6 steps to building the perfect college schedule

Enrollment can be an exciting time — it’s a clean slate, an opportunity to explore interesting new classes, and a step closer to your ultimate academic goals. But with over 9,000 classes to choose from, it can be an overwhelming process if you’re not prepared.

Here are a few tips to help you build the perfect schedule and make spring enrollment a breeze!

1. Use the official UW tool to enroll (it’s faster!)

Find the recently revamped Course Search & Enrollment app on your MyUW homepage.

Students asked for a faster, easier enrollment tool and we listened. The new and improved app combines all the original tools into one streamlined and mobile-friendly interface, with tons of filters to help you find interesting classes that meet your requirements. The app also has new features that take the stress out of picking classes – like its ability to automatically let you know if you’re eligible or not for a class. Learn more here.

2. Check for these roadblocks

You just spent an hour creating the perfect schedule, but when you go to register, your account is locked!

Avoid this enrollment obstacle by taking care of any Holds or To Do’s in your Student Center before you enroll (right-side column).

Holds & To-Dos will essentially “freeze” your account and prevent you from enrolling and/or accessing your transcript. Holds can be put on your account for reasons like needing to pay a fine, late library books, or a mandatory advising appointment. To-Do’s include the Terms & Conditions activity guide you need to complete every semester. Both need to be done before you enroll, so make sure you review and resolve them well before your enrollment appointment!

3. Find classes you want and need with filters

The Course Search & Enroll app has easy filters to help you browse, explore, and find great classes that match your interests and requirements. Here are just a few:
• Breadth (humanities, biological, natural sciences, etc.)
• Subject
• Level (elementary, intermediate, advanced)
• Seat availability
• Keywords like “digital” or “fiction” or by a professor’s name

Check out this page for more filtering options and tips.

4. Create a balanced schedule

There are many factors to consider when creating the perfect class schedule. Are you building in time for breaks and lunch? Do you have enough travel time between classes?

You also might want to consider building a mix of subjects and style of classes. For example, taking three lab courses at the same time or all math and business classes could be overwhelming (especially during mid-terms!) Build a balanced, realistic schedule with a variety of subjects and learning styles to stay focused and energized throughout the semester.

5. It’s ok to make changes (really!)

A key step to creating the perfect schedule is trying it out. All the things in step #4 can only be tested when you actually experience your schedule. Reflecting on your schedule, being flexible, and making changes is not only ok, it’s an effective strategy that will serve you well in life.

Add these important add/drop/swap deadlines to your calendar, and find instructions here.

6. Check in with your advisor

Remember, UW advisors are here to help. You have access to professional advisors who can help answer questions, think through options, and check that you’re on track for graduation. Find your assigned advisor in the MyUW Academic Navigator app or via advising.wisc.edu/my-advisor.

And after you’re done creating the perfect class schedule, don’t forget to come back and see your advisor outside of enrollment season for all your bigger picture questions!