<p>I have orientation in a week. I've heard that some freshmen take 14 credits during the fall (3 typical classes, and one easier class) and other freshmen take 20 credits (5 typical classes). </p>
<p>I was wondering if 20 credits will overwhelm a student? In high school I took only honor classes and was mostly an A students, but college is different. </p>
<p>Thanks for all replies.</p>
<p>Taking a twenty credit load is discouraged for all students, but especially freshman. You’ll want time to adjust and explore the U of M. For fall of freshman year, starting off with 13-15 credits is a good option. Beyond that, take 16-18 if you feel like you can handle more. </p>
<p>Unless you’re someone who really thrives under a heavy workload, I’d avoid ever taking twenty credits. Often with that much work, you have little downtime and must constantly study or your grades suffer. It’s doable, but incredibly stressful. </p>
<p>Good luck at orientation!</p>
<p>It totally depends on the courses. Credits are not a good measure of the time you will need to commit. Five tough lab courses would be insane.</p>
<p>20 is the maximum you can take without college approval.</p>
<p>Can you tell us what you’re considering?</p>
<p>I am almost completely sure that I will be taking CSE Multivariable Calculus/Vector Analysis (math 2374), and Introductory Physics for Science and Engineering I (phys 1301W). </p>
<p>The other classes I will be taking will just fulfill general requirements to graduate.</p>
<p>How about:</p>
<p>Math 2374 - 4 cr
Phys 1301W - 4 cr
CSE 1001 - 1 cr
Lib Ed #1 - 3/4 cr
Lib Ed #2 - 3/4 cr</p>
<p>Total: 15-17 credits</p>
<p>Choose easy lib ed courses.</p>
<p>^^Agreed. Don’t go more than the 4 courses. I have seen many people devastate their GPA’s by trying to take more than they could handle.</p>
<p>charger88…Some of the students you’re hearing about with more credits during their freshman Fall semester may be CBS students. CBS students are required to attend an additional orientation session during the summer called Nature of Life, and it carries over into the Fall semester as a 2 credit follow-on with a limited amount of time/coursework required to complete the class. Our D1 received 19 credits for Fall semester, but actually carried only 4 full-time classes (three 4 credits, one 5 credit) for 17 credits. I agree with the other posters…15-17 credits is plenty for an entering freshman, and the mix that noimagination suggested makes a lot of sense.</p>