Choosing your courses

So - you've been accepted into the college or university of your choice and now it's time to register for your classes. If you haven't already talked to the Disability Services Office, now is the time. Even if you don't think you will need academic accommodations, they can help you decide what the right course load is for you. They can also help you think through the types of courses you select, to make sure you choose ones that match your learning style.

Choosing a realistic course load

The number of courses you take each semester will be one of the most important factors affecting your success at school. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of choosing courses at the beginning of semester when you're rested and ready for a challenge. But you need to flash forward to mid-term - when the day-to-day reality of classes, assignments, reading, essays and exams will be all too real.

Some important things to consider:

  • Lots of students do not take full course loads, for all kinds of reasons. It's the norm.
  • Lots of people are also returning to school after many years away. It doesn't matter how old you are now, or how old you'll be when you finally finish your certificate or degree. You've got lots of time!
  • You don't need to take a full course load to qualify for student loans. To qualify for a full-time status, you only need to take 40 percent of a full course load. Part-time status requires 20 to 39 percent of a full course load. In both cases you'll have to supply documentation that you have a disability. The Disability Services Office can help you with that. Note: Requirements for full-time and part-time status may vary from province to province.

    • I remember in my first year I started out with four courses and I realized that I couldn't manage and then I had to drop.

  • A good rule of thumb is to assume a minimum of three hours of studying or homework for every one hour of class time. If you find studying or writing takes extra time even when you are feeling well and rested, you need to factor that in too.
  • Fewer courses mean fewer assignments, exams and readings. That can make a big difference to your stress level and your chances of success.
  • It's better to take the time you need to complete your program and do well. If your semester goes well, you can add courses the following semester. That's better than taking too many courses and having to drop them mid-way through.
  • Don't compare yourself to other students. Every situation is different. You need to do what works for you.

My personal advice is: take it slower rather than quicker because you can always pick up a course in the summer.

Choosing the right courses

The type and length of program you are enrolled in will determine how much choice you have when it comes to selecting courses. A two-year college diploma or certificate will likely have more required courses and fewer elective courses than a four-year general arts degree.

Most instructors have course outlines (syllabi) available that describe the course prerequisites, subject matter, format and evaluation. These may be available on the website, from the department office or from the instructor. Make a point of getting copies of these early and use them to select your courses. Here are some important things to consider:

Prerequisites
Some courses require prerequisite courses (courses you have to take first). For example, you often have to take introductory courses in your first year, in order to take more advanced courses in subsequent years.

I have to take meds, and my medication has a sedative effect. I can't get up very early in the morning so obviously I could not take a very early class.

Class format
In some classes, the instructor always lectures. Other courses require group work with other students. Others use hands-on learning where you learn by doing. You need to think about how you learn the best. If you find it difficult to listen and process spoken information, a course that relies only on lectures may not be for you.

Class size
Some courses are designed to accommodate very large numbers of students. Some practical courses or seminar courses are designed for smaller numbers of students. You may want to consider class size when selecting your courses if you find noise or large groups of people difficult.

The first year I started off slow. I was only part-time, so I was only taking two courses. Then I bumped myself up to 3 courses, and then I bumped myself up to four.

Class schedule
If your illness or medication makes it difficult for you to wake up or think clearly in the morning, a course scheduled for 8:30 a.m. is likely not for you. If you are more alert and have more energy in the evenings, night courses may suit you better. You may not always have the option to schedule courses at your best time of day, but you should try to when you have the option.

Method of evaluation
It's important to know the number and types of assignments (written, oral presentations) and the number and types of tests (multiple choice, essay) required. Consider what type of evaluation will cause you the least amount of stress and allow you to do your best. For example, if your illness or medication makes it difficult for you to focus and organize large amounts of information, you'll want to consider whether a course that requires two major essays is right for you. Or if you find it difficult to perform well under pressure in an exam situation, it may not be wise to select a course in which 50 percent of the mark is based on a mid-term exam and 50 percent on a final exam.

Remember you may have options. You may be able to arrange for an academic accommodation. For example, maybe you feel you will be able to write the mid-term and final exams as long as you have accommodations designed to reduce your anxiety (e.g., writing in a quiet location with more time).

For four years I never had a summer off. Every summer I would take courses because I wouldn't take a full course load. But now I do, and I'm shocked. It's the first time I've been in school and been able to handle a full course load, because my medication is working now.

Course reviews
Want the inside scoop on a course or an instructor? Some colleges and universities have course evaluations done by previous students available from student union offices or the Registrar's Office. Or talk to other students about their experience. It may help you decide what course to select.

Your own interests
It's always easier to study something that interests and excites you. When you're first starting out, you may want to choose courses you'd really like to take and leave some of the less interesting ones for later. Just make sure you take into account any prerequisites that are required to take more advanced courses in subsequent semesters.

A note about marks: College and university courses can be a lot tougher than high school. Your marks will likely be lower - most people's are. Many students also find their marks improve after the first year. Keep your perspective - marks aren't everything!



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