First Year, 2nd Semester: Is 18 hours too much?

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Would you advise taking 18 hours during my first year of college, second semester?
Okay, so I just began my first year/second semester of college two days ago. As of now, I have 18 hours. My course load is as follows: </p>

<p>Second Year Spanish, Second Semester
Introduction to Philosophy
World Civilization to 1650
Foundation in Environmental Studies
Writing About Literature
Faith and Politics </p>

<p>When I asked my adviser about it last semester (October), he advised that I not do it freshman year. I was fine with that, so the semester progressed, and by the end, my GPA was a 3.94, and he had added 18 hrs to my schedule. My mom advised me to drop the environmental studies course, because that could count as an elective, seeing as though I am unsure about environmental studies. Now, I am faced with the dilemma of either dropping the FiES class, or keeping it, and having 18 hours. What should I do? Should I be well-versed in sciences like Chemsitry and Physics, and higher level maths to do well in it? Please advise. I just don't want to overload myself.</p>

2

<p>The issue is not so much the 18 hours of class time. The issue is the amount of reading and prep each class is going to require. These all look like courses that could have heavy reading and papers. You should get the course syllabus and then evaluate.</p>

3

<p>I totally agree! Most of them do. When I got the syllabus for the Environmental Studies class, it was immediately apparent that it would be a reading/writing-heavy course. Therefore, I have decided to drop it, just because I don’t have to rush myself this semester, and while environmental studies fascinates me (especially the first day of the class), I would much rather do reading and research on my own before jumping into a class on it. Thanks so much for your reply.</p>

4

<p>Good choice.</p>

5

<p>I’m also in my first year and have the exact same GPA. I took 18 last semester and am taking 18 again this semester. You will definitely be fine.</p>