Thinking Ahead

The best thing you can do for yourself is to plan your education in advance. There are a few ways you can do this.

1. Really question which classes you need to take and which you can waive. Give yourself extra space in your schedule, by waiving a class, to pursue certificates or just other classes that will inspire and challenge you.
2. Attend convocation and upperclassmen studio elective presentations! This will give you an idea of the studio briefs in the future and the approach professors have towards the brief. Getting a sense for which professors you agree with, are intriguied by, or would challenge you will make studio and research choices much simpler.
3. Get to know the faculty and staff of your respective departments. Even if you aren’t in that department yet getting to know the department will only open doors for you. I really wish I had done that sooner!
4. Literally plan out every single semesters schedule, the credit count, and the possible alternatives. This can help make your case for waiving classes and gives you a plan to follow so you don’t have to figure it all out again every semester.

That day before classes may be the last little break you have but spending it on campus planning in the first few semesters is absolutely worth it. Best of luck everyone!