Second Semester Schedule Changes

The first three days of each new semester are typically filled with countless students coming by to see if they can change their schedules.  I need to remind you to think twice before you try to make any changes.

Colleges frequently tell us the importance of seeing students maintain their challenging schedules - especially during their senior year!  A strong senior year schedule (and doing well in it) is one of the best predictors of a student's success in college.  Not only is it important to colleges because that is what they were expecting you to take, but it also shows them that you have the dedication to stick to your commitments when times get tough.  This is critical for colleges, but also a valuable life skill.  If you back away from any challenge, then you never really know what you can achieve. 

Now, please let me clarify, this is not true 100% of the time!  If you are struggling with your academic load, then you should make adjustments!  For students who are having a difficult time academically (F's, D's or even low C's), you need to make changes!  I don't know what those changes will be for you - hopefully it is an adjustment to your approach, time management and studying strategies, but if that is not a realistic option, then you need to change your course load.  Colleges want you to take appropriately challenging classes - in other words, classes that push you, but where you can still achieve success. 

A slightly different aspect of when I believe you need to think twice about the courses you are taking is for those students who are too overloaded.  You may be doing relatively well in all of your classes, but if you are struggling emotionally, are stressed 95% of the time (or in some of your cases even more than that), are not sleeping, or, are just barely managing to keep your head above water, then I believe you should consider adjusting your courses.  This is particularly true if you know that your second semester has commitments (such as a spring sport or a new job) that you haven't been juggling with the rest of your commitments so far this year.  Perhaps it doesn't mean you need to change your schedule, but something will need to change because your emotional and personal well being is of the utmost importance!

If you are hoping to change something in your schedule, don't forget that you must complete a schedule add/ drop form and have it signed by your parents.  If you are dropping a year-long class, you must also get your teacher's signature on the form.  These forms are available on the bookshelf in the counseling center.  The last day to add any classes for this semester is Thursday so please be sure to pick up a form tomorrow so you can take it home with you for your parents to sign it so that I can make the adjustments before the deadline.

Good luck in your new semester classes!