A major problem affecting most undergraduates who first come to Rutgers is the infamous “class screw”: the inability to formulate a schedule which tailors to the students interests, fulfills the credits required by Rutgers, and offers the convenience of traveling around campus. Here are ten easy steps that will help you avoid getting “class screwed.”

1. Plan ahead

The easiest way to avoid getting the “class screw” is to plan ahead. The key is investigating the perfect classes: ones that are both interesting to the student and will actually help the student complete all credits on time to graduate. Also, write down several classes in each credit category (Humanities and the Arts, Multicultural and International Studies) in case a class you want is filled.

2. Write down locations and times to expedite your travel around campus

Luckily for me, I managed to schedule all of my classes on the Cook/Douglass campus, where I will be living. I do not have to worry about being late for the bus, as I can easily walk to all of my classes. Use Nextbus to your advantage. If traveling between campuses is a must, give yourself enough time to make sure you will not get screwed over by the bus system, which often runs off schedule. (Rule of Thumb: Leave at least twenty minutes between classes).

3. Write down all classes you wish to take

You can add them to WebReg’s nifty Course Schedule Builder program to build your perfect schedule. Even as a freshman, you can use Degree Navigator to search required classes for your major. If a class you want is filled up, the box around your class in the builder will be a red dashed-line box.

4. Keep your Internet clear!!!

During the crucial period when most underclassmen are registering for classes at the same time, the Internet traffic becomes EXTREMELY crowded. It may take you a half hour to schedule classes – at times, a class you sign up for will have already filled up, leading the unprepared freshman to a mad dash for classes – exactly what happened to me. I was locked out of many classes I wanted to take, but I was prepared early, and cross-referenced classes which might interest me with a class that would also fulfill credits. I ended up taking a Women’s Rights course, which I thought at first would be dull, but actually turned out to be one of the easiest and most informative classes that I took that semester.

5. Know when to add/drop classes

As freshmen, you are freely able to add/drop classes as you see fit, but only within a certain time restraint. Be aware of the dates for when you are able to add/drop classes. Make sure you don’t go below the minimum amount of credits or overload yourself with too many credits!

6. Don’t be afraid – call and visit the right people!

Do not be afraid to call the Registrar’s office for questions, and if you need a special permission number for a required class, do not be afraid to approach the professor.

7. Get to know your academic adviser

This is the person who will be giving you advice on what classes to take and when to take them. Your first adviser will be assigned to you for freshman year, but after you declare a major, you will get a new adviser who will be there to help you for the rest of your college career. Do not be afraid to ask him/her about the challenges of your major, and definitely seek out opportunities to intern or work in a lab or as a T.A.

8. Balance

Try to find a good mix between challenging courses and some easier ones: while over/under-loading may be tempting, find what suits your personality and study habits best. After all, part of the college experience is going out on Thursday, Friday, and the weekend to party. Just make sure to balance your social life with your academic life… there are consequences for improper balance on either end of the college life spectrum.

9. Know your credits

Make sure the classes you sign up for not only interest you, but complete the credits you need to graduate: there can be nothing worse than completing four years of work only to find out the classes you took did not help you complete your required credits.

10. Try something new!

Don’t take classes just because you feel you HAVE to, or your friends are taking them. With a class catalog as vast and diverse as the one Rutgers has to offer, don’t be afraid to explore your interests and try something you’ve always wanted to do – especially check out the Byrne First Year Seminars and FIGS courses.

So to recap:

Plan ahead – know what will fulfill your required credits as well as keep you from falling asleep.





Write down times and locations – you do not want to be running back and forth all day… unless the five cups of coffee you drink each morning are used up on this.





If you have to travel across campus, make sufficient time to catch the bus – you do not want to be constantly late to your classes, especially on exam days.





Write down multiple classes in multiple categories – don’t let a class lockout mess you up.





KEEP YOUR INTERNET CONNECTION CLEAR – class signups are NOT the time to be downloading 5 seasons of Entourage.





Use Course Schedule Builder to your advantage – see what classes are actually available before it’s too late.





Step up and speak out – do not be afraid to call the Registrar or ask your professor for a special permission number for a required class.





Always schedule appointments with your academic adviser on time.





Course registration is done on a credit basis: the more credits you have, the earlier you get to sign up for courses.

Good luck, and don’t let the “class screw” get to you!

~Dave