What should be the determining factor in choosing the right classes for college?

Question

the teachers (ratemyprofessor.com) or
yourself and your schedule even if the teacher that's in compliance with your schedule sucks?

Answer 1

You won't know until you're in the class whether or not you groove with the professor. Unless your prof is *really* bad (unprepared, doesn't show up for lecture, etc.), it's usually a case of taste. Some people like "all business," some people like "entertaining," some people like "cut to the chase" and some people are there to soak up every word of wisdom they can.

Not only that, but depending on where you're going to school, a lot of college classes are taught primarily by TAs (teachers' assistants) anyway. So keep that in mind, too. You'll have your astronomy prof for one hour a week, but you may have her TA for three.

If you've got a tight schedule and need to cram a lot of classes in for your major (or majors!), and/or if your class load balances a certain way -- for example, you know you can handle a really difficult, study-intensive this semester because you're taking mostly low-stress courses otherwise -- I'd look at that seriously, before how a prof was rated on a website.

Inevitably, you'll have some profs you like, some you love, some you're not crazy about.

Your grade is up to you, ultimately. Organize your schedule however you think you'll learn and perform best -- learn the stuff, do the work, do your best... regardless of who's delivering the goods.

Answer 2

If you're sure you're not going to be able to stand a whole semester with a particular professor, you can try to rearrange your schedule so you can take the same class (or another one that will satisfy the same requirement) with a different professor. After all, you're the one paying for the college experience, and you should be able to take classes you enjoy. But ultimately, your long-term goals have to be taken into account. If the class is required for the degree you want, you should ask your advisor how likely it is that you can take the same class with a different professor the following semester. If that seems like an option, take something else that you need or think you'll like and then look for that one again on the next semester's list.
In some cases, you'll have to deal with teachers you don't like. We all have to. And you usually won't know until you're in the class. So try to get the classes you want and need, and when you can, avoid the professors you don't like. Do the best you can in each situation, drop a class when you absolutely have to, and consider the present as well as the future.

Answer 3

That depends on how long you plan on being in school. Some professors cannot be avoided because they may be the only one who teaches that class. I would look at the courses you need to take as well as a course or two that you want to take, see what you can work out on scheduling, look ahead to see when those classes will be offered again and then make your decision. You are the one who can best judge your limits, and your diligence to do the work. If you are looking at some work heavy courses then you should consider taking some lighter courses along with those. If it seems like the courses are relatively light then you might consider a course or professor that you are dreading to get through it and move forward. Ultimately you have to choose your load, the point is to get a job when school is said and done. There will always be someone you work with, boss coworker someone you hate to see or hate dealing with but unless you quit on life and work you have to deal with it. Same thing with your professor issue, I also would not put too much on the rate my professor website. Typically people who post (stereo-typing here) on rating sites are either extremely happy or really upset. You need to make a decision for yourself not just take what others say as the truth. If you go to class and do the work, study etc, the class will take care of itself.

Answer 4

You'll do better and enjoy school better if you can match your learning style with the teaching style of your professors. If you are required to take a class and the only available professor is one you know you will not learn well from, find out when the class is being taught by a professor you CAN learn from then make sure you register early for that professors class. The other option is to take the class from the professor you do not enjoy but ask the professor who's teach style you do enjoy if you can audit the class during the time they are teaching it. Chances are if you tell this professor you really enjoy their teaching style they may find some way to get you into their class officially, if not certainly auditing the class would be no problem. The added bonus here is you get the material in two different styles, which will really help ingrain the information for you!

Answer 5

If u r not a morning person do not enroll in a morning class, same suggestion regarding an evening class. Studies have shown that the brain learns more when the body is on it's own natural schedule. The worst thing u can do to y r self is register for a class time that is not y r natural best time of day.

Answer 6

Part of the college experiance includes learning how to work with people, even if those people don't behave in ways we like.

If a class is required for a degree program that you've chosen,but it has a crappy teacher, you can do two things:

a. bite the bullet and do everything the teacher says with a smile
b. if you are 100% sure the teacher really is doing a bad job, go have a chat with the dean.

Answer 7

Talk to your advisor. Try to get your required classes out of the way first, so you have more freedom with electives as time goes on. If you haven't declared a degree, look at what you might declare and try to take a requirement. Try to keep your electives at least 200 level so you can make your quota to graduate (300 level are guaranteed). And, if you can't escape that professor you can't stand, remember the class will eventually be over, and just try to tough it out. Good luck!

Answer 8

You should start with the entrance requirements for colleges that you might consider, starting with the State Universities in the State where you live. (If you're in the US).

Then your own personal interests should come into play, including a variety of subject areas, so that you can get a better idea of what you may want to pursue for a major in college.

Answer 9

DONT GO TO CDI COLLEGE...when you go to a college make sure that the theory classes are taught, make sure the teachers are really teachers, make sure that the classes are instructor led..and that you can get help at anytime not just some of the time. Make sure they have a practicum and the school just doesnt want to take your money and then leave ya by yourself to do all the work....and do not i repeat do not go to CDI college k? http://crazykeoo.tripod.com

Answer 10

The determining factor in choosing the right classes for college is finding out which classes are most relevant to your major