School Registration

RoyalRaccoon · November 2010

Is anyone else already having to think about what classes they are taking/need to take next semester? From what I've heard, I finally got a good registration date, which is Friday. I'm hoping on English, intro to statistics, art appreciation, intro to philosophy, intro to psychology, sociology, and healthy living or nutrition. Trying to get the general education stuff out of the way this semester, since I am restricted to online courses. I can't technically have all of the above, since that adds up to above 20 units; the maximum allowed units per student, per semester is 20(12 being a full time student), so I have to decide which I want...assuming they all still have openings by Friday. I also have to think about what I can afford. The more classes I have, means the more books I need to buy...text books are so ridiculous that financial aid is beginning to barely cover them.

For those of you in some form of school, what are your class plans for spring?

Maxxy · November 2010

Text book prices are ridiculous >.< If you can, see if you can get some secondhand. I haven't planned everything out yet, but I'm really hoping to get all my basic, core classes done and then get into psychology a little bit. That way I can eventually transfer somewhere better.

RoyalRaccoon · November 2010

Maxxy wrote:

Text book prices are ridiculous >.< If you can, see if you can get some secondhand. I haven't planned everything out yet, but I'm really hoping to get all my basic, core classes done and then get into psychology a little bit. That way I can eventually transfer somewhere better.

I always try to get them secondhand. Every penny counts! I should have knocked off a lot of the core classes in prior semesters, but I either didn't have a good registration date, or I didn't think about them. I can't wait to get them out of the way, and then it's mostly more science and math for me~

Does the psychology coincide with what you want to do(career), or are you just interested in it?

Maxxy · November 2010

What kinds of classes did you take in prior semesters? I'm trying to find out if getting them over and done with quicker is better or not. Thankfully, it's both. I'd love to be a psychiatrist one day and psychology as always interested me ^.^ How about you?

RoyalRaccoon · November 2010

I think it's definitely better to get them done right away, especially since some of the core classes are prerequisites to other classes. At the very least you should figure out what is required for the advanced classes, and make sure you get those prerequisites down right away. This is what I've taken in prior semesters. It's no where near as much as I would have liked, but it's darn hard to get classes out here, due to the number of students. Most are prerequisites for more advanced classes I have to take, or they are electives. I regret not getting general education requirements done first. 1st semester. - 3D Animation - Environmental Studies 2nd Semester - Intro to Chemistry - Intro to Biology - Geography 3rd Semester - Political Science - Intro to Law Enforcement - Criminal Law - Interpersonal Communication 4th Semester(Current) - Algebra - History of World Civilizations That sounds great! Are you going for anything special/specific(example: treating children), or does all of psychology interest you? I'm going for an A.S. in environmental studies with a wildlife conservation emphasis, and then I get to transfer into the B.S. program for environmental studies at a nearby university. I'm going to try to double major in environmental studies and organic chemistry at the B.S. level though.

iluvdogs111 · November 2010

I've been having some trouble deciding! I have my core classes, then two electives I believe. I love music so I'm definatly taking chorus, but I was torn between two other classes. I was going to get into art, and just take the basic class so I could do photography later. However I learned it is not required, and besides I'm not that into art. So I think I'm going into Child Development courses in the years to come, because I would love to be an elementary school teacher or go into childcare. It can be kind of stressful choosing classes, but it's not that bad if you know what you like.

Maxxy · November 2010

Those actually sound really interesting, especially 3D Animation and Criminal Law (: Ah, that's true. It's the worst when you find a class you'd like to take and then see you needed another class or two first. I'm not sure yet, but I'd like to work with teens and maybe criminals, although I'm not sure if that means even more studying :P All of psychology interests me, but those areas just draw me in. I hope that works out for you. There must be a lot of interesting jobs in that field ^.^

