<p>I am an admitted student worried about taking fewer classes at Williams compared to a school on the quarter system. I was told it is possible to take more than four classes a semester at Williams but I am wondering how many people do it and how hard it is to do that? Will taking five classes overwhem me if I take it or if someone has good time management, can it be done?
How do courses on the semester system compare to courses on the quarter system?</p>
<p>Chill already!</p>
<p>If the administration at Williams says to take 4 courses a semester, then why don’t you give that a try? You will find plenty to do with those 4 courses- go deep. This isn’t a horserace.</p>
<p>Although there is a guy taking 8 (yes eight) courses right now-- lots of people take more than 4.</p>
<p>It’s possible, of course, but not usually a good idea. The more classes you take, the less time you’ll have to put into any individual class.</p>
<p>Just take 4 classes for the first semester and you can take more the second semester.</p>
<p>I agree. There is a lot of adjustments that you need to make as a freshman that you can’t really imagine now, and having a standard course load will really help. Taking 5 courses in spring semester is hard, but more manageable (I have a couple first-year friends doing this now).</p>
<p><em>Do not take more than 4 courses as a freshman</em>. I’m doing it as a senior, and it’s hard. It would be insanity to do so in a year when you’re settling in and making all kinds of adjustments.</p>
<p>You can always take a course over the summer, in your home area, if you really want to. Freshman year is full of adjustments. Williams attracts high achievers and it seems that kids want to double major, take extra courses, etc., but it is why not give yourself some time to enjoy the college experience and socialize. If there is something you’re really eager to try, look at summer courses in your hometown colleges.</p>