| Basics to obtaining a college degree | | | | primary elements of your major and are usually the |
| The college experience can provide incredible | | | | most demanding in terms of time and study. This |
| experiences, both enjoyable and not-so enjoyable. It is | | | | 3-step process is usually viewed as beginner, |
| a life-changing journey that will always remain in the | | | | intermediate, and advanced. You should take each |
| mind. Of course, do not forget why you're there: to get | | | | step gradually and try not to jump too early into the |
| a college degree. Enjoying the "experience" is | | | | advanced courses. |
| important, but the emphasis needs to be on completing | | | | 2.)Check your school's website regularly. In today's |
| your courses and making the best the grades possible | | | | ever-expanding reliance on the internet and technology, |
| in those courses. | | | | college courses usually have an online component that |
| Here is some basic information you'll need to know in | | | | students must check. This might be called "Blackboard" |
| order to obtain your college degree: | | | | or some other name. You must check this feature |
| 1.)Follow the 3-step process to fulfilling the | | | | regularly. Why? Because if you don't, there is a risk |
| requirements of a degree. First you have the General | | | | you'll miss a major announcement by the professor or |
| Education requirements. These usually include Intro | | | | an online assignment such as a discussion board post. |
| English, Math, and Science courses in addition to a few | | | | 3.)Stay on top of your completed courses and what |
| other necessary courses that are broad in nature and | | | | you MUST take in order to obtain your college degree. |
| may not apply at all to your major (i.e. Philosophy). If | | | | Completing this step requires you to meet with a |
| you're pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree, you will | | | | guidance counselor at least once a semester in order |
| more than likely have to take 2-years of a foreign | | | | to keep all of your completed coursework organized |
| language. If you're pursuing a Bachelor of Science | | | | and assist you in staying on track with your respective |
| degree focusing on Engineering or Business, then you'll | | | | major. I've seen too many students neglect meeting |
| usually be exempt of this requirement, but more Math | | | | with a guidance counselor and not reviewing their |
| and Science courses will be necessary. Second, you | | | | major's curriculum sheet. The result was not graduating |
| will have your Foundation courses. These will focus | | | | on time and taking courses that were not needed |
| more on the skills required in your particular major. For | | | | (a.k.a. money down the drain). |
| example, if you're majoring in English, taking | | | | Summary: If you follow these 3 simple steps, you |
| Shakespeare and British Literature will be mandatory in | | | | should obtain your college degree within the average |
| the Foundation portion of your degree. Finally, there are | | | | 4-year period, or even sooner if you decide to take |
| the Advanced courses. These are usually designated | | | | additional courses in a semester or go to summer |
| as 300-400 level courses (essentially, Junior and Senior | | | | school. But remember to stay on top of things so it is |
| level courses). They will focus exclusively on the | | | | not overwhelming. |