How Many Classes Are Too Many?

Many college bound students think that if they load up on credits that they could finish school earlier than expected. This is not only true but it isn’t healthy either. If you have seen a college curriculum then you see that there are 4 to 5 classes every semester. This is for a reason, classes are not everyday like in high school, and they are a bit more spread out. You may have English on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays and you may have Math, Tuesdays and Thursdays. This is formulated this way with good reason. College course loads are not like high school. These classes are harder and the teachers expected more from you as you get through the semester.

When you attend College, many classes are at least 11/2 to 3 hours long, depending on a lab. High school classes were 45 minutes to an hour everyday. With college classes it is best not to load up on any extra classes at least not in your first year. First year students often have trouble with classes on a regular course load with anything additional it may backfire and the worst case scenario is that you fail a class and you have to retake it.

Your first semester in college if you are a first time student into college is a major adjustment time. This is where students become familiar with the way the college system works and what the course load for the rest of your time at the school will be like. With homework from 5 classes, studying for tests, reading assignments and taking these tests, you won’t be looking to add more classes. The first year is important if you are on financial aid since keeping a good grade point average may be a prerequisite to keep a scholarship that you may have.

Once you get through your first half of the semester, you will be asking yourself, what was I thinking wanting more classes? If you are a student who has to work in addition to going to school, you could end up working less hours and in many cases losing your job because you couldn’t handle both. If you are a working student then more classes is not the answer. Many students think that if they take “easy” extra classes, it would work out because they think it is a simple class. If you have ever seen a college curriculum and class description, then you know there is no such thing.

As you enter college, don’t try to overload yourself. After the first week of school, you will be glad you didn’t. Stay with the your major’s class schedule and work load, you will get through college just fine if you maintain your education, your work schedule (if you work) and your personal life. What happens to students who load up the fall behind, become stressed out and something in their life suffers. Don’t let it all get to you.

It is ok to be average; you don’t have to try to be Superman. Down the road if you feel like one more class is ok, then talk to your advisor and see if it is the best thing for you. Remember education is first and not how many classes you are taking that makes a great student.