<p>I'm a freshman who just started at UIUC today as a physics major. I am a little concerned about the number or hours I am taking. I have only 3 classes: chemistry, math and physics for a grand total of 13 hours. I am thinking of either:
1. Signing up for an easy class less than 3 hours.
2. Signing up for a math class that I am interested in but with 3 hours.</p>
<p>The problem is I have no idea what the easy classes are. Also I have a schedule conflict with a chem class with the math class i want to take. Currently all the other chem sections are unavailable. So my main question is
should I
1. sign up for an easy class
2. wait for a spot to open in another chem section
3. just stick with 13 hours for a fairly easy going semester</p>
<p>I heard that you need 14 hours to get on the dean's list, though I have on idea what this status gives you. Do you guys think its a big deal?</p>
<p>I personally view 13 hours as kinda low for a first-semester freshman, unless you came in with a ton of AP credit or such. Why not sign up for a gen ed. and get that out of the way? 15-16 hours is the typical range for a freshman.</p>
<p>As for "easy" classes...well, most of what I think of as "fun" classes are already taken up and likely to stay that way. Anything 100-level is supposed to be beginner/intro level. You're paying how many thousands of dollars to attend this university...why not take full advantage of it. You get charged the same for 18 hours as you do 12 hours; why cheat yourself of the opportunity to take an interesting class? Ever been curious about storms? Take a severe weather class. Love looking at the stars and want to know more about them? Take an astronomy class. Seriously, just go through the course schedule Course</a> Schedule - Fall 2008 and find something that intrigues you.</p>
<p>You definitely aren't taking enough classes right now. Try to bump it up to 16 hours, in other words, add a 3-hour course. </p>
<p>Take a gen ed that you're interested in. You have many, many gen ed requirements, after all. It doesn't necessarily have to be an easy one, however, if you want to take an easy gen ed, I would recommend PHYS140. PHYS140 is easier than a middle school science class.</p>
<p>What are you guys talking about? I'd say 13 hours is a typical courseload for freshman engineering students. Engr calc,physics, and chem combo could be quite difficult for students who are new to college. These classes are not some blow off classes like introductory econ where everyone gets an A.</p>
<p>I just looked into it and it does seem that you pay the same money for over 12 hours of credit. I guess I shouldn't be worrying about difficulty but what I get out of it. I chose to take math 347 and its been interesting so far. I have 16 hours now</p>