<p>Do many freshmen take fewer credits their first semester (if they can afford to due to AP credits) so they can get acclimated, take a PE course, etc? I am encouraging my son to do this, but, his assumption is that noone does this :)</p>
<p>As a freshman, my son took on the normal course load and did not find it too difficult. The tutorial was a lot of fun for him and not very labor intensive. In fact, after a challenging senior year of high school, with AP classes, extra-curriculars, etc. (i.e., the many things our kids do to get into college in the first place!), he found his first year at Grinnell to be surprisingly manageable. His AP credits came in handy later when he dropped a class sophomore year.</p>
<p>My S took the normal four courses both semesters of his freshman year and had no trouble getting acclimated to college. While there are times the workload can be intense, with effective time management a student can balance both academics and social activities. S didn't know any first year student who took only three classes dring their first semester.</p>
<p>My son also took the normal 4 courses first semester and one of them was a 300-level French class he tested into. He also took the full course load second semester, including another 300-level French class. He had no trouble with the workload and had plenty of time for socializing, a great thing because there are so many fun and interesting people to socialize with. He said he spent a lot less time on computer games there than he did in HS, because real life was so much more interesting.</p>
<p>Lab science classes may be different, so piling them on too thick might be a problem. My son does say that some students get very stressed out with the workload, but it has not been a problem for him. He did take on only one EC first year until he could scope out the workload in relation to his preparedness. He does say that he now realizes his HS prepared him really well for college. He is hoping to do a year abroad, so maybe his 4 AP courses will make that easier.</p>
<p>Out of sons eight first year classes, three were lab sciences (two chemistry and one biology). Notwithstanding their difficulty, he was able to handle the workload. It may take some time to learn how to balance everything, but it can be done when taking a full load.</p>
<p>Checked in with my son. He said there is no reason to take fewer courses. I suppose a significant learning disability might be an exception. They have enough time to do casual sports or work out at the gym and still do their coursework. And socialize.</p>
<p>No learning disabilities here - just a neurotic mom :)
Thanks for your input, everyone. . .</p>
<p>Well, join the club, carynw---I guess you already have! This is a perfect place to bring your neuroses.</p>
<p>My d took full course load first semester, had real problems with one class that she had originally bee looking forward, and dropped it. She wouldn't have had the option of doing that if she had taken a reduced course load in the first place. So load up--with the realization that, if it is too overwhelming or there is some other serious problem, it's possible to drop a class if you do it in the right timeframe</p>