Four math/science classes first quarter- too much?

Transfer Students UC Transfers
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<p>I know there's a lot of these threads, but I'm hoping I can get a more personal answer here. Everyone I've talked to seems to strongly recommend taking only three math classes (and not all three math classes), but I imagine they're supposed to say that (since they're all affiliated with the school), so I thought I'd try to ask some people with experience.</p>

<p>I am currently enrolled at UCLA in:
-Biochemistry (153A)
-Calculus 3A
-Linear Algebra (lower division)
-Differential Equations (lower division)</p>

<p>Four classes really doesn't seem like that much to me (although that's kind of why I'm looking for advice); I took four courses last semester at CC (17 units; physics, calc, ochem, and english) and it wasn't really that hard; I probably could have taken a fifth and still gotten straight As without too much trouble. Anyway, what I'm wondering is if this will just be a lot of work [but doable] or if it would just about fall under the category of GPA suicide (in other words, to compare to a street sign, is it an "icy roads ahead" type thing or "bridge out")? And is the advice given by counselor tailored to the average student or would an above average student still struggle with this? Oh, and would waiting until after the first week or so to drop be advisable, i.e. does the first week even give a good idea of the work load to expect?</p>

<p>Thanks for any advice given. A little more about myself: chemistry major, 4.0 major GPA. I've always consistently scored in around the top 3 on tests in math and chemistry (I got a 99% in calc 2, one of the easiest classes I've taken). I enjoy math (I often did calculus homework as a leisure break from writing essays). I take the bus to school (about an hour away). I don't really have or care much about my social life.</p>

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<p>Quarter and semester have a much different pace, but you definitely sound like a student who has the work ethic, the drive, and the skills needed to succeed in any format. You say you don’t care about your social life and you enjoy math in your free time, so I think it could be reasonable to assume that you could definitely do well in your 3 math classes.</p>

<p>So, while for most “average” (and even IMO above average) students, 3 math / sci classes would be terrible, I definitely think you can do this. Linear Algebra and Differential Equations aren’t horrible math classes either.</p>

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<p>It just depends on how strict the curve is and how much you care about your GPA. If more than one of those classes has a harsh curve (like a 50% fail rate or only 5% of the students get As) then you might have a hard time maintaining a 4.0.</p>

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<p>I don’t need to maintain a 4.0. I’d like to, but, I mean, I’ll live if I get a few Bs. Anyway, thank you very much, you both helped a lot. :)</p>

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<p>Give it a try and re-evluate before the drop date. If you can do it, go for it. On the other hand college is about more than getting all your classes done in record time. Allow yourself some time to get involved in campus events, make new friends, socialize a bit. You can see how the class load feels and possibly drop one if you feel too stressed. You may feel happier, healthier, more well rounded, and do better overall if you allow a little free time and down time.</p>