How to Choose the Right Classes

Starting college? Here’s some advice on choosing classes from the book “How to Survive Your Freshman Year” (Hundreds of Heads Books, www.hundredsofheads.com, $13.95), straight from people who’ve done it:

“Get to know your teachers, because when it comes down to getting a better final grade you might need a little help. And if your professors know you, they might be willing to help you.”

—Matt Burleson, University of Tennessee at Martin, 2001

“I started with five classes and I dropped three of them. I just wanted to make it as easy as possible. I had a hard time adjusting: I traveled from the West Coast to the East Coast to go to college. So I didn’t put too much pressure on myself and just took what I thought I could handle.”

—Colin O’connor, Georgetown University, Junior

“I’m usually the type of person who does all his work, but now, I actually have to think. The workload isn’t harder, but it’s different. I take a lot more notes now. I’m in a study skills class and they suggest a system for taking notes — dividing the page into three sections, writing notes in one part, cues for main ideas in the other, and summaries in the other. I don’t like that system, but it helps to try different things.”

—Dustin Camac, University of Delaware, Freshman

“Choose your classes based on the professor instead of the class description.”

—Robin Jaleel, Emory University, 2002

“Many freshman classes are huge, so it might be hard to let the professor know that you exist. To counter this, follow the advice everyone tells you: don’t be late, and take notes. Someone gave me advice about note taking and said that if you hate it, then just bring in a tape recorder and tape the lecture. So I did and yes, it was easy, but I never listened to the tapes; or if I did, it was always a crappy recording. In some classes they don’t take attendance, which might make you feel more like not going. But it feels good if you go anyway, and you never know if you’ll miss a day with a pop quiz or extra credit. As you get more focused on your major, the classes get smaller. Be involved and know your professors; ask them for advice and talk to them.”

—Leslie M., University of Florida, 1995

“Don’t take more than one class that has a lot of reading. I picked some classes that had too much reading, so I am always reading. I average four hours a day, maybe longer. I go to class, take a break, go to dinner, and then go to the library. I’ll be in the library until 1 a.m.”

—Bayless Parsley, University of Virginia, Freshman

Hundreds of Heads Books’ survival guides offer the wisdom of the masses by assembling the experiences and advice of hundreds of people who have gone through life’s biggest challenges and have insight to share.