Strategy for Selecting Elective Classes in College?

Hey everyone, I've been pondering this for a while. I know I want to take advantage of the breadth of knowledge available in college, but also worried about maintaining my GPA. Can anyone suggest some strategies for picking elective classes in college? Might there be a list of 'easier' ones that I can explore to balance out my harder core classes?

Hello! You're correct that one of the many advantages of college is the opportunity to explore different fields and interests through elective classes. Your approach to choosing these can profoundly impact your experience.

1. Explore Your Interests: One of the best ways to ensure you'll do well in an elective is to choose something you're genuinely interested in. Ever had a curiosity about astronomy? Want to learn more about a foreign culture or language? Fascinated by psychology? You're more likely to be engaged, participate, and perform well if the subject matter catches your interest.

2. Consider the Instructor: A lot can depend on who teaches the class. Some instructors have a reputation for being engaging and supportive, others not so much. They might be known for their grading techniques or their teaching style. Use sources like RateMyProfessors or campus-specific resources to get a sense of what past students think about the instructor.

3. Balance Your Schedule: If you know that you're taking several heavy-duty classes in your major, balance them out with something lighter. However, you don't want to just look for 'easy A's' - those can sometimes be misleading and make you feel like you're not learning anything. Go for something that complements your heavier courses but isn't as demanding.

4. Look into Pre-Requisites for Advanced Classes: If there's a certain higher-level class you're interested in, check what the pre-requisites are and consider taking those as electives. This way, not only are you fulfilling an elective requirement, but you're also preparing yourself for that upper-division course you wish to try out.

5. Speak with Advisors and Upperclassmen: Advisors can give you a great insight into what elective courses to take. Alternatively, speaking with upperclassmen in your major or area of interest can also give you an on-the-ground perspective of what to expect from certain elective courses.

Remember, each school will be different in the elective courses they offer. Look for classes that fit with your interests and goals, and remember to explore! College is not just about maintaining your GPA, it's also about finding new passions and interests.