A Guide to Choosing Classes at Ohlone College
Hiren Shah
By: Hiren Shah
Choosing classes at Ohlone is an important part of being an Alsion student. Here are some tips on how to navigate the process effectively.
- The catalog
When you are on the MyOhlone page, navigate to the “Search for Classes” button and go to the Catalog Advanced Search option. Here you will be able to sort through the courses by using the “Subject” drop-down button. Once you have found the subject of your interest, select the term in which you will be applying, so that you will not see classes that are no longer in session or available.
It is a good idea to finish the general requirement classes before you actually start on any of your electives, but not necessarily the best option.
- Complete your general education classes first. This lets you take care of required courses early, so later semesters you can focus on taking electives and major-required courses.
- Mix general education classes with electives. This is what I believe is the best choice, as you get a feel of what the classes related to your intended major will be like at Ohlone. Taking these courses in 11th grade will also let you finish the prerequisites early, so when you reach 12th grade, you have more room in your schedule to explore that field in-depth.
- Plan your pathway
Once you get comfortable with browsing the catalog, it helps to think about the bigger picture. Use your non-required class slots to explore potential majors through related courses, or complete transferable core requirements.
For students who are strongly considering UCs or CSUs, looking at websites like Assist.org can help you figure out which classes transfer and which classes can help meet requirements for a field. Even if you are unsure about your major, I highly recommend exploring potential majors and careers because it really can help you understand what each field expects and which classes you might take at Ohlone.
- Find your balance
A big part of succeeding at Ohlone is understanding your workload. Time commitment varies between courses. Some like math, science, or foreign languages require more time each week. This is especially true towards the end of the semester and the professors realize that they haven’t had the chance to cover all the material.
Because of this, I would advise students to pair a challenging course with a lighter one in the beginning. Once you feel comfortable with the first two semesters, you might consider taking more classes. Keep in mind that college classes are fast-paced, so understanding what each class covers before you register is important.
- Choosing the right classes
The last step is considering the right professor for you. In college, professors can be very unpredictable. Some have things outside of teaching, which usually results in them spending less time actively helping you out, and others have odd teaching styles. I would advise you to talk to peers, as they can advise you on which professors to take. Another resource that you could use is ratemyprofessors.com. Take these ratings with a grain of salt because there are many upset students who leave negative reviews because they got a bad grade. This does not mean that you should not use it at all, but be aware of the fact.
Another thing to consider is where you take your classes. I would highly recommend sticking to the Fremont campus only, as not only are there more classes offered there, but also you have a whole supporting community right across the street! Another reason to stay at the Fremont campus is that it’s easier to communicate with your peers at Alsion. I would also highly recommend taking classes with peers so that you have someone you know you can trust. Lastly, try to take as many in-person classes as possible. I know this can get tricky with some classes having to be fully asynchronous, but try your best. There are many reasons to take in-person classes over asynchronous classes, with the most important factor being that you will be able to interact with your professor face-to-face. Having to interact with your professor face-to-face allows for a connection that is very difficult to get in an asynchronous class.
(Note: You will need these connections for recommendation letters for when you apply to a university in the future👀.)
Now let’s take a look at some of the 12th graders’ schedules for the upcoming spring semester.
Taran:
- ART-139A: Beginning Digital Photography
- CS-113: Discrete Structures
- CS-118: Intro Assembly Language Prog
- MATH-103: Introduction to Linear Algebra
- MATH-101C: Calculus with Analytic Geom
James:
- CHEM-101A: General Chemistry
- ENGI-111: Prog & Prob-Solving in MATLAB
- MATH-101C: Calculus with Analytic Geom
- PHYS-141: Electricity and Magnetism
Adi:
- ART-139: Beginning Digital Photography
- MATH-103: Introduction to Linear Algebra
- CS-102: Intro to Programming Using C++
- PHYS-140: Mechanics
- ENGL-C1001: Critical Thinking and Writing
Makeila:
- MATH-101C: Calculus with Analytic Geom
- PHYS-140: Mechanics
- CS-102: Intro to Programming Using C++
- BIOL-105: Cell and Molecular Biology
Joy:
- ART-106B: Drawing II
- COMM-100-01: Intro to Communication Theory
- CS-102: Intro to Programming Using C++
- PSY-105: Child Development
- PSY-108: Human Development