Setting course overhead:
Only in the goofy makebelieve world of ab-initio flight training could someone think up such a waste of time as the overhead course setting.
In the real world of flying you plan your trip so as to take off and conform to the traffic patterns of the airfield you are using to set course when safe to do so.
In IFR flying we are given SIDS ( Standard instrument departures ) in our clearances, once airborne the SIDS are usually cancelled by ATC with heading and climb instructions. Can you in your wildest thoughts imagine jets climbing for an overhead departure?
VFR map reading is straight foward, you compare what you see on the map with where you should be. If you are not on track change heading sufficient to fly yourself back to the desired track then maintain it as bset you can.
Whirley brings up a good point, the stupidity of planning for heading accuracy that is impossible to maintain. When flying you will end up averaging the compass (H.I.) readings, as you gain experience your averaging will become more precise.
Then one day you will be able to roll your cigarettes whilst holding the localizer dead center to the runway. Then you can sit at your computer making a fool of yourself because you are bored to death. I can't wait until I get back to work.
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The hardest thing about flying is knowing when to say no.