<p>I registered for five classes for next semester, but after taking five this semester, I'm not sure I can handle it AND keep my GPA really high. </p>
<p>Last year, I took 12 credits both semesters and did exceptionally well. Now, I'm not so sure about my grades...</p>
<p>So what would you do? Four classes (14 credits) and all As, or five classes (17 credits)and risk a B? Also, one of the classes is a 4 credit science class, and I'm not very good with science...</p>
<p>The answer seems fairly simple. Especially if there’s no pressing reason to take that 5th class right away, I don’t see why you wouldn’t push it off for another semester to ensure that you perform well.</p>
<p>If you are trying to graduate in four years I would probably take the extra class…how many credits total do you need to graduate? Taking 12-14 a semester at my school would put me way behind for the 128 credits needed to graduate in 4 years. Just something to maybe consider if you are on any sort of time frame.</p>
<p>I generally take higher course loads because I’m trying to study abroad, and will have a lower credit hour limit while I’m there. Personally, I’d take more classes and “risk” the B. I may be the odd one out, though- I’m planning on going to grad school, and for research programs they don’t care about your grades as long as you haven’t failed everything. They just want research.</p>
<p>Yeah, it depends on your future aspirations</p>
<p>17 credits is not that bad. Like 15-18 is normal depending on the school…I’d take the 17, 14 is not many at all. I’m just a first semester freshman and I took 19 (4.75 units) this semester and am doing 22 next semester (5.5 units).</p>
<p>^Are you on a semester schedule?</p>
<p>^yeah…why? 2 semesters plus May Term.</p>
<p>I guess it depends on which classes you are taking, but most people would think 19+ credits requires quite an effort for a 4.0</p>
<p>Yeah, it does, and I know I’m not going to have quite a 4.0…I have 11 classes (music major classes). Next semester I have 13 classes.</p>
<p>“Yeah, it depends on your future aspirations”</p>
<p>I definitely want to go grad school, but I know I’ll have very little/almost no research, and I don’t really know what to do about that. It’s a ‘thing’ for me to have a super high GPA anyway- everyone in my family graduates either magna or summa cum laude, and I’m definitely not going to be the first one to break that tradition.</p>
<p>If you’re serious about grad school, then you should email a professor about a possible undergrad research position next semester… like now. professors can’t fund everybody. spaces are filling up as we speak</p>
<p>I recommend you consider your future courseloads. IMO, better to take more classes now because the ones down the road tends to be harder, (it various of course). On the other hand, I took 18.5 credit hours one semester, along with jobs… and ultimate. It pwned me like a boss. If you’re having a hard time with 15, you’re going to have a harder time with 17 most likely.</p>
<p>^I am actually looking. My cousin is a historical archivist and offered me a position with him, so I’m considering that:) </p>
<p>Thanks for the input, guys.</p>
<p>Employers generally don’t look at GPA.</p>
<p>Always take at least 15 hours. You’ll probably have to make up for a 12 credit hour semester with a heavy load (like 18 or 19 hours) in the future. You should at least sign up for 15 hours, and then if you see that the schedule will be too difficult then you could always drop a course (before the deadline, of course).</p>
<p>That’s another good reason to sign up for at least 15 hours at the beginning of the semester- if you needed to drop a class you would still be full-time.</p>
<p>Most employers do not look at GPA. They look at whether or not you can fit in and work well for their company. That’s why they interview you instead of hiring based off of transcripts…</p>
<p>Some, yes. </p>
<p>Most? No. The majority of companies are not looking at GPA unless it’s for a very specific STEM job.</p>
<p>There are plenty without that requirement. But yes, since co-ops and internships tend to be for STUDENTS, it makes sense that they would look at a GPA. I have many friends who are graduating and/or have already landed full time jobs and not a single one has been asked about GPA.</p>