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SUMMER BRIDGE UPDATE

HECC Office of Student Access and Completion (OSAC)

July 19, 2024

Welcome to Summer Bridge- Week 5

Welcome to Week 5 of Summer Bridge! One important difference between high school and college is that in college, you have greater control over the classes you take and when you take them. This week’s newsletter offers some helpful advice about registering, choosing classes, and getting textbooks inexpensively.

Registering for Classes

What is Registration?

Registering for classes can be overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure where to start. First, determine when registration is open; most schools have different periods based on the academic year or total credits earned. Find out if you need to meet with an Advisor. Sometimes you need to have approval from an Advisor to register. Next, make a list of classes you’re interested in. If you’ve decided on a major, begin with introductory-level courses (e.g., PSY101). If you’re still undecided, start with core requirements—classes every student must take regardless of major. You can find these requirements on your student portal or the school’s website. Once you have your list of courses, decide how many credits you want to take and then register for your selected courses. Want more information? Check out this article from BigFuture. 

What if a class I really want to take is already full?

First, join the course waitlist. Then, consider reaching out to the professor to express your interest in the course; sometimes, they will accept additional students who show enthusiasm about the material. Regardless, check when the course will be offered again and plan accordingly. Want more information? Check out this article from BestColleges. 

Making Textbooks More Affordable

Six Tips

Once you know your class schedule, you may be tempted to buy all of the class materials right away, but here are a few tips to make textbooks more affordable:

1. Avoid buying textbooks until after your first day of class. Some textbooks are listed as required online, but often you'll find in class that they are not necessary.
2. Look online for digital editions of the textbook. These versions are often much cheaper than the physical version and sometimes even free as a PDF.
3. Many schools have open Facebook groups where students sell their used textbooks at a discount.
4. If you are taking out loans, ensure you budget enough to cover textbooks and school supplies (typically $100-$200 per term).
5. Some courses may use the same textbook as a previous course. For instance, an Economics 101 course may use the same book as Economics 102.
6. School and public libraries often have copies of common textbooks that you can borrow for a limited time.

How to Pick Classes Research classes and professors beforehand to create a class schedule that suits you: Talk to other students in your major. Ask your academic advisor if they have any insights about specific courses. Need more information? Check out this article from BigFuture.

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