Choosing Courses
One of the toughest tasks during Orientation Week is choosing your classes. First step? Look through the Schedule of Classes and the "Undergraduate Announcement," and highlight those that interest you. The possibilities are both exciting and daunting.
Once you have an idea of what you're looking for, make a beeline for the Registrar's online course evaluations, which every student must complete for every class. You can do this by following the instructions on the USG website.
The online Student Course Guide (Princeton netID required) is also a helpful resource. The guide is student-written, so take its reviews with some reservation. Remember that every class has somebody that loves it and somebody that hates it -- so take the time to check reviews from previous years and from other courses taught by the same professor. Only you can determine whether the professor appeals to you and the workload is one that you can manage.
Your RCAs (not to mention your sophomore hallmates) are a big help, too, when choosing courses. Ask them about their favorite classes. And take advantage of the freshman seminars -- they are a great way to get to know your classmates and the professor without a podium or upperclassmen in the way.
Handing in your course selections doesn't end the process! Have fun sampling a range of classes during the first few weeks of class. Look closely at the syllabi: how much reading and/or writing does the schedule you're contemplating involve? Do you want paper-based or exam-based classes? Are you on track to fill your distribution requirements? Just don't shop too long -- most classes are in full swing by the second week, and falling behind is a bad idea.
