When PATH classes release for the next semester, it is easy to feel excited or totally lost about where to start in planning your next semester. Below, I’ve compiled the usual steps I recommend for creating your plan of attack for building your next PATH cart.
1: Start with Degree Works
Start by heading to Degree Works and taking a look at what classes you’ll need to keep working towards completing the College Curriculum, Major and Minor requirements, and any other requirements that stand between you and crossing the stage at commencement. If you need a refresher, you can find Degree Works by going to my.wm.edu > Banner > Student > Student Records > Student Profile > Degree Works (located in the black bar below your ID photo).
The first page on Degree Works will show you which requirements you have completed and which are still outstanding. I recommend making a note of the types of COLL classes you might still need and any attributes (do you still need all your COLL 200s, or just a COLL 200 ALV?). If you have declared your major or minor, all of those requirements for most majors will also be listed on this page, but some majors will require you to consult the Undergraduate Catalog to figure out which courses you need. If you haven’t yet declared, switch from the “Academic” to the “What-If” tab to find the required courses for programs you may be interested in.
Once you have a list of courses that you need or would really like to take next semester to fulfill some requirements, move on to the next step!
2: Use PATH filter tools to find classes that satisfy any requirements you need
Now it is definitely time to open PATH! Go ahead and open the “course attributes” filters to find courses that satisfy the College Curriculum or major/minor requirements that you are looking for. The “Any COLL curriculum attribute” will allow you to search for COLL classes, or classes that satisfy the Arts, Math, or Foreign Language proficiencies. Under the “Any non COLL curriculum attributes” section, you’ll be able to find courses specific to certain concentrations or programs that include classes across multiple departments.
As you start adding these courses to your cart, you can select your cart at the bottom of the left-hand window in PATH, and then click on the calendar icon to visualize what your schedule could look like so far. If you are interested in another tool to visualize classes without moving multiple classes in and out of your carts, you can build multiple schedules in Coursicle. This can be particularly helpful if one of your major requirement courses has multiple sections and you are trying to figure out which one to prioritize based on the times of other courses.
3: Surf PATH for courses that interest you
Next, consider using a combination of PATH tools to search around for other courses that interest you. I enjoy browsing by subject and using the exclude times feature under “Advanced Search” to look for courses that don’t conflict with some of the required courses that I am really hoping to receive when my PATH schedule comes back.
4: Consider using resources like Rate My Professor sparingly
Rate My Professor is a super common tool that many students use to choose courses, or choose which section of a course to prioritize in PATH. But almost everyone has a story about a professor they loved with poor Rate My Professor ratings, or the opposite. I find Rate My Professor to be most helpful in telling me facts about the structure of the class and the type of assignments, since reading different people’s overall evaluations of the class can sometimes not be helpful in the slightest.
5: Make your alternate cart
Finally, fill up your alternate cart. Prioritize adding in different sections and courses that satisfy COLL curriculum requirements or major requirements, especially smaller courses with fewer seats. Use the tools built into PATH to designate which courses are your first and second (and possibly third) alternative picks. Once you are satisfied with your back-ups for those courses, you can consider adding back-ups for your fun classes. Never leave your alternate cart empty! Always add as many credits as you can to your carts in PATH during the first round of registration.
6: Check in with your advisor
Checking in with your pre-major or major advisor is a great step to get another set of eyes on your plan for next semester. I recommend completing at least steps one and two before going into a meeting with your advisor, so you have an idea of any specific questions or guidance that you might be looking for.
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