Choosing College Classes for Freshman Year?

I'm not sure how to pick my classes for my first year in college. Any tips on how to decide which classes to take, especially considering different requirements and interests?

Understanding how to pick college classes, especially in your first year, can be daunting. Here are a few tips to assist you:

1. Understand your degree requirements: Colleges have set requirements (the core curriculum/general education requirements) that all students must fulfill to graduate. Additionally, your specific major will have its own set of required courses. Review what these are, and start with a few, if possible.

2. Begin your major early: If possible, take one class related to your intended major in your first semester or year. It'll give you a taste of the subject and help you decide whether it's the right fit.

3. Balance your course load: Don't load up your schedule with all challenging classes. Aim for a mixture of harder and easier classes, along with few general education courses to balance the workload.

4. Pick electives you're genuinely interested in: You usually have some flexibility with electives. Take this opportunity to explore new subjects, maybe something that isn't related to your major but you've always wanted to learn about.

5. Avoid getting too niche too soon: In your first year, you might want to avoid classes that are incredibly niche unless they're related to a potential major or minor.

Overall, your course schedule should strike a balance between fulfilling general education requirements, starting your major, and exploring new interests. However, remember that every student’s academic trajectory is different, so it’s okay if you can’t accomplish all of these things at once.

Lastly, don't hesitate to consult with your academic advisor and upperclassmen for specific advice tailored to your college. They can also give you insights into which classes have really good professors, which ones are known to be more difficult, and so on.