Review all of the requirements that your school has in order to obtain a degree. This will usually include a certain number of General Education courses. Usually you will have a number of options to choose from in order to meet these requirements for your degree. Highlight the classes that sound interesting to you.
Look at each of the class numbers. Usually this will be a big indicator as to how difficult the class will be. Classes in the 100s are designed to be challenging for first and second year students; whereas classes that are in the 500s and 600s are designed for senior level students. It is best to start off taking lower numbered courses and save the higher number courses for the last couple of your years in college.
Figure out how many classes you would like to take per term. Some schools have 4 terms a year while others only have 2. On average students will take 4 classes per term, as this usually qualifies them as full time students. Taking more than 4 classes can usually be done at most colleges, however this requires a very dedicated student as it is a lot of work.
Decide how long you want to spend in college by years then figure out how many terms you will have within that year. Decide which classes you would like to have for each term. Also make sure to have several back up courses in case your first choice class is unavailable during the time that you register for that class.
Compile your timeline onto several pieces of paper in an organized fashion. Show this to a counselor at your school to make sure that you are on the right track. Your counselor will also be able to make suggestions and comments to you about any questions you may have.