What would you consider "overloading" for a college student?

Question

I'm figuring out my classes for next semester. How many classes do you think is too much? Right now I'm thinking about taking six classes.

I'm going into my fourth year. They are all moderate-difficult classes. A total of 18 units. I'm doing this to graduate early. Just looking for peoples opinions on 18 units.

My classes
Intro Chem + lab
Resource Analysis
Env Res and Writ
Human Ecology
Solar Home Design
Intro Land Use

I am in a sorority and have a part time job af 16 hours a week (but a nice boss who lets me take time off for school)

Answer 1

Six classes can be done...but be warned you will probably need to be a REALLY abitious go-getter. I would advise no more than 5 classes...Especially if you want to maintain any form of social life...You can always take 6 classes next semester if you feel that the 5 you took this semester were too easy ;-)

The big thing you want to look for when selecting a large course load is the number of credit hours....The more credit hours a class is worth the more time you can expect to spend working on homework. A full course load is considered 12-15 credit hours...anything above that can be VERY hectic and stressfull (especially if ur working)

On another note - meet with an academic advisor, it's free and it's their job to help you determine you class load....as many of them have alread been there and can tell you more of what to expect from each class.

Hope that helps.

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With that class load i think i'd trim it down a bit...add that lab and it's like taking 7 classes - WOW. My sanity is worth that 1 extra semester....is yours?

Answer 2

Well, im a junior in college, and I had a 4.0 when I graduated high school. I was like every other freshman that was like oh yeah college will be a breeze cuz I kicked butt in high school. Boy was a I wrong. You really shouldn't take more than 5 classes a semester and even that is very time consuming. If you happen to have a lab to go along with a class, then you should only take 4. Every class usually has around 3 tests, so if you split the semester into thirds, all of your tests will fall within the same week, and so that becomes a pain. Its hard to try to balance your studying period in between 5 classes much less six. So, as a junior in college, I would advice you to only take 4 your first semester, and if you think you handled it well, then try 5 your next. But, I will give you a little hint, if you don't know how to study, you better learn fast because you really do have to study in college. Hope this helps! God Bless

Answer 3

As long as you study alot and do nothing else the possibility of taking six classes should be okay for one semester. Taking this many classes continually will cause a burnout. What I consider "overloading" would be if you take six classes, have a job, and participate in extracurricular activities. Again if the only thing you have is school- nothing else then you should be okay with 6 classes. If you feel overwhelmed after you start or one class needs more attention than you are willing to give because of all your other classes then drop before the cut off date so you do not have an incomplete on your record or an F that you have try to get off because some colleges if you F a course and repeat will average the 2 grades. Good Luck :)

Answer 4

Taking 6 Classes In College

Answer 5

You measure not by the amount of classes you're taking so much as the matter of units. The amount of work you're expected to do is proportionate to the amount of credits received.

For example if a language course is five units, you can expect to be working at least 5 hours if not more on that classwork per week.

12 units is what's usually considered a full load, if you're overloading, you probably shouldn't go more than 16, and that's ONLY if you are going to school full time, or you don't mind driving yourself nuts.

If you're working full time, I wouldn't go over 12.

Answer 6

In semester hours, that would be 18 credits. I think that's the upper limit you should take. I have only seen the best and brightest (I mean 4.0 students) be successful. I would cut back to 5 and see how it goes. How many did you take this semester? If you are a first semester student (freshman) take no more than 4 courses (12 hours).

Good luck! :)

Answer 7

YES! From what I have learned we are still growing up and developing until we are around 24 years old. College students are still in adolescences so yes I consider them Kids.

Answer 8

You are the only one who can answer your question.
None of us knows how smart you are or, more importantly, how much work you can handle.

Another factor is the level of courses you are taking.

For example, a six class schedule of physics,math,chemistry,philosophy,theology, etc. will be much more difficult than PE,home ec., etc.

Answer 9

Any more than 5 is very tough in my opinion. Even at that, make 1 or 2 easy courses.

Answer 10

Only you can tell if you are overloading. None of us know your study habits, or really any of your habits for that matter. I do know that 5 classes, or 15 credits was a good portion of clases for me.