PSU Scheduling Advice

<p>So I'm going over my schedule for my first semester at Penn State UP - I'm so excited and honestly wish I was there, right now. My parents keep telling me that it's going to be so much harder than high school; that's making me a tad nervous (please note: they are major helicopter parents). I'm one of those high honors, dedicated, serious students that get the job done, but I'm REALLY nervous about making the right decisions for my Fall semester course load and would love some feedback. </p>

<p>By the way I am a College of the Liberal Arts student, planning on a dual majoring, a Paterno Fellows program aspirant, and I will be commuting (so driving 20 minutes to/from campus has to be taken into account). I'm also proud to say that I'm NOT a party person, but not a hermit either - I would like to have time for lunch and studying with friends (that kind of thing), and activities like THON and academic organizations. </p>

<p>Fall 2011</p>

<ul>
<li>Math 021</li>
<li>BIOL 110</li>
<li>Psych 083T (Honors Seminar)</li>
<li>STS 101H (Honors Course)</li>
<li>Span 002 </li>
</ul>

<p>Total= 17 credits</p>

<p>Would you say this is overwhelming, or just right? Any advice for an upcoming freshman?
Thank you! :-)</p>

<p>You said you’ll be commuting? I thought that all freshmen had to live on campus as it’s mandatory for all first years.</p>

<p>As for your schedule, 17 credits is tough no matter what year of school your in. Honestly I think it’s gonna be tough for you. That’s what I thought and my adviser seconded my opinion on how tough it be to try go get 17 credits in a semester. Don’t get me wrong its extremely doable but don’t expect to have too much free time. </p>

<p>I’d try between 12 and 15 your first semester. I’m just curious, what’s your weekly schedule look like. What time are these classes and on what days?</p>

<p>ephenst, local freshman do not have to live on campus.</p>

<p>lilacbutterfly, 17 credits is a lot, but not undoable. I suggest that you give it a try and see how it goes. If it’s too much you’ll have a good idea how much work each class requires and be able adjust your schedule (drop a class) as needed.</p>

<p>I have 17 too because my advisor lady said thats good. As you can see in my post in the other thread though, the lady was not too bright. Is 17 too much?</p>

<p>No. Typically you need an average of 16 credits each semester in order to graduate in four years. Some semesters you may take 15, some 17, depending on how the “pieces” fit together.</p>

<p>you<code>ll be fine, I</code>ve had 17 credits each semester during my first year, having completed some courses during my high-school years, I had to take few advanced courses earlier in engineering. As long as you do your homework and reviews on time you will have no trouble with that schedule. I do not think those classes will be challenging for an average student, not sure about sts</p>