Is Choosing A Class Just Because It’s Easy Always The Best Option?

It can be pretty tempting to sign up for classes that have a reputation for being easy. In fact, it can even be tempting to cram your whole schedule with easy classes! If you’re a biology or neuroscience major, your schedule won’t be easy. The truth is that no matter your major, you’ll face some difficult classes, especially when you get to higher-level classes.

So to balance things out and to keep that ever-important GPA up, you’ll probably end up signing up for some easier classes to fulfill your general education requirements. Your school might have a different name for these class fulfillments (the ones that are required to graduate, such as a certain number of science classes, writing classes, history classes etc.), but you’ll end up having to study all sorts of subjects. Simple logic might say that if it’s a class you have to take in order to fulfill a requirement, and you’re given the option between a hard and easier class, you should definitely take the easier one! This is true at times ... but shouldn’t always be the case.

If your GPA can use a boost, by all means you should sign up for an easier class. If you’ve hardly studied a foreign language, for example, sign up for beginner Spanish, not intermediate. Or, if you have to take a history class, try an introductory American history class, not one that focuses on learning every detail from one specific battle a couple centuries ago. Even if your GPA doesn’t necessarily need a boost, it can be pretty crushing to let those grades slide over a basic science or history class.

So it seems taking the easy way out is never a bad idea, huh? Again, there’s usually little point in giving yourself extra work, difficulty, and stress by taking a harder class when an easier one will do just fine. However, another significant factor is the class’ focus. If there’s a certain subject within a subject that you’d find more interesting, that class is often the better option, even if it’s more difficult. While there’s almost never a need to take some senior-level class just to fulfill a basic science requirement, it is worth signing up for classes that you’re interested in.

Maybe history isn’t really your thing, but you’re more interested in ancient Roman civilization than other early cultures. If it’s a fulfillment you’ll have to take, you might as well make it as interesting as possible! Even if that Roman history class is a slightly higher level than the Chinese history class, the fact that you’ll find it more engaging will make up for any difficulty. You’ll quickly learn in college that it’s tough paying attention to classes in which you have no interest. It’s equally tough getting yourself to do the reading and studying required for those classes.

By choosing a class that piques your interest, even if it’s more difficult, you’re still ultimately making it easier on yourself. While easy classes will always be a nice way to help boost your GPA, if they’re not engaging in the least, they could end up being harder than a higher-level class. Just keep that schedule well-rounded and give it some thought and research while selecting your classes. The academic side of college is the most significant aspect, after all, and your classes are the key factors. Schedule with care!