I need to get into nursing school [. . .] I have no clue if I’m taking the right classes this semester.” — Anonymous
Answer: Your course load is dependent on your personal habits. If you can handle studying for hours each night and stay dedicated, it can be done. But if you’re worried you might lose focus halfway through the semester, it isn’t worth it. Chemistry 1 at UF is a tough course, and Biology 1 requires quite a bit of studying as well.
My freshman year, I went into a semester taking a similar course load thinking I was prepared. I ended up dropping chemistry and wishing I had known sooner that I didn’t have to be in such a rush.
Here’s the thing: it’s easy to get caught up in rushing undergrad, but it truly isn’t necessary. Waiting for next semester is much better than risking your GPA to cram tough courses into a single semester. You’re still a freshman; you’re still learning how to study and adjust to university life. My advice is to take it easy. Don’t risk letting your GPA fall. You’ll know when you’re ready for a more intense course load.
Log on to ISIS to check your degree audit prior to registration, so you know exactly what courses are missing and which semester you’re being tracked for. You can also go to the UF Undergraduate Catalog to find critical tracking courses for your major. Nursing, for example, lists courses you should be taking to stay on track for the program semester by semester. If you have specific questions, I encourage visiting an adviser. The biggest mistake you can make is being afraid to ask questions; don’t let confusion about your courses keep you from maximizing your potential.
Advisers are wonderful resources — no, really. I thought advising hours were overrated my freshman year, too; but, trust me, your adviser will be your best friend by the time your undergraduate career is over. If you have any doubts about your critical tracking courses, course load, major requirements, etc., don’t hesitate to visit the advising office. The sooner you make an appointment the better.
Advisers are swamped (no pun intended) this time of year, but they clarify any questions you have and even guide your academic schedule for the rest of your time here. I know right now many of you feel like you have a few semesters to waste until you need to get serious, but I assure you life will be significantly easier down the road if you start on the right foot.
Submit any additional questions/concerns about the registration process or college life, and we will do our best to answer them in next week’s blog.
Good luck, freshmen!
