It’s that time of the semester when the word “registration” starts floating around campus. For many students, it can feel overwhelming, but the good news is it doesn’t have to be. By following a few simple tips and tricks, you can make your registration experience run smoothly.

Know Your Registration Date and Time

Your first step towards stress-free registration is to know when your window opens. Registration is based on the number of credit hours you have completed (not including the hours you’re currently taking).

The easiest way to find this information is through the My Missouri State portal. Just find the card titled “Registration” and then click the “Registration Status Eligibility” link. This page is packed with vital information, including:

• Your exact date and time for registration
• Your assigned advisor
• Any holds that would prevent you from registering

Meet with Your Advisor Early

One of the most common reasons students have a registration hold is because they did not meet with their advisor. Your advisor is a university staff member assigned to help you select the right classes each semester, so you can meet your academic goals and graduate on time.

Don’t wait! Try to schedule your appointment well before your registration date. If you wait until the week of, you risk not being able to get an appointment in time, which will delay your registration.

You can reach out to your advisor in a couple of ways:

• Email them directly to set up a meeting.
• Look up your college’s advisement center to find your advisor’s online appointment link.

Peer Mentor Tip: Don’t know who your advisor is? How to Find Your Advisor has a great step by step guide.

Come to Your Advisor Meeting Prepared

To get the most out of your advising session, go in with a plan. I highly recommend using the Degree Audit and Trial Schedule Builder tools to create a couple of draft schedules before your meeting.

While your advisor is there to guide you, having an idea of which classes you would like to take gives you both a place to start. Your plan might need to be adjusted to best fit your degree path and academic goals. Also, be sure to write down any questions you have for your advisor—this keeps you from forgetting and ensures you get all the information you need.

More tips for Preparing for Advising Appointments

Register as Soon as Your Window Opens

That 7:00 AM opening time might feel early, and it can be tempting to wait until the afternoon, but I strongly advise against it! Some classes have a limited number of seats and can fill up very quickly. Waiting even a few hours could affect your ability to register for your first choice in sections or even classes.

To avoid this, be logged in and ready to hit “send to cart” on your schedule right at 7:00 AM on your registration date.

Always Have Backup Schedules Ready

Even if you register right on time, a popular class section may still fill up. You’ll thank yourself later for having at least one, if not more, backup plans ready to go. This will save you from scrambling and stressing the morning of registration.

Focus on backups for classes with the lowest number of available seats. I always check the Trial Schedule Builder the day before to see how many seats are still available. If a class I want has five or fewer seats open, I immediately plan a backup option—whether that’s a different section or a completely different course. If you have any questions about what your backup classes should be, talk to your advisor.

Be Prepared for Technical Difficulties

With so many students trying to register at the same time, there is a chance the website may slow down or even crash for a moment. Do not panic!

If this happens, simply close the browser and try again. Technical difficulties are common and do not automatically mean you will miss out on your desired classes. Stay calm and keep refreshing.

Takeaways

Registration doesn’t have to be a stressful hurdle. By taking the time to prepare ahead, meet with your advisor early, come up with a plan (and backups!), and being ready for a few technical hiccups, you can ensure the process is as smooth as possible. Happy registering!

~ Eternity Lawson

(Bio: I am a second year Agriculture Communications Students here at MSU. Fun Fact about me is that I love watching movies, especially musicals.)