Astrophysics counselor

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Berkeley
1

<p>SO I went to talk to a counselor at Cambell Hall about planning out my 4-year astrophysics major. What I heard kinda surprised me, she said that I should take no more than 15 units each semester. SHe says people who take more usually suffer poor grades and are stressed out, and that will leave time for me to do a semester of research in some field. With that many units, she says I'll probably graduate in 4.5 years, which isn't really too bad, just an extra semester.</p>

<p>I was wondering, do you think this is good advice? 15 units seems like a very light load to take ALL 4 years at Cal. I was under the impression that after freshmen year you step it up to like 18-19-20. And though I'd rather graduate in 4 years, and extra semester isn't terrible.</p>

<p>Thanks</p>

2

<p>Many students take longer than 4 years to graduate anyway, and it's not because of an academic barrier, it's usually a personal choice...</p>

3

<p>It depends on the person. If it's not for you, take more units. <em>shrug</em> I think she's right about the following, if you change "usually" to "often":
[quote]
SHe says people who take more usually suffer poor grades and are stressed out,

[/quote]
</p>

<p>If you do the math, 15 units * 8 semesters = 120 units. That's what it takes to graduate. It's likely you have some AP, IB, or college credit already. If it were necessary, you could take a course or two over the summer and graduate in 4 years if you don't meet the unit requirement or need a particular class or two.</p>