<p>i'm an incoming freshman and i currently have 13 credits. is that too little? i'm really just trying to get adjusted, and i know everyone else is too, but i figured i would make my course load a little tougher come 2nd semester. </p>
<p>i'm trying to focus right now on my english and french classes. then i have an anthropology and UC class for my learning community.</p>
<p>i mean.. am i just being a wimp? i realize that all freshmen have to deal with this transition and heavy workload, but i get stressed out easily and i just wanted to take it slow. now i sound stupid though</p>
<p>Take whatever you want. I took as many as 16 and as little as 12 and graduated in 4 years. Do you have AP credits? I would not sweat 13 credits but depending upon your program and your classes it may or may not be appropriate.</p>
<p>Know your limits. If 13 credits is what you think you can handle to start off, take 13 credits and don’t think poorly of yourself for it. You’re taking four distinct classes with unique expectations and demands, just like most of the other students here are. </p>
<p>If you do well with those, next semester go for four classes of 15 or 16 credits; if you don’t do so well, re-evaluate and come up with a plan that does work for you. And definitely talk to an adviser–they’ll probably say just what we’re saying, but it will have an official air that CC posters lack. :)</p>
<p>You need an average of 15 credits to graduate in 4 years. It’s no big deal to take a couple less. Many students do. To gradute on time, you will need to make it up with AP credits, summer credits or heavier credit loads in future semesters.</p>
<p>It’s OK, but don’t underestimate yourself either. No, it’s not the end of the world to take summer classes or 18 credits later on, or to take an extra semester. Others take even less. What I’m finding useful though is to register for an extra class, then I have room to drop one and stay full time if needed. At 13 credits that’s gonna be difficult.</p>
<p>I think 12-14 credits is ideal the first trimester. You have 7 more terms to make up the the 1-3 credits. If you take 17 credits next term, you are back on track. Personally, I feel that all freshmen, regardless of their comfort zone, are best served taking a lighter load their first trimester as they settle into a new environment, make new friends and adjust to a new pace of life, both academic and social.</p>