Break down the importance of individual classes by explaining that with the completion of each class, a student is awarded credits. Explain that not all classes offer the same number of credits. As a rule of thumb, the number of credits received for a course should be roughly the number of weekly hours spent in the classroom. (Students should also expect to spend about twice this much time on weekly homework assignments.) The more credits that are offered for a course, the more extensive the course load will be.
Inform the student of how many credit hours are needed for graduation. Explain that credits add up with each semester that a student completes. Break down the number of credits needed per semester to show the student how many semesters it traditionally takes to complete a degree. This will help the student gain perspective about the amount of work ahead.
Explain to the student that each undergraduate program requires a certain amount of coursework that coincides with the major. Additionally, general course requirements aim to give every student a well-rounded education. These general requirements, which apply to all students, might include courses in history, math, English, and other areas. Explain that the student's major will account for a certain portion of required credits, while general education requirements will account for another portion, and electives may make up the remainder of required credits.
Tell your students about class dropping policies. Some colleges frown on dropped courses, while others disregard them. Either way, no credit will be earned for dropped or incomplete courses. The student will be required to either retake the course or take another acceptable course in its place.