For this upcoming spring semester, I signed up for 5 courses totaling up to 18 credits; which is the most my school lets students enroll in. Here are my classes:
Calculus 1
Intro to Physics 1
Intro to American Politics
College Reading and Composition (Writing class)
Intro to Programming 2
I’m a freshman and finished my first semester with a 3.5 GPA but only took 14 credits. I’m more or less accustomed to the way college works and felt I could take on 18 credits next semester. Only things that worry me are the calc and physics classes, I took calc in high school so I have some prior knowledge but nonetheless, I expect it to be much harder. And for physics, I have no experience with and everyone I’ve asked said it is a pretty difficult class. I just wanted some insight from other students who took 18 credits in a semester with similar courses.
DO NOT fall behind. Get all the writing assignments done as soon as possible. Get all papers, labs, projects done before finals week.
Time management is very important.
I’ve taken around 18 credits of academic classes every semester (plus more music ensemble/lesson credits). I’m a senior math/CS double major, music/dance double minor. I typically take one class in each subject plus a gen ed/doubling up on something/elective.
What I’ve found is that you need to know major dates and keep track of assignments. I have a virtual sticky on my computer that lists my assignments in order and when they’re due. Any major commitments, such as a concert I’m performing, also go on this list. That way I have a clear picture of what I need to do and how much time I have to do it. I also have a calendar that syncs between my phone and computer. In addition to my class and rehearsal schedule, all test days are labeled on the calendar so that I know when they are, and can plan in advance.
I’ve successfully taken 18 units! It’s doable but requires good planning and follow-through.
First of all - after your first week of classes, look over the syllabi and evaluate the amount of work each class is going to require. If you think it’s going to be too much, it probably is. If it feels manageable, go for it! Don’t feel bad for dropping a class - just make sure you do it early.
For calc and physics, locate the tutoring resources on your campus and check them out. It’s really helpful to know where and when these resources are available (e.g. open hours that work with your class schedule) BEFORE you need them.
twoinanddone has it totally right - use your time management skills to the fullest and don’t allow yourself to fall behind. This will be especially important when finals roll around and you have to give each one your full attention.
Physics with lab and CS with programming may be more time consuming, even if you do not find them to be that hard.
If the English and political science courses have term papers/projects, that can be an extra amount of work in the later part of the semester.
I am assuming you only need to take on average 15 credits per semester to graduate on-time. With 14 credits last semester, you’re only 1 behind. While it is possible to take 18 credits per semester, if possible, I would avoid it. It is better to keep the GPA high than take too many and take a hit. It helps, with internships and morale, to perform well the first couple of years in college. If given a choice, I would rather take a hit on GPA in the late years, rather than freshman or sophomore. Just my two cents.
I’m going to have to take 18 credits in a semester anyways in order to graduate in four years. Figured I might as well do it right now since my classes will only get more difficult as I progress through my undergrad work. I started out with precalc and a preparatory writing course which put me behind. Usually, freshmen start with calc and the writing course I’m going to take next semester.
@ucbalumnus The CS class is a 2 credit course with one lecture a week and one lab a week, its an introductory course and not too time-consuming.
The physics class probably will be the most time consuming, has both a lab and discussion section, but there’s resources available plus office hours so I’ll do my best.
For English it’ll probably be 3-4 essays throughout the semester and other assignments in between, and for political science, I asked around and was told at the beginning we get assigned a research paper due by the end of the semester, so yeah I’ll have to accommodate time throughout the semester to work on it.
@catbird I’ll definitely check out the syllabi of each course. I’m hoping they’re posted online before the semester begins so I have more time to make a decision. There’s plenty of resources available, I will have to look at their hours though, as I’m not going to have a lot of free time. Three classes each day, some are 2 hours long. Thank you.
It’s very doable if you’re organized. Do not, do not fall behind. If you do, you’ll need to drop a class. In fact, plan on getting things done early. Talk to profs and TAs as needed early. I overloaded every semester after freshman year at a tough LAC and actually did better those semesters. My D, a freshman at a flagship, is overloading every semester and so far finds it very manageable.
Good luck!
Don’t fall behind your readings. Get a planner and make notes for due assignments, readings, papers, tests, etc. If there’s a week where all your midterms pile up, plan ahead and start studying earlier! Another thing to do is to look over your notes from the previous day before your next lecture. It doesn’t have to be intense, but just something to remind yourself of what you’ve already learned, which will probably make it a bit easier when studying for an exam later down the road.
Get started on your papers early. Try to break down the paper writing - maybe for a couple days you look up sources, and then finalize your thesis the next, then write out your outline, then rough draft, then final edits. If your class doesn’t require rough drafts or outlines by a certain date, maybe try setting a personal deadline for when you want to finish a rough draft so you at least have something on paper.
For physics, I absolutely recommend reading your assigned reading before lecture and paying close attention to example problems in your textbook, specifically the strategy they use to solve the problem. Physics is all about breaking down a problem to its most basic form and working methodically from there, and physics textbooks generally do a good job of walking you through the process. I’ve never considered myself to have any particular affinity for physics, but I ended up doing very well in my physics classes because I really drilled myself to approach problems in that logical and methodical way. And of course, never be afraid to ask for help from TAs or tutoring centers.
Good luck, I also took 18 credits my second semester of freshmen year, so I’ve been in your shoes!
My niece is taking 22 credits this semester. I cannot imagine!
Calculus 1
You may not necessarily need to go to all lectures in this class. You can teach yourself easier concepts if the professor lets you.
Intro to Physics 1
You may not need to spend as much time on this because you have the math skills for Physics 1. As a result, this may allow you to concentrate more on other classes.
Intro to American Politics
Focus on the main ideas and then home in on the details later. Read after class and skim-focus if the class is designed where it would not affect your grade.
College Reading and Composition (Writing class)
Work efficiently.
Intro to Programming 2
Learn how to think divergently. You only need to learn one way a lot of the time.
Do not go into the semester expecting to be able to slack off or that any class will be easy. The advice in post #12 may work for some people, but if you slack off too much or can’t self-teach well, the effect on your grades could be disastrous.
Make sure school is your priority. Keep up. Remember the semester is only 15 weeks long. Believe in yourself.
Just wanted to give an update if any student sees this.
It is definitely doable. I am nearing the end of the semester, and I can say it has been hard work but as long as you manage your time, keep track of everything, and study, you’ll be fine. My grades are not perfect, but I should be looking at a 3.6-3.7 GPA this semester, which I’m honestly proud of.
Hi. I just read through this post. I’m a junior in high school in AP Physics. Good job for handling 18 units especially with some difficult ones like physics. Fun stuff haha