Is it a good idea to take an upper level class as a freshman?

Question

meaning taking 400 level classes when your only on your second semester of college, as a freshman? and have 18 credits as well at the same time?

I'm planning to major/minor in either Biology or Psychology, for now though I am filed as a Biology major.

Umm I took 15 credits last semester which resulted in a 2.74. 2 A's (English and Psychology) and 2 C's (Trig/Precalc and Chemistry 1).

This semester I'm pushing for 17 credits
with 5 classes

1.) Calculus (4 credits)
2.) Chemistry 2 (4 credits)
3.) Psychotherapy (3 credits)
4.) English 102 (3 credits)
5.) Biology 190 (3 Credits)

Most of them M, Wed. Fri. Back to back

the prerequisite for the 400 level class is a 100 level class.
The psychotherapy is the 400 level class, and the prequisite for that class is psy 101

Answer 1

No, it is not a good idea.

Departments number their courses for a reason. A more substantial background in a discipline is generally necessary before taking upper level courses.

Usually before taking a 400 level class, students should take at least one or two 200 and 300 level classes, even if they are not stated prerequisites.

It often ends up being very detrimental (and annoying) to the other students in the course when someone with less background in the particular discipline attends an upper-level course, because then the professor is under pressure to provide, often during both discussion and lecture, background information with which the upper-level students are already familiar.

Please wait a bit before registering for a 400 level course. You've got three more years.

Answer 2

All of the other four classes are already harder than your first semester classes, and now you want to toss a 400-level class on top of that? With two C's last semester, you're going to be over your head with just the 14 credits.

I also don't understand what Psych. Department could let you take Psychotherapy without first taking a "Psych 2," Developmental Psychology and Abnormal Psychology.

Answer 3

It depends on who you are, what your major is, and where you go to school. At my university it would be impossible for a freshman to get into a 400 class, but I was taking 300s. If the student's adviser feels that s/he is ready for the class, then they should take it, but it generally isn't a good idea. They can probably do the work and get decent grades, but they may get more out of the class if they took it later.

Answer 4

Based on your GPA, I'd say "no." You really need to keep your grades up and learn how to study better. Have you even taken the prerequisite for the 400 level class?

Answer 5

Heck yeah! I took advanced classes and it put me way ahead. I got an internship at a engineering firm ahead of 20 others. Go for it!