Should I take a lighter courseload?

<p>Hi,</p>

<p>I'm a math major ex-flameout who doesn't want to ask friends in real life about this (well, except for one guy who I trust). I'm taking these classes next term:
Ma 2 - Differential Equations
Ma 5 - Abstract Algebra
Ma 108 - Classical Analysis
Ph 12 - Waves and quantum mechanics and stuff
Ec 11 - Intro to Economics
Ph 3 - Freshman physics lab
CNS 100 - Pizza class</p>

<p>I took analysis and quantum mechanics at a state school on my year off from college, so this schedule should be slightly easier. I also took DiffEq in high school. (And I took abstract algebra in high school, but I only got through the first half which was basically "what is a group," so that doesn't count.)</p>

<p>In total I will have 52 units. I'm pretty smart and usually get As in my classes. So I think under normal circumstances I could handle this schedule. But I have regular mental breakdowns during which I can't do any work at all. Like last time I had a breakdown I had to take an incomplete in my hum class because I couldn't finish a 4-page double-spaced paper. I still haven't written that paper.</p>

<p>Should I take a lighter load next term? Obviously if I go crazy next term I won't be able to handle this schedule at all. But if I go crazy next term I don't think I'll even be able to handle 36 units. My friend thinks I should cut my courseload, but I am skeptical. Especially since I just took analysis and quantum mechanics last year and they're fresh in my head.</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

<p>I think your priority should be addressing your mental health issues. If you’re having regular mental breakdowns due to the work here, that’s a very serious issue and something you should be addressing. If I were in your situation, I would do my best to address the mental health issues immediately and would prioritize it above everything else. Are you currently speaking with the counseling center?</p>

<p>Not being a math major, I don’t know anything about your course load.</p>

<p>Yeah, the counseling center knows me pretty well (and so do the Deans). I had a year off to resolve my mental health issues, and I would hate to address them further because that would be like admitting the year was a failure. But I guess it might be necessary.</p>

<p>Thank you for your advice lizzardfire :)</p>

<p>With this schedule, will you have time to regularly visit the counseling center? If no, then I would definitely lighten the load. If yes, then I’d still drop a class, but I never take more than 45 units if I can help it. Unless you’re trying to graduate on time despite taking a year off, there’s simply no reason to take so many units. Give yourself a break.</p>

<p>Ditto to what others have said, and why not drop Ph 12 for Ph 2, or delay Ma 108 to junior year when it’s recommended to take it? A math major has so few requirements, why do you feel the need to rush 5 and 108 in the same year? Give yourself a break…</p>

<p>I guess it’s because all my friends are taking > 52 units, so I felt the need to… :D</p>

<p>Maybe I will drop 108 then. Thanks guys!</p>

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<p>I imagine your year was supposed to teach you how to handle your problem. One aspect of handling your issues could be realizing you’ll need help during stressful times in order to cope.</p>

<p>Also, no reason to pack on tons of units. I’ve found in college when I take classes I’m interested in I like to have fewer classes so I can actually focus on the work I’m interested instead of being in triage-mode for everything.</p>