Class registration in college is probably one of the most stressful times that you will go through..other than midterm and finals week. Whether you are a freshman or a seventh year senior you will always find that college registration never goes how you planned it to.
Though we cannot give you the solution to all your problems, we can give you a few steps that will hopefully help you when registering for classes.

Step 1: Go. To. Advisement

This should be a no brainer. If you want any chance of having a decent schedule then you should probably set up an appointment with your advisor ASAP.
They are always swarmed with appointments during this time of year so the earlier you make one the better. The worst feeling is having to sign up for classes on Thursday and you still have yet to get your Registration Access Number.

Step 2: Look up your classes before your registration date

One of the most important things I have learned from registration is look up the classes you are wanting to take before your registration date.
Sometimes your classes may conflict with each other so it is nice if you know that before 6 that morning when you are stressed and on the verge of tears.

Step 3: Write down the Course Reference Number (CRN)

One of the greatest features on the add/drop section of registration are small magical boxes where you can type in the course reference number you have from looking up your classes BEFORE registration.
This way instead of crying over your computer screen while contemplating a major change, you can type in your CRNs and continue having a fabulous day.

Step 4: Beg your advisor for an override

For some reason the school has decided to make our lives as difficult as possible by making classroom sizes microscopic. This makes it pretty impossible to get into classes when signing up late.
Sometimes however, our advisors come in and save the day by overriding the seating chart and sticking you in there anyways. They really are the super heroes of college.

Step 5: Always have backup classes

Let’s face it, you will most likely never get every single class you want unless you are the very first person to sign up for classes, which is probably never the case.
Your advisor should give you a list of three to four extra classes you could possibly take so make sure you always write those CRN’s down just in case you do not get the ideal class setup.

Step 6: Set 15 alarms

Because we normally do not wake up at 5:45 a.m.
If you are a paranoid freak and are afraid your roommate is trying to sabotage your life because you two want a class and there is only one spot left, then you should probably set 15 alarms.

Step 7: Pray for the best, but expect for the worst

 
Honestly, you will probably not get every class you want, but miracles can happen.
Go into registration prepared to not get all your classes, and if you do happen to be those few who miraculously succeed…then hats off to you.