<p>The Class of 2011 Homepage is up and running!</p>
<p>For information on online registration (which will run from June 11th - June 30th), living on campus, and Freshman Orientation, please peruse the site.</p>
<p>Please read through all of the information contained within these pages...it's a bit overwhelming, but well worth reading. If any questions arise, just let me know.</p>
<p>Hi Justin! There's a lot of information here to read through, but I have a preliminary question...can first year student register for courses (no prereqs) which are not included on the first year list? I wonder also what to do if
I think I'd major in a science, but not sure b/c also interested in econ/bus (maybe minor?), BA Engineer? trying to consider what will be good with eye to second semester as well. if I take classes to fulfill common course that may be required for a lot of majors (math, lab sci, etc) how will I ever have any time to explore areas I've never been exposed to, but may be interested in? I looked at a link for bio course planning and I see it's all science and electives are held until jr/sr semesters? What if I'm just not that sure of my major and how will I get varied exposure early on to be sure and still be able to fulfill requirements in the major?</p>
<p>Those are some great questions! Let's take them one at a time, shall we?</p>
<ol>
<li><p>That "First Year Course List" (located here:<a href="http://ww2.lafayette.edu/%7Eregistra/fyreg/Course%20List/CourseList.php%5B/url%5D">http://ww2.lafayette.edu/~registra/fyreg/Course%20List/CourseList.php</a>) is comprehensive. After looking through the fall course offerings for all students, it seems that they have put together a complete list of those courses in all departments which do not have prerequisites. Is there a specific course you are considering that is not listed? Keep in mind that no students are allowed to take an Econ & Business course during their first semester at Lafayette.</p></li>
<li><p>There is enough time to explore various departments over the course of four years, even though you have to fulfill the Common Course of Study (listed here: <a href="http://ww2.lafayette.edu/%7Eregistra/fyreg/StationeryLinks/CommonCourseofStudy.php%5B/url%5D">http://ww2.lafayette.edu/~registra/fyreg/StationeryLinks/CommonCourseofStudy.php</a>) and the requirements for a major (usually 10-12 courses total for most majors...B.S. science majors are slightly more rigorous). </p></li>
<li><p>That "Suggested B.S. Biology Curriculum" you mention (located here: <a href="http://ww2.lafayette.edu/%7Ebiology/planBS.html%5B/url%5D">http://ww2.lafayette.edu/~biology/planBS.html</a>) gives prospective biology majors an idea. It seems a little too focused if you ask me! There is no reason to save all of your electives until the senior year, as is suggested.</p></li>
<li><p>Don't worry...most students come into Lafayette not knowing exactly what they want to study. It is entirely possible to not decide on a major until junior year and still graduate on time! Students who take courses toward a given major their first year a just a step ahead of everyone else. I encourage you to follow this advice: use the eight courses of your first year to fulfill the Common Course of Study (everything except the "Writing Requirement", which must be fulfilled junior and senior year) and explore departments. Continue with a few electives sophomore year, but also begin to take a few courses toward an intended major. Junior and senior year, you should be taking 2-3 courses each semester toward your declared major.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>I know that the course registration process and the idea of having to fulfill requirements can seem overwhelming, and even a bit intimidating to incoming students such as yourself. Trust me that, after a semester at Lafayette, you'll have a MUCH better idea of what courses you should be taking and when you should begin to focus your studies (your assigned academic adviser will prove to be helpful as well).</p>
<p>I hope my suggestions are helpful. If you seek further advice, do not hesitate to post your questions.</p>
<p>Believe it or not, this advice consolidates the information contained within the "First Year Student Registration" website. Do not go crazy trying to identify courses for a particular major beyond the 100-level, unless AP/IB credits allow for placement out of the Intro course. </p>
<p>Please consider what I have said, and if any questions arise, just let me know.</p>
<p>I just want to add a caution -- those thinking they may major in engineering (BS) should register as an engineering major. There is a first year intro to engineering course. It is also easier to change from an engineering major than it is to do the reverse. I do not know if the same is true for BA engineering majors.</p>
<p>If anyone is even thinking of majoring in one of Lafayette's B.S. Engineering programs, take ES 101: "Introduction to Engineering" during the first semester. It is simply not possible to enter any B.S. Engineering program after the first year because of the five-course minimum starting sophomore year. However, as you mention lafparent, it is always possible to "switch out" of Engineering.</p>
<p>B.A. Engineering majors (affectionately known as "Pretend-gineers" by B.S. majors) are given much more freedom in their studies. One can move into the B.A. Engineering program without much hassle up until the junior year and still graduate on time!</p>