Expert: Susie Watts - 1/13/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hi Susie,

I just finished my first semester at a community college in Austin. I've been thinking a lot lately on what I want to do, and it's so confusing! Registering for classes at my school gets full fast,and pretty much all the classes that follow my degree plan are full. Now I'm thinking is this a sign to really think about my future, because I don't want to pay for classes that I don't need. My question is that should I take a semester off to really think about what I want to do in my life? and if I decide to do it...will my parent's insurance still cover me? Thanks so much Susie!
-Cassie

ANSWER: I know it is frustrating to register for classes in many schools and especially when you are a freshman.  I would suggest that you don't worry right now about what you want to do in the future, but take the required core classes you will need to transfer to a four year school.  These are the classes that sometimes seem unnecessary, but they make you more of a well-rounded individual.  This would include: two semester of freshman English, College Algebra, one year of a lab science, a year of history or social sciences and a semester of electives in music, art, etc.  They usually have more sections in these classes because everyone needs to take them.  You may regret taking a semester off and you might as well continue your college journey now.  Make the best grades you can and be thinking for the next semester or two what it is that you would enjoy as your life's work. Then transfer to a four year school and start your major.


www.collegedirection.org

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Susie,

I have other questions again...what happens if all the classes I need to take are full? Even the just the general classes? What will happen to my financial aid? and my family's insurance that covers me? Thanks so much Susie

Answer
Unless you registered late, you should still be able to get into some general ed classes by meeting with the registrar and finding out which classes might have room.  Then you go to the instructor and ask whether he or she could admit one more student to the class.
If you find it is impossible to get into any classes, you need to speak to the registrar and see how they can help you.  You will not receive financial aid if you are not in school and will need to reapply when you start school again.  Every insurance company handles things differently.
Some cover students when they are in school and others cover dependent children until a certain age.  This is something you would need to discuss with your parent's insurance company.

www.collegedirection.org