Resources to help my son pick Freshamn classes?

SeekingUni
Fri, 03 May 2013 19:00:25 +0000

I am very confused about how the course selection works. We followed instructions about choosing courses and putting them in a “shopping basket”. My D is a business major and there is a clear listing of the classes she should take each year so she followed that. She picked the actual sessions of each class that gave her a schedule she liked and they all had seats available. She even waitlisted heself for one that is currently full. So are you saying that she won’t actually end up with these classes once she meets with her advisor? Why would she be given a different schedule than the one that she picked based on the requirements given to her by the business school?

Also, is there an opportunity to speak with your advisor prior to orientation?

And if they don’t get the final schedule until orientation, then it seems like there isn’t time to shop around online for discounted textbooks?



Chances are those times/dates that she picked won’t be what she gets; at least you can’t bet on it. Advisors look over the preference selections made by incoming freshmen, then also take into account their individual situations (major, AP credits, Foote Fellow, etc.) to devise a suitable schedule. At orientation, students pick up their schedule and can then meet with an advisor afterwards if needed; if they’re happy with the schedule, they have no need to meet with an advisor if they don’t want to.

There is no meeting with advisors prior to orientation.

As the person above posted, your student is in good hands. I know parents and incoming freshman are anxious to “control the experience” and make every little decision themselves (I was there once) but just have faith in the system. The admissions, orientation, advising and beyond at UMiami is amazing, and once you’re here you realize “why did I ever worry.” Just indicate the preferences then relax!

There’s still plenty of time to order books between picking up the schedule and classes starting. Amazon.com offers free Prime membership (free shipping) for 6 months or something for students – definitely something to take advantage of.