Are you a first year who has just figured out what classes you’re taking and you think you’re ready to imagine what senior year is like? Or are you a senior who’s curious to find people going through the same class struggles? You have found the right article! Below I will describe some of the classes you’re likely to be taking your senior year of college:
The class that requires a lot of work, and you should probably start working, but you’re not.
Chances are, you’re taking a class that all your previous years’ work has amounted to. With great power comes great responsibility (or maybe just great difficulty.) Either way, if you’re like the rest of the senior year class, this is the class that you’re worried about this semester. And you’re thinking, “It’s senior year—shouldn’t I be having a little fun while I’m still young and in college?” Yes, but you still have to crush your classes.
Class that started off really easy, so you didn’t sweat it, but things ramp up and then you DIE.
This class is like the class that requires a lot of work, but there’s a difference. You’re in a position where just a week ago, the world was fine, the sun was shining and the birds were singing—then BAM! Suddenly the course load piles up on you, and there’s no way of backing out. The only thing to do now is cry.
Class that’s required but super boring.
We’ve all been here, we’ve all done it. For the most part at Rochester, you get to choose classes that interest you. But there are still major prerequisites. (And just because something fulfills your major—the thing you’re interested in!—that doesn’t mean you’ll necessarily love it.) It’s never a good idea to leave a required class until your last year (maybe even your last semester!), but hey, sometimes life just doesn’t work out any other way! Or maybe this is a class you decided to drop in a previous semester exactly because it’s so boring…? Either way, hang in there, and good luck!
Class where the professor is the best thing about the class.
This class is a treat for the lucky. This is for people who have worked hard, fulfilled their requirements early, and are now taking classes simply because they can, mostly with professors they really like. Even if the material isn’t exactly what floats your boat, it’s made interesting by its fantastic instructor. It’s the professor that makes waking up early in the morning worth it. Much like unicorns, these classes’ actual existence has yet to be confirmed for many students. Another reason to work harder!
Intro class where you’re closer to your professor in age than anyone else in the room.
Finally, for seniors, it is possible that you will find yourself in an introductory course where everyone around you is either a first year or sophomore. Students who, although friendly, just don’t have the same amount of first-hand experience that you do. But it’s not all bad! Intro courses are often taught by teaching assistants (TAs), and you might actually connect more with the instructor than with your classmates. You’ll probably get the instructor’s jokes more than the first years!
There’s a lot to navigate when picking out classes in college and it can seem like a jungle, but there’s also a lot to look forward to. Embrace the challenge!