What should I do?

<p>Would it be in my best interest to drop my schedule from 5 classes to 4 this fall, I am a first semester freshman... it would take me from 16 credit hours to 13. My schedule is as follows:
Trigonometry MWF 8:00-8:50
Public Speaking MWF 9:00-9:50
Biology TR 11:00-12:15 and F 11:00-1:50
English TR 2:00-3 :15
Psychology R 5:00-7:45</p>

<p>I'm thinking of dropping the psychology class...what do you think?</p>

<p>You could always start with the 16 credits and go to the first few classes to assess the workload before deciding. All schools will let you drop a class during the first few weeks without any repercussions. Your schedule seems very doable, but I think you are right that it is better to start off strong with 13 credits than to struggle with 16. My freshman is starting with 15 credits first semester.</p>

<p>Definitely take fewer units your first semester. So much is new, it's very easy to get overwhelmed.</p>

<p>It's a well balanced schedule. I suggest keeping it. If you want to graduate in four years, you should take a minimum of 15 credits/semester. If you find yourself overwhelmed, you can drop one class before the end of the drop/add period. If you decide to drop it now and then later decide that you want to take it, chances are the class will be filled and you won't be able to get into it. On the other hand, if you keep the class and decide that you can't handle the work load, it's easy to drop it during the add/drop period. My sons have always found it better to overbook their schedule by one class and then drop one later.</p>

<p>Keep the 16 credits, as above, you can alway drop a class if it is too difficult. Your course load doesn't sound especially difficult. You should never think you need to ease into college by taking fewer credits, you ease into college by taking intro courses with a normal load. The school admitted you thinking you can do the work, this means a normal 16 credits, not a light load. You will have plenty of time outside the classroom to do the required work.</p>

<p>There are many good reasons to take a light load the first semester. For one thing, college coursework is often much more rigorous than the high school classes students are used to. Second, often a new freshman has all kinds of distractions (fun) that keep them from focusing on school as much as might be ideal. </p>

<p>Overbooking and dropping one class is a good idea, however, 16 units your first semester isn't wise, unless you expect trigonometry and biology to be easy classes for you. For many students, those are extremely difficult classes that will require a lot of studying, study groups, and extra help to do well in.</p>

<p>Only you know how good you are at math and science (and English), whether you will be working while going to school, and the general difficulty level of your college.</p>

<p>The simple fact that you ask the question leads me to think that it would be wise to take a light load at first, and then ramp up in future semesters. If you find the courseload too easy, you can just study extra hard and earn excellent grades. I'd rather take the risk of being 2 units "behind" with strong grades and confidence going forward, than take the risk of being overwhelmed my first semester.</p>

<p>There may also be 1 or 2 unit courses available to fill out your schedule if you want to get more units, without a difficult course like psychology that will require a lot of time and energy to do well in.</p>

<p>You ask this after pages of responses to your last scheduling query? After you hinted God inspired counselors and academic advisors to fit you in classes you wanted when you changed your major? So many in your last thread urged you to speak with counselors; and not to be so quick with changes.
This time I recommend you think a little longer, act a little less quickly, get more information about the classes and your major before you take any actions. If anyone at your school gets the impression that you can't make up your mind, it might not make a good impression. This time, after speaking to academic sounselors at the school you changed your major; and soon after, with prayer your dream schedule fell ito place. Now, a couple days later, it may no longer be your dream schedule and you may want to change it. Please, think longer and act slower.</p>

<p>I have always excelled in Biology (98A, same goes for Anatomy) and English.</p>

<p>I really stink at math, unless it is in a science like Chemistry or Physics. Like, my high school maths were like this: Algebra 1 (79C), Geometry (88B), Algebra 2 (79C), and Algebra 3 (81B).</p>

<p>I have taken psychology, and absolutely love it, but do not want to overwork myself and let my GPA drop the first semester. So, I will more than likely just go ahead and drop it after a couple weeks of classes if I see the need.</p>

<p>I should have no problem with Biology, English, or Psychology...</p>

<p>Public Speaking I am taking because I have an awful fear of public speaking. I get shaky, I get dizzy, I get a headache, my palms sweat, my heart races, my voice cracks, and I end up crying 2 minutes into the presentation 95% of the time. The course load should not be all that difficult, though.... just the presentations are mentally draining on me.</p>