Troglin · November 2010

Our early bird registration started November 8th and ended November 28th. I got on at 8am Nov. 8th and there were classes that had been already completely filled, and by November 9th, most classes I picked were closed/wait-listed. I checked the registration site on the 28th and at least half of the classes are full, and pretty much all of the popular or required core classes are taken. So anyone who couldn't register early is pretty much out of luck. My class list for the spring semester.. The Juvenile Justice System Criminology Criminal Law, Evidence, and Procedures College Composition Weight Training I Ethics College Success Skills The above equals 18 credits, so I'm at the max for next semester. It should be interesting since this semester I only took two classes -- Survey of Criminal Justice and Principles of Public Speaking. How much does each credit hour cost you all? My older brother in SoCal said his is like $31 per credit, and out here it's $117.60 each. Huge difference! Does your college/bookstore offer a buy-back program or a book rental program? Out here they'll buy gently used books, so you can get some of your money back. My college also has a rental program where you pay 50% of the book's retail to use it for one semester, but it has to be turned back in the condition of which it was received. I might do the rental for spring.

Garnet · November 2010

this post makes me nervous.. i graduate in may.. i start college in the fall..

RoyalRaccoon · November 2010

iluvdogs111 wrote:

I've been having some trouble deciding! I have my core classes, then two electives I believe. I love music so I'm definatly taking chorus, but I was torn between two other classes. I was going to get into art, and just take the basic class so I could do photography later. However I learned it is not required, and besides I'm not that into art. So I think I'm going into Child Development courses in the years to come, because I would love to be an elementary school teacher or go into childcare. It can be kind of stressful choosing classes, but it's not that bad if you know what you like.

It's best to take classes that pertain to your selected career path whenever possible. Once you get those out of the way, then you can just start taking classes for fun, and for your own personal knowledge. I've veered off my career path before, and then I just regretted it. Feels like I wasted my time. Good luck, and don't let yourself get too stressed out.

Maxxy wrote:

Those actually sound really interesting, especially 3D Animation and Criminal Law (: Ah, that's true. It's the worst when you find a class you'd like to take and then see you needed another class or two first. I'm not sure yet, but I'd like to work with teens and maybe criminals, although I'm not sure if that means even more studying :P All of psychology interests me, but those areas just draw me in. I hope that works out for you. There must be a lot of interesting jobs in that field ^.^

I did the 3D animation, because I needed extra credits to graduate early. It was an interesting class, but the teacher was very frustrating. My mother had to send in a letter to the dean, because it took the teacher forever to give out the final grades. The criminal law was for what I'll most likely do after getting a B.S., so that I can continue school for a masters and/or doctorates. I know I want to do some work with fish and game, possibly as a warden if I can complete the training, so I need 16 units in administration of justice. Got to save all the California animals~ I've always heard that children specialties require extra training. My mother is in a nursing program, and had to do some work at a facility for the criminally insane. When I asked her why they didn't just take everyone to a hospital where they treated mentally ill children(they are a lot less scary than murderers), she said it was because anything involving children in the medical field takes a lot more education. I think it's a good field though, and there definitely needs to be more people working in it. I hope you're able to accomplish your goals.

Anastasia wrote:

Our early bird registration started November 8th and ended November 28th. I got on at 8am Nov. 8th and there were classes that had been already completely filled, and by November 9th, most classes I picked were closed/wait-listed. I checked the registration site on the 28th and at least half of the classes are full, and pretty much all of the popular or required core classes are taken. So anyone who couldn't register early is pretty much out of luck. My class list for the spring semester.. The Juvenile Justice System Criminology Criminal Law, Evidence, and Procedures College Composition Weight Training I Ethics College Success Skills The above equals 18 credits, so I'm at the max for next semester. It should be interesting since this semester I only took two classes -- Survey of Criminal Justice and Principles of Public Speaking. How much does each credit hour cost you all? My older brother in SoCal said his is like $31 per credit, and out here it's $117.60 each. Huge difference! Does your college/bookstore offer a buy-back program or a book rental program? Out here they'll buy gently used books, so you can get some of your money back. My college also has a rental program where you pay 50% of the book's retail to use it for one semester, but it has to be turned back in the condition of which it was received. I might do the rental for spring.

