Class registration is just around the corner, and if you’re anything like I was, you’re planning out your ideal schedule. And if you’re anything like I was as a senior, you’re trying to take the easy way out and finish your last semester with 12 credits of electives.
Seniors, you might be out of luck here. But everyone else, listen up! There’s a way to make that happen if you just do a little bit of planning now. Follow the three rules I lived by during my time as an undergrad, and you’ll be living your best life come senior year!
Rule Number One: Plan Ahead
Plan out your semesters ahead of time, and I don’t mean just planning one semester at a time. Have a list of your major requirements and core requirements and do your best to map out your years here. (You can find all of that in the .) Having a plan for your academic years as a whole will set you up for success and on-time graduation! Graduating on time saves you money and ensures you aren’t missing your friends as a super-senior.
Pro Tip: Aim for at least . Sure, 12 credits a semester keeps you at full-time status, but it doesn’t actually ensure you graduate on time. Do the math: 120 credits to graduate in 8 semesters (assuming you’re in a four year program.) 12 credits a semester only puts you at 96 credits, missing 24 credits to graduate. 15 credits a semester equals 120 credits. Boom! You’re graduating on time!
Rule Number Two: Anticipate Obstacles
We’ve all been there. You’ve just logged into to register for your classes a few minutes before your time starts only to find out that class you really need is full. Now you’re scrambling to find a relevant class to swap in.  Be prepared for this and keep more than a few core class choices in your cart!
Work with your advisor if you don’t know how or where to start. They’ll have a good sense of some of the other obstacles you might face, like the petition process. They can help you accomplish rule number one, too! Schedule an appointment in Orange Success on or visit during drop-in hours. But don’t wait till the last minute!
Rule Number Three: Recognize Your Limits
We have a super active student body! So many people are managing school work, clubs, internships, on-campus jobs, social lives and more. I juggled two jobs, an internship, athletics and e-board positions, and I wasn’t even the busiest person I knew!
What I’m trying to say is that we all have limits, and that’s ok. If 15 credits one semester just doesn’t work for you, try taking 12 credits now and a class over or ! You can also try to take more than 15 credits your first few semesters to help keep your junior and senior year course load lighter in anticipation for your more challenging classes.
Prioritize what is going to keep your mental health in check, your finances stable and graduation in sight.
So take it from me. I may be washed up, but hey, I lived it! Taking at least 15 credits a semester helped keep my wallet a little less empty and my last semester open for a ton of opportunities. Plus, I had a great time! I want that for you, too.
Written by Teagan Peacock ’18, College of Arts and Sciences
Learn more about taking 15 credits a semester and  on the Office of First-Year and Transfer website.