<p>So, Trigonometry is my only "difficult" and I mean, I'm sure it will be REALLY difficult for me.</p>

<p>Oh, and I figured my schedule out this way... I will have 13 credits this semester probably. And 17 next semester (Zoology, Chemistry, English Composition 2, Precalculus, and Psychology). And I am taking summer classes and am really hoping to take my last math class, Analytical Geometry and Chemistry 2, so that will give me 8 additional credit hours. And my sciences will be pretty much "caught up".</p>

<p>I agree with those who say you should start out with the 16 credit schedule for which you have registered.</p>

<p>IF you feel the need to reduce the load, who is to say it would be Psychology you should drop anyway? Maybe that prof will be dynamite. Maybe the prof in some other class will be dull, difficult to understand etc. etc. 16 credits is more of a "normal" load than 13 credits, imo, and there is no reason to assume you can't handle it before you have even set foot in a classroom.</p>

<p>I will make a variation on younghoss' recommendation: instead of thinking longer, stop thinking about this, because you are not actually thinking... you are speculating. Speculate less. Experience more. Once you have experienced the classes, then you can think about whether any adjustments are needed.</p>

<p>Intro to Psych. is a prerequisite for taking additional psych. classes. You should really try to keep it in your schedule. You're major is Bio but you love Psych. After completing both classes, you may find yourself more interested in pursuing Psych. By completing Intro. to Psych., you will have completed the prerequisite for taking additional Psych. classes. </p>

<p>You will have more than enough time during the week (and weekends) to get your work done. It's not like in high school where you're in a classroom for 6 hours a day. Definitely think it through before dropping a class. Also, you'll need a strong math background for any science major. Usually it's required to take math through the college calculus level (in addition to a Physics class). Double check the requirements for your major. You may find that you can't handle the math and switch to Psych. as your major. This is another reason you should try to take your current schedule.</p>

<p>Why are you asking about your schedule on CC? My daughter doesn't even ask for my input about her schedule. Part of going to college is trying to do some independent thinking on your own, and know who you should consult when you have a problem. In this case, it should be your academic advisor or your high school teachers that may know you better. On what basis would we be able to tell you to drop Psych or not.</p>

<p>The only math I need as a Biology major is: Precalculus and Analytical Geometry.</p>

<p>But, science I have not taken Trig before, I have to take it before I can get into Precalculus...</p>

<p>I will probably keep psychology. My professor only had good things said about him...so that is good</p>

<p>Psych is also one of the MOST popular classes in college so I would hold onto your spot and go to several lectures first. There's probably a huge waiting list already so it's YOUR best interest to NOT change your schedule. It's not fun to scramble for another class during add/drop period because it's just very stressful not knowing where you stand on the lists and whether you'll be able to get more credits. </p>

<p>Stop worrying. Enjoy your last summer of freedom.</p>

<p>PS- your second semester schedule looks like a killer compared to this planned first semester...</p>

<p>Another consideration, if you decide to drop one course, (although I am in the pool of folks who say don't do anything until fall) is whether you are a morning or evening person. If you are not a morning person, having your most difficult subject at 8AM may not be in your best interest. But if you do your best work in the morning, the timing of your Psychology may prove problematic.
I think the load will be doable; you just may need to look for sections at different times. (Sections that are closed now may open up during the drop/add period.)</p>

<p>My math professor is said to be really good, but boring. Fair exams, and she gives homework every class but does not check it... its for practice.</p>

<p>My English professor is said to be extremely strict. But that is fine, I can deal with a strict professor, as long as she can teach.</p>

<p>My Biology professor is said to be really good.</p>

<p>My Psychology professor gives a lot of reading, his lectures are said to be really entertaining, he gives extra credit quizzes every week, his tests are said to be difficult.</p>

<p>My public speaking professor is supposed to be really good, with a lot of speeches and a couple essays...</p>

<p>And, I am a morning person. But I LOVE psychology, so I do not think the time will be too big of a deal, especially since it is once a week.</p>

<p>In that case, I wouldn't change a thing!</p>

<p>Alright. Thanks everyone for your help :)</p>