Geocaching for Enrollment

     Considering the topic of this week was not compelling or interesting (even for myself), I would like to use this chance to try on English writing. The motivation for this attempt was an activity held by NTU, which provides subsidies for freshmen to participate in GEPT high-intermediate level tests. In addition to providing a subsidy, once pass four parts of the test (listening, speaking, reading, writing) could even get a bonus prize. In other words, gain money from it. Tempting as it is, I realized that I wouldn't pass it through my circumstance now, especially writing and speaking. Therefore, I need to dedicate more time to practice, not only for the exam but also for further plans such as exchanging programs or studying abroad. If this kind of weekly journal work, it may appear every few weeks.

   All in all, this essay may be full of mistakes and not worth reading literarily, either.

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  The first week of school, including a holiday (specifically, Peace Memorial Day). Not really getting back into the study mood, the schedule is filled with chores and a lazy mind.

  Last semester was so fortunate that I forgot how uncertain the NTU course selection process can be. Planning to keep credits around 21~23, then select ONLY 22-course credits during primary selection. The result goes without saying, left with only 15 credits, making me a credits beggar and revealing the destiny to participate in Geocaching for Enrollment, which is a whole new experience. Honestly, firstly, I didn't realize how serious this situation is, thought what I need to do was to show up at the course, and then I would have a seat. This naive idea broke after failing to sign in to the PE course, with only a 1/3 chance. After that, I certainly felt full of anxiety, afraid I would only have 17 credits and fail to enroll in each course I wanted to join. At this moment, Geocaching for Enrollment formally started. First of all, players need to search professors and courses within their list, from NTU course information to PPT recommendations, using all kinds of access to find, judge, and court any information relates to the course. After building their ideal lists, the next step is to follow the rule that teachers created. Some teachers receive all students' participation in the first week, while others use ID cards as a lottery, quote Dr.Chou said in her course: "It is weird that students need lucky to continue their studies". Well, that is what the reality is. Still others, there were some professors like students to write something beforehand, from an easy enrollment email to essay questions. For someone in the enrollment game, it is necessary to figure out each professor's favor and prepare corresponding work.

  One interesting part is that after you get the registration code, you are not necessary to join this class. There are three weeks at most to regret and withdraw from the class. Therefore, Geocaching for Enrollment is just like course shopping. I first heard the word "course shopping" from my political science teacher. Initially, I thought he was taking a joke, but after a week of enrollment, this term was the most exact description for that kind of activity. Classes are just like the stands in the market. Listing the professors explain their "products", if not interesting to you, just go straight to the next stand, on the contrary, keep the registration code in the shopping cart and feel free to join. Through this process, I find out some interesting courses and become more flexible to distribute schedule.

To sum up, Geocaching for Enrollment is some kind of interesting, but I would not like to participate as a credits beggar next time.