It’s the end of the semester, and in about 10 weeks Skyline will see a new group of students starting their first fall semester, their minds bombarded with the amount of choices presented to them in the form of the class catalog. In an effort to help out the fresh learners that will soon walk onto this campus, I’ve created a list of tips that I didn’t have the privilege of knowing during my three years here at Skyline. This might seem like common sense to some of you reading, but glance over them even if you aren’t new. You might find something helpful.
Transferring in two years is possible, just plan accordinglyThe “two year program” might feel unreal to us Skyline College juniors and seniors, but it can definitely be accomplished if course planning is done during the first semester. Taking 15 units each semester for four semesters amounts to 60 units, which is all that’s required to transfer. Of course 15 units might be too time consuming for students with a job or other time constraints. If that’s the case, take fewer units. Taking 12 units each semester for four semesters amounts to 48 units, the remaining 12 can be split between two summer semesters, which brings me to my next tip.
Use summer semesters, but try not to take “heavy classes”Summer semesters are great for taking really light classes, like Speech or a physical education class. In eight weeks you can knock out about two classes and lessen your unit workload for the rest of your Skyline years. Don’t go for the Math and History classes and the other heavy classes during the summer semester unless you can devote all of your time to these classes. Teachers squeeze about five months of work into eight weeks to fit the summer schedule, which makes for quick-paced classes and constant tests and quizzes. Classes like these will definitely ruin your summer.
Evening classes can help if you have a morning work scheduleMany of the classes, including all the general education classes, that are offered during the day are offered during the evening and can be a real vantage for those who work during the morning. Most evening classes are three hours long and meet one day per week. Also, if transportation is a problem, the SamTrans busses run up until about 10:30 p.m. so you won’t be stranded when your class ends at 9:30 p.m. and you don’t have a ride.
Don’t cram too many heavy classes into one semester, spread them outAvoid stressful semesters by not loading too many heavy classes into one semester. Taking a math, english, history, and a chemistry class all in one semester will stress you out, so try to avoid scheduling something similar. Classes that you might consider light might be more time consuming than you imagined, so be sure to spread them out too. Something you might be really interested in like Photography or Newspaper production are examples of classes that demand more time than other classes.
Finally, don’t feel bad if you don’t transfer in two years.It’s very much normal to be here longer than two years. In fact, you might find that you actually like this place called Skyline College. I know I’ve come to enjoy it here. If Skyline offered Bachelor Degrees, I probably wouldn’t even want to transfer. What Skyline does offer though, are great classes, several helpful programs and numerous entertaining events put on by the student body here. So to the students reading this, old and new, enjoy your stay here, and avoid the stresses of heavy class workloads by asking others for their advice. People are friendly here, they’ll help you.
