The art of electives
posted by Carleigh on 3/2/2009 8:22:45 PM
College can be quite demanding and time-consuming. However, if you're lucky, you'll have some credits to earn and no requirements to fulfill.
I was fortunate to be in such a position a few times during my college career. After scheduling the courses I needed to fulfill my degree requirements, I had time in my week to take more classes.
It's a glorious moment when you realize that Downhill Skiing just might factor into your Spring schedule.
And Drawing the next Fall. And Walking for Fitness the semester before graduation (I like to think I was preparing for my big strut across the stage to my diploma). And Sewing, which has turned out to be the most useful course I ever took.
You're probably thinking I was a slacker to have the luxury of all the aforementioned electives. In fact, I'm the opposite. And so, my advice to all college bound basket-weavers:
1. Map out a schedule. With the list of all required courses in hand, map out your plan of action, semester-by-semester. Hopefully you'll find a few spots where you can squeeze in a just-for-fun course.
2. Stick to it. If you think you may need to drop a class due to difficulty, then it may be the right decision. But that is not to say you can't substitute another, easier (or less time-consuming) required course.
3. Ask around. In my experience, I've found Super Seniors to be wonderful sources of information. If you have 3 credits and you're not sure how to fill them, ask the guy who looks like he's been in college since the '90s. He definitely took Scuba Diving, and knows which professor is the best.
4. Make time. Even if you have a full schedule, adding a physical fitness class may be a good idea. You'll give yourself a pat on the back (literally) when you get to finish each stressful week on a Yoga mat.
5. Have fun! Check out this list of the strangest college courses. What does your school have to offer?
What strange electives does your school have to offer? Did you take an elective just for fun, and find that you learned a valuable lesson? Do share.