Choosing Courses: Guidelines and Advice – Advising

You’ll register for your fall term courses in July, and this guide will help you prepare. Read through it, focusing especially on the checklist below so you know what to do next. Taking time now to explore options and prepare will make you feel much more confident when it is time to register.

To Do Before Registration

Before your registration time, make sure you:

Read First-Year Seminar descriptions and choose 6-8 that interest you
Identify 6-8 additional courses that interest you
Take required placement exams (by June 15)
Log into Hornet HQ and start building a potential schedule
Review registration instructions from the Registrar’s Office

If you’ve done these things, you’ll be in great shape to register.

The Basics

You will take THREE courses in the fall:
- 1 First-Year Seminar
- 2 additional courses (1.0 or 1.2 units)
You may also add .2 unit courses (such as physical education activities or music ensembles)
You are only registering for fall term right now

First-Year Seminars (Required)

You must take one First-Year Seminar in fall
Seminars vary widely in topic, but all focus on writing and critical thinking
No prior knowledge is expected

Tips:

Read full course descriptions (not just titles)
Choose 6-8 options you’d enjoy
Seminars are only offered in fall, and your choice is final after the registration period closes in July

Choosing Your Other Courses

For your other two courses, you might:

Try something completely new
Explore a possible major
Take a course with an international or intercultural focus
Start or continue a language

Tips:

Review all First-Year Friendly courses
Build a list of 6-8 options
You can take other courses not on the First-Year Friendly list if you meet the requirements

Language Requirement & Placement

K requires proficiency in a second language through the Intermediate Level (103 or 201). Starting early gives you more flexibility (especially for study abroad). We currently offer Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Latin, and Spanish.

What to do:

Studied the language before?
- You must take the placement exam, even if you don’t plan to continue the language at K
- If continuing, you must start at your placement level
Starting a new language?
- Begin at the 101 level (no placement exam needed)

101 Course Availability

Fall only: Arabic, Japanese, Latin
Fall & Winter: Chinese, French, German
Fall, Winter, Spring: Spanish

If you’re considering Arabic, Japanese or Latin – this fall is a good time to start.
Many language courses include a required lab section that you must register for. Check course details carefully.

Pre-Med, Science, Math, and Business Students

If you’re considering:

Pre-med, pre-vet, or other health careers
Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry
Computer Science, Engineering, Math, Physics

Try to start these courses in the fall, if possible
Be sure to complete the required placement exams

Business/Economics interest?

Calculus 1 (MATH-110/111 or MATH-112) is required for the major
Make sure to take the Math placement exam

AP/IB & Transfer Credit

AP (4-5) and IB HL (5+) scores earn credit – make sure to send scores directly to Kalamazoo College
Transfer/Dual Enrollment credit requires official transcripts
Some credits might not be processed before registration
- Contact the Registrar’s Office if you need a prerequisite approved

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not taking required placement exams
Only picking a few course options – you need a full list
Not registering for required lab sections
Waiting until your registration time to explore Hornet HQ
Not updating your Emergency Contact information or accepting the Student Financial Responsibility agreement

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

There is no one perfect schedule
- Some example schedules:
  - Seminar + Chemistry + Japanese
  - Seminar + Economics + Math
  - Seminar + History + Art
Every course counts towards graduation
You’ll continue exploring in winter and spring terms
You’ll meet with your academic advisor during orientation and can make adjustments to your fall schedule (except your Seminar)

Questions?

The Advising Office is here to help!

Advising Office (from your K email, please)
269-337-5767

The Registrar’s Office can also help with Hornet HQ questions and registration logistics or issues.
Registrar’s Office (from your K email, please)
269-337-7204