<p>I'm hoping to attend BYU in Provo, Utah next fall. While I'm waiting for my application decision, I have been easing anxiety by focusing on what I'd do if I was accepted.
For my first semester, I'm thinking of taking 16.5 credit hours (6 classes).
I've decided to attend as a Graphic Design major and my first semester courses are:
Drawing 3 credit hours
2D Drawing 3 credit hours
Freshmen Seminar (for Graphic Design majors) 1.5 credits
A religion class (probably Book of Mormon) 2 credits
A freshman writing course 3 credits
Korean 101 4 credits</p>
<p>The Korean class is what tips my credits over the 15 credit mark which is what seems the most manageable to me. But, if can't tell, I am a very motivated student and I don't procrastinate. Since I am an artist and I love working on pieces I'm thinking that my 2 drawing courses will be fun for me. I'm so excited to start learning Korean and I know that I will be super motivated if I'm the class. I would really love to start taking Korean classes as soon as I got to BYU. (I'm hoping to minor in it if I actually really like it)</p>
<p>I just want to make sure that I won't be screwing myself over by trying so many classes my first semester. Can I get some other opinions?</p>
<p>Usually I’d recommend taking it easy your first semester because the adjustment to college can be overwhelming for some, especially since you’ll be wanting to socialize and make new friends and the coursework will be different than what was expected in high school. Since you’re also taking art courses, consider the amount of time you will devote to those art projects in addition to the writing for your writing course and reading for the others. I’m a quick writer, but I spent a great deal of time - hours a day - working on my art projects (I was a graphic design major my first year of college as well). </p>
<p>On the other hand, one 1.5 credit and one 2 credit course might suggest they are not heavy course loads. It would be best to talk to an advisor once admitted to explore your options and determine what will work best for you.</p>
<p>This is advice based on a story from 40 years ago, but my college roomate in his first year over did it in his first semester, and took 18 credits, all in difficult science and math courses, because he was very gung ho, and it hurt him badly.</p>
<p>Better to take it a little easier your first year.</p>
<p>In fact, I think that at Johns Hopkins, they actually have pass-fail the first semester, because they know it takes time for kids to adjust to college.</p>
<p>I think it’s best to take it easy the first year and determine what you can and can’t do in regards to a college load. It’ll be better to take it easy and to overload later or over the summer. I know BYU Provo has tons of active groups on Facebook and everyone’s friendly, maybe you can join and ask some current students advice for how BYU’s classes are in terms of class work, homework, how demanding it is, etc.</p>