As Spring Term registration approaches, panic levels are increasing among the underclassmen population, particularly those with rather unfortunate registration times. Several students have expressed concerns over the likelihood of ending up waitlisted for a course that they have had on their color-coded four-year plan since last fall, without which they will not be able to graduate for another seven years.
“I’m taking a dance class and vocal lesson this term, so I’m only four credits away from completing my arts practice and three terms away from finishing the PE requirement,” said Perry Fectionist ’29, “but that means that I can’t take a 2a this spring, which is when ballet is, and I can’t take a 1a or 3a because ballet is all the way in the Weitz, and what if I have to shower after?”
Other students have expressed similar concerns about the time slots that may be left over by the time that their registration time comes around.
“Classes that start before 10 a.m. are just too early for me, and I don’t like classes that go past 2 p.m. because I get sleepy after lunch. Speaking of lunch, I prefer 4a lunch, so I’d like to keep that slot open too,” said Dee-Lou Chanel ’29. “If I have to do 3a lunch, though, I guess I can push through.”
For most students, however, the department and course content is a greater concern than the time slot. After all, freshman and sophomore year are intended to be spent on ‘liberal arts exploration’ prior to major declaration so that students are familiar with and confident in their major selection(s). As everyone knows, this process entails completing as many of the graduation requirements in as short a period as possible while hoping to discover your passion for History, SOAN and other humanities courses that really don’t seem to be QREs. The smartest humanities-oriented freshmen will cajole STEM students into taking a QRE course with them, claiming it’s “also writing rich 2!” and then ask for help with every number.
But for first-years with the last registration time, it isn’t always possible to take three courses that are in all new departments and fulfill their remaining requirements. As a response to their pressing need to decide on a major before summer that will inevitably change by the time that next fall comes around, some students have decided on a drastic approach to course selection.
“People tend to assume that an 18 credit term means taking three classes, but terms are actually a lot more flexible than that,” said Dwight Maire-Advisey ’29. “For example, I’m planning on taking nine two-credit classes, so I’ll be introduced to nine new departments and be 7.9% closer to finishing my graduation requirements. I intend to graduate with every minor.”
Happy registration!
