<p>bgirl,</p>
<p>Those are some great questions! Let’s take them one at a time, shall we?</p>
<ol>
<li><p>That “First Year Course List” (located here:<a href=“http://ww2.lafayette.edu/~registra/fyreg/Course%20List/CourseList.php[/url]”>http://ww2.lafayette.edu/~registra/fyreg/Course%20List/CourseList.php</a>) is comprehensive. After looking through the fall course offerings for all students, it seems that they have put together a complete list of those courses in all departments which do not have prerequisites. Is there a specific course you are considering that is not listed? Keep in mind that no students are allowed to take an Econ & Business course during their first semester at Lafayette.</p></li>
<li><p>There is enough time to explore various departments over the course of four years, even though you have to fulfill the Common Course of Study (listed here: <a href=“http://ww2.lafayette.edu/~registra/fyreg/StationeryLinks/CommonCourseofStudy.php[/url]”>http://ww2.lafayette.edu/~registra/fyreg/StationeryLinks/CommonCourseofStudy.php</a>) and the requirements for a major (usually 10-12 courses total for most majors…B.S. science majors are slightly more rigorous). </p></li>
<li><p>That “Suggested B.S. Biology Curriculum” you mention (located here: <a href=“http://ww2.lafayette.edu/~biology/planBS.html[/url]”>http://ww2.lafayette.edu/~biology/planBS.html</a>) gives prospective biology majors an idea. It seems a little too focused if you ask me! There is no reason to save all of your electives until the senior year, as is suggested.</p></li>
<li><p>Don’t worry…most students come into Lafayette not knowing exactly what they want to study. It is entirely possible to not decide on a major until junior year and still graduate on time! Students who take courses toward a given major their first year a just a step ahead of everyone else. I encourage you to follow this advice: use the eight courses of your first year to fulfill the Common Course of Study (everything except the “Writing Requirement”, which must be fulfilled junior and senior year) and explore departments. Continue with a few electives sophomore year, but also begin to take a few courses toward an intended major. Junior and senior year, you should be taking 2-3 courses each semester toward your declared major.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Be sure to check out the recommended courses for each major that interests you by going here: <a href=“http://ww2.lafayette.edu/~registra/fyreg/StationeryLinks/courseselectionguide.php[/url]”>http://ww2.lafayette.edu/~registra/fyreg/StationeryLinks/courseselectionguide.php</a>. Each department’s advice may help you in choosing an appropriate first semester schedule.</p>
<hr>
<p>I know that the course registration process and the idea of having to fulfill requirements can seem overwhelming, and even a bit intimidating to incoming students such as yourself. Trust me that, after a semester at Lafayette, you’ll have a MUCH better idea of what courses you should be taking and when you should begin to focus your studies (your assigned academic adviser will prove to be helpful as well).</p>
<p>I hope my suggestions are helpful. If you seek further advice, do not hesitate to post your questions.</p>
<p>All the best,</p>
<ul>
<li>Justin</li>
</ul>