The early days of February mark another obligation in a Nerinx student’s life: registering for classes next year. As seniors watched, their younger counterparts mulled over available options for the 2015-16 school year. Students discussed future class offerings and what they wanted to take.  The day after registration, the main hallway was filled halfway with expectant students vying for different options. Registration isn’t always easy. Students are in a rush to sign up for the most popular classes available, heckling teachers for their signatures of approval for higher-level options. And for the youngest, rising sophomores, registration is a confusing and difficult process to manage. It’s always hectic at Nerinx Hall, but this time of year, it can become downright insane. Here’s some quick advice to get you thinking productively about the future.

Make sure to have a basic idea of what you want to do next year. It’s always nice to have at least an inkling of what classes you want to take. Do you enjoy art classes? Ask those who have taken art classes before about the available courses for next year. It doesn’t hurt to plan out what your next academic year will look like. Still unsure? Ask upperclassmen about their experiences. You’ll always hear rumors about courses. However, it’s always good to get different opinions from upperclassmen who are similar to you. Don’t be shy! Students all have an opinion about the classes they have taken during their time at Nerinx, and they would be ecstatic to divulge all the ups and downs of the classes to come.

The next piece of advice is well-worn, but for a good reason: get signatures (and sign up for classes) as early as possible. As the filled hallway indicated, there is a frantic approach to sign up for classes such as “Interdisciplinary,” “Innocence and Evil,” and “Gender Studies.” While you may be inclined to wait out the storm, that’s not the best option, especially if you really want to take a particular class. By the time you get there, the spots may be all taken, and you will leave disappointed. So make sure to get organized and focused as soon as possible in order to ensure that you’ll look fondly upon your schedule next year.

Another facet of the registration process is thinking realistically about how you want to be challenged next year. If you are thinking about dropping a language or adding a new one, you also need to consider other factors, such as how challenging is the science class you are taking? Make sure to weigh all of your options in order to ensure a stress-free, but rigorous academic school year. During your last year at Nerinx, you will have many more options and less prerequisites. Along with college plans comes “Senioritis”, roughly translated into “students not really caring about school work due to already being accepted into college and/or graduating in a few short months.” It’s not advised to take “easy” classes or structure your registration to have tons of free periods; it’s about squeezing in every fun, exciting class you can take your senior year. Challenging yourself doesn’t only make you better as a student; it attracts schools. Colleges that are willing to offer scholarship money see a solid resume for senior year and think, “Wow, she really challenges herself.” However, it’s just as important to be savvy about how far you can go. Senior Mariah Pugliese says, “Take up enough classes to keep busy, but don’t take up so much that you can’t take care of yourself.” These words of wisdom apply to any grade level; challenge yourself, but not to the extent that you are crying every night over the amount of work you have to do!

If you’re unsure about taking that extra honors class, or debating if you’re ready for an AP class, it’s time to talk to a teacher. Obtain an expert’s opinion about your plans. Considering moving from regular chemistry to honors biology? Talk to your chemistry teacher about how realistic that would be. Your teachers have taught you and graded you for the past year; they know how far you can be stretched.

The last piece of advice is to be excited instead of nervous. While the next year may hold challenges, it will hold a ton of new, exciting things as well. By planning out your registration, you can ensure that the coming year will be the best to come.