<p>I just finished up a semester here at Yale, and some of the strongest advice I can give to aspiring college freshman is to not overburden yourself. Not because it is my personal experience, but in those closest to me. I had one friend taking multivariable, english for freshman with advanced standing, SOPHOMORE orgo (we have a version for freshman that's supposed to be its kinder cousin), and two other classes. At one point he hadn't slept in several days and was about to explode. I have another friend taking all 200-level courses and in at least two of his courses he was ridiculously behind and lost for the finals.
Keep in mind, these people are ridiculously brilliant and extremely capable, but it's easy to get caught up in the "superman" mentality (I have the requisite scores for higher-level courses, why don't I take a bunch of them?). I know a lot of people that had to withdraw/drop classes that they weren't prepared for. Just don't go overboard.</p>
<p>That's good advice. If someone is going to go for tough classes, then at least throw in a fun freshman seminar, PE class, Art, or internship. There's no reason to go into sophmore chem. Are these kids trying to graduate early or something?</p>
<p>in my opinion, it takes time to build up to that level. i mean a big a$$ courseload is doable but you build yourself up to it much like you build up your muscles to lift more weights.</p>
<p>I don't think these people want to graduate early (Yale makes it quite complicated to do so, anyway), as much as they felt like they wanted to take on a challenge.</p>
<p>guys. compared to highschool, is there a whole heck of a lot of "confusing" work or just a lot of tedius work in college? If i'm taking 5 ap classes and getting all A's, do u think I'll survive college with smart scheduleing?</p>
<p>if you take 18 credit hours a semester and 6 hours in the summer you can graduate in 3 years</p>
<p>i dont see why its such a big deal what level of courses you take. Either you can manage your time or you cant. yeah, i've done my share of multiple all nighters in a row, but i took 18 credits a semester and worked 20-30 hours a week as well.. but i got like a 3.67 this semester.. </p>
<p>I took 200 level courses my freshman year - did fine. I took 300 level courses my soph. year - did fine. If you are at the "level" and able to take a 200 level course freshman year.. then do it. if you can't handle a 200 level course or so in your freshman year I really have to question if the people truely do belong there.. because 100 and 200 level courses are relatively the same in "hardness"</p>
<p>I thought some of the 300-400 level courses were actually a little easier than the lower division stuff. Its seems like once they weed people out, they like to make things a tad easier on you.</p>
<p>eh, i have had much more work in my 300-400 level courses than i did in my 100-200 level courses.. but thats because most of the courses in my major are 300-400 level courses.. and as a business major, we do TONS of projects and papers and whatnot. I just handed in a 50 page project on Tuesday.. nexts emester (my last), i'll have two 130+ page papers to write (group projects)..</p>
<p>candi, I have a friend at Yale, and she said that like AP scores and things are only considered if you're planning on graduating in 3 years, so I guess I jumped to the conclusion that you started off with the intro courses, guess not?</p>
<p>I don't know anyone personally at my school that's overburdened, though there must be some. They really pressed at the beginning of the year, starting with orientation and advisor meetings, that you should take 12-13 credits your first semester. Most people come in with some AP credits, so it's fine to take less than 15 to start.</p>
<p>Beramod, many people at my school took AP classes, and they have noticed a step up in the workload, and quality expected in the written work.</p>
<p>That said, I ignored everyone and am taking 18 credits, which is the most you are allowed to at my school without petitioning the Dean of Students. I'm doing LESS work than I did in high school, and my GPA is ok, I would guess above the 1st semester average. It was going to be a lot better till I bombed my 3rd chem exam.</p>
<p>I agree that it's best not to take too many classes. You want to be able to get the most out of the classes you're taking AND remain sane, and of course there's nothing wrong with a little free time now and then. Some people may not be able to handle too many, or any, of the more advanced courses at the beginning, but that may be due to different high school preparation, and they will be able to work up to it by the time they need to.</p>
<p>In my experience, a big difference between high school and college was that high school required more memorization.</p>
<p>I also found that some of the higher-level courses in college were a little more relaxed than the lower-level courses. Survey courses in literature and perhaps introductory language courses require a lot of work. I think many people will agree that balance is good, and taking three of four literature courses at a time often is just too much.</p>
<p>18 credit hours...how many classes is that?</p>
<p>How many courses would you guys recommend for a beginning freshman?</p>
<p>18 credit hours is six classes.</p>
<p>i'd recommend 15 credits, which is <em>usually</em> five classes (though i am taking a 5 credit class this and next semester and also a 4 credit class (5 classes but 18 credits))</p>
<p>It depends on the school and the classes. My D is taking four 4's and two 2's for a total of 20 units; next semester is one 5, three 4's, two 2's. Interterm she's taking one 1.</p>
<p>Are there any schools that are known for having extremely intensive courses (i.e. with a lot of work)? Any that are known for NOT having hard courses?</p>