S T U D E N T - Carl Sandburg College

schedule planning guide
Building Your Class Schedule
Here are some tips to make sure you get the most out of the classes you take:
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• Study the course schedule on the website, which lists each class being offered, the
time, location and instructor (if available).
• Meet with your advisor for valuable assistance and information unique to
your degree plan.
• Take classes in the correct sequence.
• Check the course descriptions for any prerequisite courses/important information.
• During registration, classes fill on a first-come, first-served basis. Have some
alternative classes in case your first choices are full.
• Students who plan to transfer to a four-year university should follow the degree
plan from their expected university. That means contacting them now for advice
on what courses will transfer toward your degree and becoming familiar with any
transfer equivalency guides, articulation agreements and Sandburg’s core
curriculum guide.
Strategies for Academic Success
At Carl Sandburg College we want you to achieve your goal of graduating with a college
degree or certificate. Here are a few steps you may take to help make your path to
success easier:
• Go to class prepared for the discussion and ask questions to clarify the information.
• Meet with your instructors after class or during their office hours for additional help.
• Go to the Tutoring Center or use our online tutoring for assistance with the
course material.
• Meet with your academic advisor to discuss your concerns and update them on
your academic progress.
• Form a study group with other students in the class to prepare for tests.
Calculate Your Study Time
Use the following form to calculate the number of hours you will need to attend class and
study. Use this to help you decide the number of credit hours you will take and meet with an
advisor or counselor for additional help.
Number of hours in a week 168
Number of hours a night you sleep x 7 = -
Number of hours per week you work -
Number of hours per week you are in class -
Number of hours per week spent commuting to school/work -
Number of hours per week spent preparing and eating meals -
Number of hours per week spent on personal hygiene -
Number of hours per week spent with your family/providing childcare -
Number of hours per week spent doing household chores or errands
such as grocery shopping -
Number of hours per week spent exercising or going out -
Miscellaneous weekly activities such as visits to the doctor’s office -
Total potential time left for study
Planning Your Study Time
Students should study between two and four hours a week for every credit hour they
are taking. Most classes are three or four credit hours. Around midterms and finals you
will likely study a minimum of four hours per week for every credit hour you are taking.
Calculate a high and low range of study time.
Number of credit hours taken this semester x 2 hours = low range
Number of credit hours taken this semester x 4 hours = high range
Example MAT 109 3 credits
ENG 101 3 credits
SOC 101 3 credit
ART 111 3 credits
PHL 100 3 credits
Total 15 credits
Low range of study time 15 x 2 = 30 hours per week
High range of study time 15 x 4 = 60 hours per week
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