How many credits is too many credits?

<p>I'm a freshman in college in my third term who's just signed up for 21 credits. Spring term begins on Monday and I was wondering if this is too many credits for me? The class breakdown is not easy; two science classes one of which is a 300 level, a math class, a big 8 credit core class, and a workout class. On top of this I also take piano lessons. Is taking 21 credits too many? I'm already worried sick about it. Oh I'm new by the way so I don't know if I put this thread in the right spot. Thanks =].</p>

<p>Take the classes for a week or two, see how you’re handling them—if you’re having difficulty, drop them before the withdraw period ends. Is there a reason why you’re taking 21 credits as a freshman? Are you taking multiple majors?</p>

<p>If you want to have a social life, this is too many credits. If your idea of a fun time is hanging out reading from a textbook, this may be the right amount of credits for you.</p>

<p>My parents want me to graduate early so that is why I’m doing it.</p>

<p>In all honesty, you are probably setting yourself up to fail either 1) academically, or 2) socially. I would take about 15 credits (typical average) the first semester, then do more if you feel fit the next semester.</p>

<p>Summer courses are always an option if you want to graduate early. Based on the classes you’re taking, I don’t know how anyone can pull that off.</p>

<p>It’s my third term but my schools on quarters. Thanks for the advice so far… to top the new term off I’ve been hit by the flu bug. =/</p>

<p>Unless you can manage your time much better than the average freshman, I agree with what people have said. You’re gonna be sacrificing either your grades or your social life. </p>

<p>Otherwise, just because you’re taking 20+ units doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t have a social life. The key is time management, and don’t procrastinate! You’ll be fine - good luck!</p>

<p>My friend at UCI says “Any credits that doesn’t help you get a degree or clear GEs are not well-spent credits”</p>

<p>Basically, if you’re taking credits for a major/minor you’re not gonna complete or taking any class that won’t even get you GE credits is a waste</p>

<p>21 is kinda pushing it. its doable, but i would get it down to 18</p>

<p>A word of general advice… watch for “overload” or “overlimit” fees, where credits in excess of a maximum per semester cap are billed additionally at the per credit fee.</p>

<p>Policies are school and often major specific, so check. You may be able to get an override, but know these policies going in.</p>

<p>I agree that you may be biting off a bit more than you might think you can chew.</p>

<p>Unless I do summer classes, I’ll be taking at least 16 credits every semester, and most it’ll be around 18.</p>

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<p>All of your credits cannot be spent that way.</p>

<p>I’m taking 21 hours.
It’s fine.
I just hate chemistry so I’m doing awful in there.
Plus I’m working/in theatre, so I have no weekends.</p>

<p>Take off from everything at least one day a week so you don’t go crazy and end up a hermit like me.</p>

<p>lol at the people saying 21 is impossible, I can take ~30 (Roughly twice the normal courseload) worth of pure science classes and still have a ton of free time, 21 should be no problem at all as long as you know what you are doing.</p>

<p>If you had problems with 15 I would start to worry now though…</p>

<p>My sister is taking 21 credits (and TWO of them are “easy”) and she is ready to kill herself. She has never been so stressed or depressed in her life. She wakes up at 6am and goes to bed at 1am, and all the time in between is spent studying. She also has to study for and take eight exams. Oh my! I’m positive that people have better stories to share, but I would seriously reconsider.</p>

<p>are you skipping summer? only way to justify this is if you are saving a buttload on housing</p>

<p>“All of your credits cannot be spent that way.”</p>

<p>Except for a 1 credit class seminar I took to guarantee myself student tickets to see the Royal Shakespeare company, mine have…</p>

<p>You think you’re hardcore?</p>

<p>[Do</a> It Now by Steve Pavlina](<a href=“http://www.stevepavlina.com/articles/do-it-now.htm]Do”>Do It Now – Steve Pavlina)</p>