The registration at my school started yesterday, so I've got a good date. My brother still has to wait 2 weeks, so he'll probably get stuck with barely anything, if anything at all. Your class list sounds interesting. Definitely a lot of things I'd be interested in taking! I only took 2 classes this semester too, but I'm planning on packing on as much as I can for Spring. I wish I didn't have to, but I was barely able to get anything this semester, so I've got some catching up to do. Ah, out here in SoCal it should be $26 a unit for community college. The universities charge a lot more. I think my cousin who is at UCLA pays $300 something a unit, if not more, but luckily she's graduating soon. Due to my family's financial situation the government has waived my tuition, so all I have to pay for is books and supplies while attending my local community college. My school's bookstore does do a buy-back program. That's normally how I get my used books. As far as I know they don't have a rental program though. Some students that I've talked to said that there are other places to rent the books, but I haven't looked into them yet; I'll probably have to in Fall 2011 when I go back into the sciences, since the science books have thus far been the most expensive.

Garnet wrote:

this post makes me nervous.. i graduate in may.. i start college in the fall..

College by itself isn't that bad. It just sucks when you can't get any classes.

Alabama · November 2010

Of course, I'm not registering for classes, but my step daughter did. She got all but one of the classes she needed because she chose morning classes. Even her freshman year, she got into all but one of her classes that way. I guess most people want the afternoon classes, so though last year she got almost last pick, she still got what she needed. She's going for nursing. I know the year following, she's going to probably have some trouble because she has to apply for nursing school and those classes are extremely limited.

RoyalRaccoon · December 2010

Alabama wrote:

Of course, I'm not registering for classes, but my step daughter did. She got all but one of the classes she needed because she chose morning classes. Even her freshman year, she got into all but one of her classes that way. I guess most people want the afternoon classes, so though last year she got almost last pick, she still got what she needed. She's going for nursing. I know the year following, she's going to probably have some trouble because she has to apply for nursing school and those classes are extremely limited.

I like morning classes too. The earlier, the better. Most people seem to prefer afternoon or night classes though, because they get filled first out here as well. I just function better in the morning. My mother had a horrible time getting into the nursing program to go from an LVN to an RN(she graduates at the end of spring!). It's insane. It's also insane that, in my state at least, they are telling so many young people that nursing is a good field to go into, which has caused a flood of students, but then there are no nursing positions available when they graduate. My mother is hoping that the place she used to work at(before they got rid of LVNs) will take her back right away, since she has a history and friends there.

Alabama · December 2010

Nursing is actually good field around here. Lots of jobs. She's taking 4 classes through the summer as well, hoping that by being able to apply a semester early, maybe there won't be as many applicants for the nursing schools, giving her a better shot at being accepted. Her mother is studying to become an RN, but even as an LPN, she never has trouble finding jobs.. Keeping them, that's another thing, but even with her sketchy work history, finding them isn't a problem. Just hope it stays that way until Laura gets through nursing school.

RoyalRaccoon · December 2010

Alabama wrote:

Nursing is actually good field around here. Lots of jobs. She's taking 4 classes through the summer as well, hoping that by being able to apply a semester early, maybe there won't be as many applicants for the nursing schools, giving her a better shot at being accepted. Her mother is studying to become an RN, but even as an LPN, she never has trouble finding jobs.. Keeping them, that's another thing, but even with her sketchy work history, finding them isn't a problem. Just hope it stays that way until Laura gets through nursing school.

That's great to hear, for both of them. As I said, it's horrible here. No jobs, and LVNs are becoming obsolete at many facilities, unless they want to do the grunt work of a CNA(for the same pay too!). I hope your step daughter is able to get into the program, and have a successful career!

NickelbackLuver · December 2010

Im already signed up for spring classes. I have... Literature Analysis Western Lit. I General Psychology Communications Ballroom Dancing :3 I'm excited. All of them but the communications class, I picked on my own. We have to take communications

Which means SPEAKING which I suck at. I'm dreading that xD

Troglin · December 2010

PrinceSushi wrote:

 The registration at my school started yesterday, so I've got a good date. My brother still has to wait 2 weeks, so he'll probably get stuck with barely anything, if anything at all. Your class list sounds interesting. Definitely a lot of things I'd be interested in taking! I only took 2 classes this semester too, but I'm planning on packing on as much as I can for Spring. I wish I didn't have to, but I was barely able to get anything this semester, so I've got some catching up to do. Ah, out here in SoCal it should be $26 a unit for community college. The universities charge a lot more. I think my cousin who is at UCLA pays $300 something a unit, if not more, but luckily she's graduating soon. Due to my family's financial situation the government has waived my tuition, so all I have to pay for is books and supplies while attending my local community college. My school's bookstore does do a buy-back program. That's normally how I get my used books. As far as I know they don't have a rental program though. Some students that I've talked to said that there are other places to rent the books, but I haven't looked into them yet; I'll probably have to in Fall 2011 when I go back into the sciences, since the science books have thus far been the most expensive.

