HOW COLLEGE CLASSES ARE CLASSIFIED

When a student is preparing to select classes for their first college semester, there are a couple of things to know:

1. College classes are given credit based on the number of hours the class meets each week (more or less) - for example, a class that meets three days per week for one hour each day is worth THREE CREDIT HOURS. Your status as a student is based on how many CREDIT HOURS you take.

2. A full-time student will have 12 or more CREDIT HOURS. Typically, this is reached by taking four classes at three credit hours per class. Classes range anywhere from 1 to 4 credit hours, and some classes can be worth up to 7 credit hours (a C.N.A. class is worth 7).

3. A college student's progress toward degree completion is based on the degree plan (a class 'checklist'), but is often expressed in CREDIT HOURS completed. This is how scholarship eligibility is determined. Students who do not complete enough credit hours can lose their scholarship (or by a low G.P.A.).

HOW COLLEGE CLASSES meet

While high school classes meet five days a week, for roughly one hour each day, college classes do not.

1. Some in-person college classes meet on Monday, then Wednesday, then Friday (for roughly one hour), or on Monday, then Wednesday (or Tuesday, then Thursday (roughly for one and a half hours).

2. Note that Science Labs meet for two hours or more (but are usually only worth one credit hour!)

3. As you plan your schedule, simply make sure the times for any in-person classes don't conflict. You can't be in two places at once! :)

4. HINT: treat your online classes like in-person classes, and spend time on them more than once per week!

what is a degree plan?

A Degree Plan is your 'contract' with the school to obtain your desired degree; when you complete the listed classes, and have the required G.P.A. from those classes, you will have earned the degree! So, consider your degree plan when making your schedule.

Below is an example of a four-year degree plan:

LOOK BACK BEFORE LOOKING AHEAD!

Before you can schedule future classes, you need to account for any college classes you have taken already!

AND, the College Advisor who will meet with you to plan your schedule does also! You will have an Advisor in college for this purpose from beginning to end. This person is important for your success, and you will want to have a good relationship with them.

For our process, complete the attached Pre-Advising Google Form, and we will send that information on to your College Advising Office (if UACCB or Ozarka), or give you a copy for your session at any other college.