Classes can be a tricky thing. You want to make sure you get good classes that you like, with most importantly a good professor who will be very passionate about their subject. I've had very passionate professors, and they really get you interested in your classes, make a hard class seem easy. Professors who don't have that passion can be just the opposite. They can make you doubt your choice of major, feel like a failure, not leave you any spare time to enjoy college.
Here are some ways to get some good classes that you enjoy....
1. Like the class. If you choose a class that you're not interested in, it won't matter if the teacher is passionate or not, the subject still won't appeal to you.
2. Go on sites like Ratemyprofessor.com. Check out professor rating sites like this one where students can post about whether or not they liked a teacher, rate them on easiness, passion, and even looks.
3. Talk to other students. Talking with other students that have the same major or has taken that professor before is a sure way to get that insider perspective.
4. Talk to the professor. If you make an appointment, I'm sure the professor will have no problem telling you what will be required of you in the class and their expectations.
5. Do your research. Don't just choose a class at random, make sure you work out your schedule so there is not much time in between your classes, you don't want to have to wait several hours on campus, or waste gas going home in between classes.
6. Take a sneek peek at the textbook. Taking a look at the textbook for the class can give you a bit of an advantage in figuring out what you'll be learning. This can be a good idea when deciding between two similar classes.
7. Post about it. Post on Facebook or Twitter that your deciding on this class. Perhaps someone wandering by your page or one of your friends knows someone who has taken the class and can offer some inside help.
8. Go to the class. Whether you like it or not on the first day, keep going to the class! A lot of schools like UCF allow you to withdrawl from the class a few weeks after it starts without penalty, and with refund. So don't wait till your failing, if you're really not getting it and doing poorly, get out of it.
Did you have any particulary great classes with great teachers? Please share.