I definitely feel sorry for your brother. This semester I only got the two classes because I registered late -- I was going to do a different program, but it's wait listed until at least Fall 2011. I hope he gets at least a couple classes that he wants/needs.

Thanks! I think most of the classes I'm taking don't apply to the degree I decided to get. I'm just way too undecided, but I switched my AS in criminal justice to AS in social sciences to transfer for a BS in sociology with a criminal specialization. :P Hopefully they transfer, if not I suppose it's just merely for fun anyway. Yeah, my older brother said that it was going to raise in price, but meh. He lies a lot, lol. I wouldn't be surprised if California decided to increase tuition though. He's on financial aid too, and supposedly the state is paying his entire tuition, books, fees, computer programs, and he gets a $1,300 Dell or HP laptop for free.

I understand his financial situation is downright terrible, but I feel bad that taxpayers have to pay for a high-end laptop that he doesn't quite need. ^^ He's going for computer engineering, so while a computer might be seen as essential, I'm sure a $200-300 laptop would be just as good to begin with.. Best of luck getting the books at a reasonable price though.

I never could understand the point in charging $90-300+ per book. It really doesn't seem like the book is all that valuable, heh.

Nickelback_Luver wrote:

 :3 I'm excited. All of them but the communications class, I picked on my own. We have to take communications Which means SPEAKING which I suck at. I'm dreading that xD

Do you have any idea if you'll be required to do a group speech of some sort? I absolutely hate speaking in public, but my speaking class actually went by easier than I thought it would. The only thing that is really getting me is this group speech -- due tonight, and two of my partners didn't do their work and we had 2 weeks to do it. So I'm doing their work now. > Good luck in that class though.

The semester will be over before you know it. Nice picks for the other classes too. In Ballroom Dancing, do they teach you the history or do they also teach you how to dance?

RoyalRaccoon · December 2010

Nickelback__Luver wrote:

Im already signed up for spring classes. I have... Literature Analysis Western Lit. I General Psychology Communications Ballroom Dancing :3 I'm excited. All of them but the communications class, I picked on my own. We have to take communications Which means SPEAKING which I suck at. I'm dreading that xD

Ballroom dancing is an unusual class you don't hear about everyday! Sounds interesting. I took interpersonal communication for my communication requirement. It was an online class, but from what I've heard from other students, the actual physical class is a lot easier than other communications, because it's on a more personal level.

Anastasia wrote:

 I definitely feel sorry for your brother. This semester I only got the two classes because I registered late -- I was going to do a different program, but it's wait listed until at least Fall 2011. I hope he gets at least a couple classes that he wants/needs. Thanks! I think most of the classes I'm taking don't apply to the degree I decided to get. I'm just way too undecided, but I switched my AS in criminal justice to AS in social sciences to transfer for a BS in sociology with a criminal specialization. :P Hopefully they transfer, if not I suppose it's just merely for fun anyway. Yeah, my older brother said that it was going to raise in price, but meh. He lies a lot, lol. I wouldn't be surprised if California decided to increase tuition though. He's on financial aid too, and supposedly the state is paying his entire tuition, books, fees, computer programs, and he gets a $1,300 Dell or HP laptop for free. I understand his financial situation is downright terrible, but I feel bad that taxpayers have to pay for a high-end laptop that he doesn't quite need. ^^ He's going for computer engineering, so while a computer might be seen as essential, I'm sure a $200-300 laptop would be just as good to begin with.. Best of luck getting the books at a reasonable price though. I never could understand the point in charging $90-300+ per book. It really doesn't seem like the book is all that valuable, heh.

