Strategies for Securing the Classes You Desire as a Freshman at Pittsburg State University

Welcome to the exciting world of freshman year at Pittsburg State University! One of the primary challenges many students face is securing their desired classes. This article will provide you with strategies to ensure you successfully enroll in the classes that align with your academic and personal goals.

1. Join the Honors Program

Enlisting in the honors program can greatly enhance your academic experience and streamline the class registration process. Typically, to be part of the honors program, you'll only need to engage in an introductory honors colloquium, a course that is often more engaging than orientation. Honors students enjoy many perks, including early registration and registration precedence, second only to athletes among non-seniors.

2. Plan and Prioritize

Pit your efforts into strategic planning. If possible, log in to the university's registration system at 5 AM on the earliest allowed date. Having a well-thought-out plan will give you a significant edge. Shari Miller suggests enrolling before this time, as doing so can significantly improve your chances of securing your preferred classes. Regularly check the system for course availability and be prepared to adjust your plan accordingly.

Note that certain lower-level courses may be in high demand, and upper-level courses generally have precedence. If you're interested in a class that appears to be in short supply, such as welding, have a robust backup plan ready. This could include reaching out to professors or considering alternative courses that still align with your interests and academic goals.

3. Enroll Early for Seasonal and Popular Courses

You should be aware that certain courses at Pittsburg State University, such as those taught seasonally, are offered only once a year. These courses often fill up fast, leading to delays in class enrollment. For instance, you might not find an open section of a highly-coveted course during the regular enrollment window, but you can often still find an active location in the system for these courses.

To avoid missing out on critical elements of your degree program, enroll early and pre-enroll for the next semester as soon as possible. This proactive approach will reduce the likelihood of being left without a preferred course during the main registration period.

4. Personalize Your Approach

An additional strategy is to directly approach a professor who teaches a course you are interested in. Before the enrollment period, politely inform a desired professor that you want to take their class. Emphasize your excitement about the subject matter or your interests in the field. Since you are just a first-year student, the professor is more likely to be flexible and accommodating.

This personalized approach can turn a competition into a collaboration. Professors understand that a class full of engaged and enthusiastic students can enhance their teaching experience and potentially improve their course content. Make sure to approach the professor with a genuine interest and a willingness to learn.

Conclusion

Securing the classes you desire as a freshman at Pittsburg State University requires a strategic plan and a bit of ingenuity. By joining the honors program, planning ahead, enrolling early, and personalizing your approach, you can significantly increase your chances of achieving your academic goals. Dive into your first year fully prepared, and make the most of your time at Pittsburg State University.