The "norm" credits at UofI

<p>Guys, what is the good/normal amount of credits that freshman take during their first year? Thanks^^</p>

<p>15 would be average, 14 to 16 probably your middle 50% range. Engineering students tend to average 16 first semester and many of them take 17 but that can be a tough haul first semester when students are making adjustments to college.</p>

<p>One thing freshmen engineers have to be aware of is the 0 hour credit classes that are required. They add to the class time during the day. You don’t get homework and don’t get a grade but it does take up time during the day…time that could be used studying or just relaxing. It adds 2 more hours into your week!</p>

<p>Yes, the one thing that the engineering college (and sciences) have never been able to do is learn to count. A typical Liberal Arts student will have 15 hours per semester and that will usually mean he goes to class 15 hours per week (actually less because the hour is 50 minutes). An engineering student with 15 hours per semester can end up going to class 22 hours a week. You have that 0 hour course in freshman year that meets once a week and then you also have labs for any science and many engineering courses where you get 1 hour of credit but have to be in class (the lab) 3 hours a week or you get a 3 hour lecture course but the lecture time is three days a week, 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours per day rather than the 50 minutes.</p>

<p>12-14 if you want to party a lot / involve in a lot of social activities
15-16 if you want to balance it out
17-18 if you are trying to graduate early/think you are smart enough/ want to do more study than socialize.</p>

<p>These estimates are based on my understanding and can vary.</p>