So far it's not looking good for him, which sucks. I still have 2 days until I register, and quite a few classes have already filled up. The math class I wanted already has 6 students waitlisted. By the time 2 weeks is up, he'll have slim pickings. They don't tell you if they transfer? They should. I'd be freaking out if I was taking classes that didn't transfer, but I'm just sick of my degree taking so long. Yeah, I haven't heard anything at all that says they have raised the price, or plan to raise the price for community colleges out here. The only thing I heard that raised was one of the state grants, which is great for those that qualify(I do). Depending on the degree you are getting, the state does pay for things like that. I looked into getting discounts on a new computer for school, but I don't qualify, because of my selected major. $1300 sounds average for a nice computer that will be used by someone in a program for computer engineering. Starting with a cheap one wouldn't expose you to the latest technology, particularly the newest operating systems, which can be $200 on their own. I just hope he actually uses it through his courses, or else it would be a waste of tax payer money. I can totally see why some of the books are expensive, especially the science courses, due to paying royalties to include information from outside sources, or to pay multiple authors, but some of these other books are ridiculous. I have to wonder if I'm paying more for the company/author, than the actual information inside the book. I also hate when they make them hardcover, and full of unnecessary color photos, because that definitely jacks the price up. My bio class was able to get the students a decent deal(still expensive, but every penny counts), because our textbook was unbound(it only had holes punched in it to go into a 3 ring binder).

Troglin · December 2010

Wow. How many students does your college have? I would suggest that they create more classes, but I'm sure that wouldn't help much, if at all. It sounds like they really are stretched to their limits with all of the students.

See, they would tell you if they classes would transfer. I've never had to know though, because the administration of justice degree I wanted couldn't transfer -- or only about 1/3 of the classes would. This is the first time I've ever really wanted to transfer, and I found the AS of social sciences. I'd have to go into the Student Success Center to be assigned a new adviser, because social science and administration of justice aren't really similar. The criminal justice classes would have to be approved electives, and I think with the AS in social sciences only one could possibly even count anyway. I'll have to get a new adviser after registration closes, otherwise the advisers are bitter and trying to get everyone rushed through. I'm not really concerned about it, since my parents are the ones paying the tuition. If it transfers, okay. If it doesn't, then I learned something new and had fun. [Hopefully.] They actually restrict certain things based upon what your major is? I would think that they'd just want everyone to get an education regardless, or at least have a case-by-case basis for it. True, if the laptop was used for the courses and kept safe, I'd see no issue with it. I just have a bad feeling that he'll be reckless with it, in the sense that his wife or his kids would have access to it. The kids have a bad habit of dumping all electronics in water or soda, or taking them to "hide". Meh. I see no issues with paying royalties; it's rightfully the author's and that's how they generate income. I do agree with the full color or extra things they do to increase printing costs. On almost all of the science books I've seen, they are hard covers with detailed, embossed images. The pages are almost always in full color, and the images are high-resolution or bigger than probably required. They're pretty to look at, but they're not really as cost effective as they could be. Perhaps companies should offer the "elegant" ones at their normal price and a no-color, paperback version for a little bit less. Though I have little idea of printmaking, and even less when it comes to percentages of royalties and such.

RoyalRaccoon · December 2010

Too many. What I hate is that probably 75% of the students are adults that have gone back to school, and they find special loop holes, which give them the best registration dates, so that all the students fresh out of high school can't get anything. I have zero problem with them going back to school, I actually think it's great, but I don't agree with all these loop holes that my college gives them. It unbalances the seniority system. A lot of my brother's friends who could not get into, or afford a university could not get any classes after graduating high school. My brother was lucky to get 1. Another huge problem is the lack of classes, which they tried to fix this year, but this year is looking worse than last year. I wouldn't say they "restrict" things based on your major, but your major can get you extra benefits. It's like like government sponsored scholarships. Art majors can get deals on art supplies, which is useful to them, but pointless in giving to other majors. Technology majors can get deals on new computers and new software, which is useful to them, but not necessary for other majors. So on and so forth. Regardless of your major, your financial situation and GPA are what get you your main financial support. It is always done on a case-by-case method from what I've been told and experienced.

