<p>What are some pointers and advice for people taking credit overloads, namely 18-21 credits, specifically for non-engineering/science/math majors (I'm a social science double-major)? How do you budget your time? Do you notice that it becomes too stressful at times? How does it affect your other commitments? Were you able to eventually get top grades in the classes? </p>
<p>I have very specific reasons for taking a credit overload this coming semester and so I was just hoping to get some advice from others who have been through similar experiences. Thanks!</p>
<p>It becomes a bit stressful not so much in terms of homework, but when it comes to midterms and finals. I was able to get a 3.7 last fall while juggling 20 credits, but boy oh boy was it a burden. I made the mistake of not checking the syllabus of the classes I was taking to see the assignments, exams, and other work load that would be required throughout the semester. So there would be days where I had 3 exams in a row and needed to study for them all at once.</p>
<p>What classes are you taking? If you don’t mind me asking. It might be a different situation for you. You might be able to handle it, especially if you don’t get exams for ALL of our classes.</p>
<p>Pointers:
- Budgeting your time is a must! Set aside at least 2 hours at the library everyday to work on studying for an exam or working on a reading assignment or paper.</p>
<ul>
<li><p>Don’t procrastinate! Not to be Ms. Obvious, but once you get something assigned, begin to work on it that day. Even if it means bits and pieces a night for a paper that is due in a week, it would sure help so you don’t have to spend the night before typing away a 5 page paper while simultaneously studying for your French exam (guilty!)</p></li>
<li><p>Check the school site for that course or class you plan to take. Sometimes they have a description of the course and at the end might include a link to a sample syllabus or a quick description like “there are 2 midterms and a final paper worth 70% of your grade; class participation is a must” – stuff like that! If you see that you have more than 3 courses that have heavy workload like projects and/or exams within the same time frame (the same week), I would considering opting for another course to replace it.</p></li>
</ul>
<p>I’m usually at 19 credits and haven’t been under 18 so far. Still keeping a pretty good GPA.</p>
<ul>
<li><p>Make sure you actually enjoy what you’re doing. If you like your major/classes, it’ll be easier to not procrastinate. It may also be helpful if you have some sort of career goal or an idea of what you want to do after college so you have a goal in mind.</p></li>
<li><p>Schedule studying/class/homework time as well as free time. You probably know by now how much time you need to yourself [like if 10 minute breaks work or if you can go through the day so long as you have a few hours in the evening or whatever].</p></li>
<li><p>Know when you work best and schedule your work and classes then.</p></li>
<li><p>Keep a few calendars if it helps you. For me, I carry around a planner to put down daily to-do lists and write down any dates that suddenly come up. I also have a Google calender to put all my new dates in at the end of the day. Then I also have a semester on a page in my planner for big projects, and an Excel sheet with every deadline from my syllabi. It works really well for me, but I’m sure it would distract others.</p></li>
</ul>
<p>I have a question…does it matter more of how many credits your taking or how many classes? </p>
<p>I would assume that the more credits would equal more work, but I’m at 18 credits taking only 4 classes…meaning that my one 6 credit class will be (clearly) only one subject, and meets 3 times a week instead of 2.</p>
<p>Check to see when major projects/papers will be due and talk to the professors early in the semester so you can get a head start on them; otherwise, the last couple of weeks could be really tough.</p>
<p>It will depend on your college, my college for instance, 25 credits in one semester is common enough that noone bats an eye when you say that you are taking 25, and 16 gets looked down upon as too little. That said, always start your assignments when you get them, and spend some time each day reviewing the material.</p>
<p>Thanks everyone for the advice!</p>
<p>Why not just take one clep exam each semester? easy 3-6 credits and no overload.</p>
<p>Stay on top of things from the beginning; it is easy to fall behind. If time is not there, make time; classes are top priority. Do not budget a set time, rather, stay at it until everything is finished. You are at college to work, so do it.</p>