<p>I agree that four is plenty for a kid with time management issues. The “typical” 4 course schedule probably isn’t indicative of limiting students from taking more than that though, so I wouldn’t worry about it unless there’s also a low maximum on the number of credits/semester (like 15 or 16). How many classes a particular student can handle at once really depends on the individual student and what mix of classes they’re taking. Also, some schools have limited enrollment for classes, which can make registering for additional credits problematic…I would probably be more concerned about course availability and caps than how many classes the average student takes in a semester. You might get good school-specific feedback by posting on their subforums.</p>
<p>The UC’s are QTR except for Cal and Merced which are semester. 12 un. is the min. for full time and the 1-2 qtr freshmen yr they really push for only 12-13 units max while the student is adjusting. Also, to take subjects the student is strong in. Parents resist this (I did)but it works great- student learns the pace of QTR system which is blazing fast and how to navigate college. Then they start taking 15-17 units per Qtr. They can graduate on time because most student have soph. standing from AP credits when they enter. Can’t compete for admission to UC anymore without many AP classes. Even with cut backs they can still graduate in 4 yrs-many with double majors. The qtr system creates a lot of discussion pros’s and con’s- but my student also always had one class that drug him down, the QTR system eliminated that because there is no coast period- it is a sprint the whole way and you can’t get behind. class-class-quiz/paper-midterm-class-class-quiz/paper- final! Basically. Perfect for the procrastinator!</p>
<p>In Massachusetts, it seems that private colleges and universities give 4 credits per class, and require about 30 classes to graduate, but public colleges and universities give 3 credits per class, meaning 40 classes to graduate.</p>
<p>Perhaps there is a difference in amount of reading and writing required, but I think things should be equalized in terms of credits per course, between public and private.</p>
<p>Three credit courses mean that college costs more time and money at the public, for some. I have heard that UMass Amherst may be trying to address this issue.</p>