I registered about 30 minutes ago. Good news and bad news. English is completely filled, and the wait lists are too. Same for math, but that happened a couple days ago. I had to pick out some different classes too, but at least all are all filling some requirement. I'm just bummed about not getting English. Here is what I got: Art Appreciation (fill my art requirement) History of Civilization Since 1500 (counts towards humanities) Principles of Sociology (counts towards social sciences) Intro to Psychology (counts towards social sciences) Healthy Living (fills my physical education requirement) Logic (it's a philosophy class that counts towards English/communication/critical thinking requirement) 18 unit total. It will be a busy semester. My brother has 9 days to go until he registers. Doubt he is going to get much with how many classes are already closed out by the 5th day.

NickelbackLuver · December 2010

Anastasia wrote:

 

Nickelback_Luver wrote:

 :3 I'm excited. All of them but the communications class, I picked on my own. We have to take communications Which means SPEAKING which I suck at. I'm dreading that xD

 Do you have any idea if you'll be required to do a group speech of some sort? I absolutely hate speaking in public, but my speaking class actually went by easier than I thought it would. The only thing that is really getting me is this group speech -- due tonight, and two of my partners didn't do their work and we had 2 weeks to do it. So I'm doing their work now. > Good luck in that class though. The semester will be over before you know it. Nice picks for the other classes too. In Ballroom Dancing, do they teach you the history or do they also teach you how to dance?

We will be doing a group speech, I'm fairly certain. There were several groups of people that went into the library over this semester and they were practicing speeches, so I'm fairly certain that's what it was for. It sounded like they did some speech on a book of their choosing? Would be interesting, if that's the case. And, ugh, I hate group work for that very reason. I have never had a good group in my life. A lot of people want to be in my group just because they know I will do the work regardless of their input =/ Highschool groupings were horrid about that. I tried my hardest to just work by myself, but some teachers didnt allow it. Another group I was in before, the one person did all the work and wouldn't let any of us do anything, which was just as bad because we had test questions on the lab, and I didn't have any idea about anything since she didn't allow us to do anything. So, yeah, I hope I get a good group for once in my life

Ballroom dancing is part of the "wellness" programs, so I'd assume we should be learning dancing as well. It's called ballroom/group dancing. I'm going to be a nervous wreck if I have to dance with someone, but I think it'll be good for me if that's the case

Will push me into actually interacting some. That's part of the reason why I wanted it. Plus, I've always liked the idea of dancing...just never got my clumsy self into doing it XD

PrinceSushi wrote:

Nickelback__Luver wrote:

Im already signed up for spring classes. I have... Literature Analysis Western Lit. I General Psychology Communications Ballroom Dancing :3 I'm excited. All of them but the communications class, I picked on my own. We have to take communications Which means SPEAKING which I suck at. I'm dreading that xD

 Ballroom dancing is an unusual class you don't hear about everyday! Sounds interesting. I took interpersonal communication for my communication requirement. It was an online class, but from what I've heard from other students, the actual physical class is a lot easier than other communications, because it's on a more personal level.

Yeah

I'm excited for it. I got stuck in some "racket sports" thing...which I was not happy about since, I know for a fact I suck at tennis and that is pretty much the whole class. So I dropped that real fast. We have to take a "Wellness" requirement, though, and ballroom dancing was one of them. It sounds more fun then a regular fitness class, anyway. My mom says I'll be complaining about being sore xD Oh well. Yeah, I'm hoping it'll make me a little less shy, but, I've said that about speeches in the past. And it's horrible. I'll have the speech all down good, have it planned out where it will be interesting and flowing - then I get up there and actually have to do it, and I miss a bunch of things and totally mess up. For my veterinary class, we had to do a presentation... I brought Tucker to school to do a presentation on dog training. I was so excited about it, but I was a mess when everyone was staring at me

Tucker was such a good boy though. I was shaking and nervous, and he still listened to everything I said and behaved himself. He was still quite a puppy then, I was kinda nervous HE was going to mess me up, but he did the exact opposite xD But, if I can't do a speech with my dog with me

I'm afraid for this. & good luck to everyone else for spring courses

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