You applied, you were admitted, and you made your choice. Now what? Once these essentials are covered, you have one final push to make before running off into summer holidays. The next step in securing your post-secondary plans is course registration, which takes on a different form at each university. Some programs do it all for you (Hooray for Queen’s Commerce!), while others will make you dig, research, and jump through hoops of fire to nail down your first year (I’m looking at you, U of T).
All kidding aside, course registration is an important piece of the puzzle, as it prompts students to become intimately familiar with their program requirements, student portal, and advising services. It also serves as a wonderful platform for students to take ownership of their choices, and plan for the next stage of their educational career. Here are some basic things to consider when preparing for course registration:
- When is your registration date and time?
For some, this information will be emailed to you. For others, it will be posted on your student portal. Do your research, and mark your calendar. Often, students can plan their timetables prior to their registration date and put their desired courses in a virtual “shopping cart” until their date rolls around.
- Is there a Registration Guide? Is there advising? Is there an event for new students?
A “Registration Guide” is sometimes just a “New Students” web page, or occasionally a series of videos. Dig around your university’s website to find out the next steps after you have received an offer of admission. From there, follow the cookie crumbs that lead to information for new students. If you have been assigned an advisor, it’s a great idea to connect with them once you think you have narrowed down your timetable, even if advising isn’t mandatory. And if there is some kind of event for newly admitted students, you should absolutely plan on attending!
- What are the required courses for your program?
Occasionally, this information appears on program specific web pages. If not, you will absolutely find the list of required courses in the Academic Calendar. READ YOUR ACADEMIC CALENDAR! This is essentially your “contract” with the university, and it spells out all your rights and responsibilities as a student. Print the section that applies to your program for your records, and refer back to it every year to monitor your progress.
- Are you already in your desired program, or are you planning to transfer? Are you planning for a second Major or a Minor?
If you are not yet set, take note of the required courses in your alternate/additional options, and see if you can make some progress on those courses during your first year. Also take note of admission requirements for transfer students, if this is your plan. These are different than for students directly from high school!
- Does your university or faculty have specific graduation requirements? Do your courses have pre-requisites?
These should appear in the Academic Calendar or on individual course listings, and it’s your responsibility to meet them. Faculty requirements often include some kind of English proficiency, and occasionally Math or Humanities courses.
- What elective courses do you want to take? Do you have to choose from a specific list, or is it free?
Also keep track of how many credits fall in the “elective” category.
- What does your dream schedule look like?
What time of day are you most efficient? Do you need many breaks? Do you need to schedule time for travel, sports, or work? Have you looked up the professors?
As you can see, course registration is truly one of the big ticket items to take care of during post-secondary planning. It is SO IMPORTANT to give yourself the time to research, understand, and lay things out. Don’t wait until the last minute, and don’t take it too lightly. The transition into first year university is always a challenge, so your goal should be to make it a smooth as possible. Our consultants are well versed in this process, so reach out to them for help!
The good news: once this step is nailed down, your only remaining job is to finish high school on a high note and make the most of summer. Congratulations, you made it!
Need assistance with figuring our your first-year course selection? Book an appointment with your educational consultant. Contact our office at (604) 922-8456 or e-mail info@options-wp.chhdev.com for available dates and times.
