<p>This fall I will be a freshman at a state university. I will be taking 18 Cr/Hrs and the classes are Bio, Chem, German, English, and Intro to music. I am thinking of getting a job, so it can help me with the college tuition. But at the same time, I want to maintain good grades , 4.0 GPA, for at least the first year. I am a relatively good student, I was a valedictorian at my high school, and I was involved in many activities so I can work well under pressure. And I know that high school is different from college, and that is why I am doubting the fact if I should be looking for a job or not?
Thank you for your help</p>
<p>Frankly, I think 18 hours are too many for a Fall Frosh. There’s an adjustment going from HS to college.</p>
<p>My kids worked part-time during college, but they didn’t work their fall frosh semester. Some do and that’s fine. But I think you should cut back on your credits (maybe 16 max).</p>
<p>Are you premed? IF so, definitely cut back. Too many premeds ruin their GPA’s their first semester because the adjustment is too much.</p>
<p>If you must do all those classes, then see if you can get a job for Friday night. That’s a time when kids don’t usually study anyway. lol</p>
<p>I think working while in college is a good idea, but let yourself adjust to classes first as a freshman. Especially with all those classes, you don’t want to overload your plate. You need to make time for experiences outside of academia, like clubs and sports. You also need time to relax and to socialize. As you mature and grow more accustomed to your college environment, you may find thy you can better handle a job later. </p>
<p>Also, as you gain experience at your university, you may be able to get a job on campus tutoring or TAing. Those jobs are more convenient and allow you to be a student first. </p>
<p>Bottom line, just go learn for right now. Worry about jobs later.</p>
<p>so it can help me with the college tuition</p>
<p>What is your situation?</p>
<p>Obviously, if you have to work to make ends meet for school, then you have no choice but to work. </p>
<p>Either way…18 credits is too much for a fall frosh…especially if premed.</p>
<p>Are those semester hours or quarter hours? 18 Qtr hours might be just fine.</p>
<p>OP, what is the typical credit hours for the freshman?</p>
<p>If both Bio and Chem have lab sections, you really need to consider ditching one of the other classes. 15 to 16 credit hours would be better for your first semester. That also would give you time to fit in a part-time job.</p>
<p>If you want to work, I would always recommend looking for a job, even if you aren’t actively applying to things. You never know what’s out there, and you may be able to find a job on campus that’s only a few hours a week or that would let you do homework on the job. Find things that will fit into your schedule, and try it. If it’s too much, you can always cut back.</p>
<p>I worked several jobs while I was a student, often simultaneously, maintained a near 4.0 GPA, and a 16-20 unit courseload. I liked being busy, but I was prepared to sacrifice for the experience that the different jobs gave me. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend that to anyone, but it’s definitely possible to work and be a good student.</p>
<p>If you have to work, you have to work, but if you’re concerned about the workload and can afford to not work for a semester, you can always try to find a job spring semester when you have a better idea of what you can handle. In my experience, most on campus places hire in the fall, but some hire in the spring, especially if you are willing to work over the summer.</p>