Picking Classes at Tufts
As an upcoming junior at Tufts, I’ve learned a few things about picking classes (mostly through trial and error).
During the fall of my freshman year, I chose classes almost entirely based on my schedule. I signed up for 8:30 or 9:00 AM classes and finished my days by 1:00 or 3:00 PM. Even though I’m not a morning person, I thought this would be the perfect schedule: wake up, finish classes early, and have the rest of the day to myself. In reality, I learned pretty quickly that choosing classes based only on timing wasn’t the best strategy. I ended up taking some classes that I wasn’t particularly interested in just because they fit well into my schedule. On top of that, I was also taking the maximum number of credits while working part-time, which made the semester feel more busy than it needed to be.
By the spring of my freshman year, I decided to take a different approach. Instead of prioritizing the “perfect” schedule, I focused on taking classes that genuinely interested me, even if they met at less convenient times. One of these classes was Human Nutrition, which met on Tuesdays and Fridays. Normally, I would try to avoid Friday classes at all costs, but I’m really glad I didn't this time. I also had some bigger gaps between classes, something I had tried to avoid the semester before. Surprisingly, I ended up liking those breaks. They gave me time to work on assignments and relax between classes. I also took fewer classes overall and signed up for Yoga, which was something fun in between classes.
In the fall of my sophomore year, I experimented with my schedule again. I scheduled my week so that two days were relatively light, two days were very busy, and Fridays were completely free. While my Thursdays were definitely intense, the schedule worked out really well. Having Fridays free allowed me to work on campus and catch up on assignments, while the lighter days during the week let me study between classes. I also took a really fun class to fulfill my language and culture requirement: Disney/Ghibli: Comparing Two Animation Studios.
Now in the spring of my sophomore year, I’m back to having Friday classes after two semesters without any. Honestly, it hasn’t been bad at all. The classes meet early in the morning, so I’m still free for most of the day. My schedule is also nicely spaced out this semester, so no single day feels too overwhelming. Most of the classes I’m taking now are for my major, which I really enjoy. Still, when I start thinking about next semester, I’m hoping to make room for at least one class that’s purely for fun and personal interest.
Overall, I would say that picking classes depends on a variety of different factors and there really isn’t one perfect formula. Your schedule matters, but so does your interest in the class topic, and everything else you’re balancing outside of academics. It is important to stay on track for your major and graduation requirement, but it is also worth taking a few fun classes along the way (you won’t regret it!)