Class Planning | Student Guide | BYU-Idaho

# Class Planning

Knowing how to wisely choose which classes to take will help reduce stress and make the best use of your time in school.

## Benefits of Planning Your Classes

Confidence in Your Courses

Know that you're taking the right classes.

Prepare for Your Future

Gain the right skills for your career.

Save Time and Money

Graduate on time and start your career.

## How to Plan Classes

The easiest way to plan courses is to follow the recommended plan available for your major. A recommended plan is the order you should take classes. It is automatically entered when you create a Grad Plan. As you start planning classes, follow these helpful steps:

Plan Major & Minor Courses

Planning major and minor courses provides balance and will help you discover early if your major is the right fit. Following the recommended plan will ensure you meet any prerequisite requirements. 
 
Go to Grad Planner

Plan General Education Requirements

It is best to plan on spreading your GE courses throughout your education instead of taking them all before you start any major coursework. 
 
See GE Requirements

Choose Electives Wisely

Electives can prepare you for future career roles by diversifying your education, learning new skills, and exploring other interests. Use class planning to take the electives you want at the right time. 
 
Learn about SmartElect

## Tips for Planning Classes

Finish on Time

Plan on taking 30 credits a year for on-time completion. Consider taking courses in your flex track or during the summer session. Stay on course by attending year-round.

Best Bang for Your Buck

Financial aid may be impacted by which courses you take. Plan courses that are program applicable and add your fun or extra courses for semesters when you can take more than 12 credits.

Balance Life and School

Consider all aspects of your life and plan your credits according to hours available for a balanced work, social, and family life. Plan on each three-credit course taking 6 to 9 hours per week outside of class for study and preparation.

Class Availability

Not all classes are accessible all year. Some classes are only available during certain semesters. Grad Planner helps you avoid scheduling a class for when it is not available.

Get Your Plan Approved

The BYU-Idaho Grad Planner is a simple, interactive tool to organize your coursework. Plan the classes you want to take when you want to take them. When you click "validate" it'll automatically validate the requirements.

Create Multiple Plans

Create an alternate plan in your Graduation Planner to explore different combinations of courses and semesters. 

- Experiment with different class sequences.
- Explore how taking classes on your flex track might help you reduce your workload or graduate faster.

## Class Planning Myths

There are some incorrect assumptions about planning courses. Plan your courses with confidence by learning the truth about class planning.

Myth #1

If I don't know what courses to take, I should just take Generals. 
 
****Fact**** 
Although many friends and parents will counsel you to just take General Education courses, delaying major-specific courses makes it harder to explore and find the right major for you.

Myth #2

It doesn't matter how many credits I take. 
 
****Fact**** 
Piling up extra credits and courses can cost you money and decrease your ability to change your major later.

Myth #3

Elective courses are for fun. 
 
****Fact**** 
While electives can be fun, they should be classes that allow you to develop new talents and additional skills. Strategically choosing your electives can help you develop skills that make you more marketable in the job market.

## Get Help

Meet with an advisor who can assist with your specific interests and needs.

Meet With An Advisor

Meet with an advisor by scheduling an appointment through I-Plan. 
 
Book Appointment Now

Call Advising Office

Call the Advising Office with questions or schedule an appointment at (208) 496-1411. 
 
Call Academic Advising