AUDITION YOUR PROFESSORS: Many entering students think they should just take the “standard first-year program” their adviser hands them, and be done with it. But a far better idea is to go to the first class or two and assess the professor. Ask yourself: Is the material presented clearly and forcefully? Does the class have a clear point? Is the professor at least moderately engaging? Is this someone I feel I can learn from? If the answer to any of these questions is “no,” drop the class and find another.