11 answers
Kris
Student
Langley City, BC
1
Question
Updated
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Is taking 17 credits during one semester too much?
I am an international student who want to complete an bachelor degree major in biology. I live in Vancouver, Canada
#biology #college #degree
I am taking 4 academic courses in the first semester in college
( Associate of Science Degree for first 2 year) then I will transfer my credits to university.
Here is the first four courses : BIOL 1110 5 credits, MATH1120 3 credits, PHYS 1107 5 credits, CHEM1108 4 credits. I wonder is it too much ,they all have labs , because they are all science courses, they really need an effective outcomes ( GPA). If you used to experiences these courses, can you tell me about it ( lectures, lab) and give me advices.
Thank you sincerely. #college-advice #science
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11 answers
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1750
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Kris,
I really think the first semester is a time of adjustment. You will be learning that testing in college is way different from high school, you will want to keep up with your readings, form study groups, check out the campus, visit with friends, join clubs, and generally "get the feel" for college life. Above all else, you want your first semester to be Successful! So, in that regard, I recommend backing off a little. I would take the math, which I am guessing should be easy for you, biology, chemistry, and ???? one other academic class outside math and science. Like, don't you need history, Government, foreign language and stuff like that? I would cap it at 15 hours. Remember, it's only the first semester. After this, you will have a feel for what you should do the next semester! Set yourself up to succeed!
Kim
I really think the first semester is a time of adjustment. You will be learning that testing in college is way different from high school, you will want to keep up with your readings, form study groups, check out the campus, visit with friends, join clubs, and generally "get the feel" for college life. Above all else, you want your first semester to be Successful! So, in that regard, I recommend backing off a little. I would take the math, which I am guessing should be easy for you, biology, chemistry, and ???? one other academic class outside math and science. Like, don't you need history, Government, foreign language and stuff like that? I would cap it at 15 hours. Remember, it's only the first semester. After this, you will have a feel for what you should do the next semester! Set yourself up to succeed!
Kim
Richard A.
physician
2150
Answers
Updated
Richard’s Answer
I think it is too much. Try to prioritize and drop the class that serves as a prerequisite of the least number of future classes.
Raya Fratkina
Engineering Manager
13
Answers
Nashua, New Hampshire
Updated
Raya’s Answer
Hi Kris
My advice to you is not to over-commit in your first semester. You will be going through a lot of changes and adjustments so piling on so much work that you can't deal with it is not going to help.
If it was not your first semester, I would say go for it. But in the first one, I think you should be more careful and slightly conservative.
Best of luck!
Raya
My advice to you is not to over-commit in your first semester. You will be going through a lot of changes and adjustments so piling on so much work that you can't deal with it is not going to help.
If it was not your first semester, I would say go for it. But in the first one, I think you should be more careful and slightly conservative.
Best of luck!
Raya
Dennis Prendergast
Account Manager
64
Answers
Morristown, New Jersey
Updated
Dennis’s Answer
Kris maybe cap it at 15 credits especially if it’s your first semester - maybe pace yourself and then expand to a couple more credits. Enjoy the College Experience plan out accordingly and Best of Luck!
Rich Thompson
Assoc. Director for Community Engagement
3
Answers
Williamsburg, Virginia
Updated
Rich’s Answer
Dear Kris,
I am a Student Affairs administrator at William & Mary and my main advice is for you to identify the appropriate faculty adviser at the senior university that you are transferring too. They should be able to review your questions in regards to their degree program and make recommendations based on your transfer transcript.
Next - I recommend that you take a course load that is challenging but not overwhelming. You might also want to get involved in your community or explore some extracurricular activities that will bring balance and or foster your leadership skills as part of your university experience.
Another factor that you might want to consider is allocating time for some mini or professional internships.
Besides having a competitive academic resume/vita with good grades - many employers also consider other factors when they are hiring a recent graduate. From my experience, these intangibles often include - a student's ability to develop direct or transferable skills via internships, a track record of leadership development experiences, the ability to collaborate with others in a team, and a commitment to ones community or service activity to others.
I hope that this advice is helpful?
Richard Thompson
William & Mary, USA
PS. I visited Vancouver, BC in 2011 to participate in the RBC Gran Fondo Whistler. Vancouver and BC is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places in North America
I am a Student Affairs administrator at William & Mary and my main advice is for you to identify the appropriate faculty adviser at the senior university that you are transferring too. They should be able to review your questions in regards to their degree program and make recommendations based on your transfer transcript.
Next - I recommend that you take a course load that is challenging but not overwhelming. You might also want to get involved in your community or explore some extracurricular activities that will bring balance and or foster your leadership skills as part of your university experience.
Another factor that you might want to consider is allocating time for some mini or professional internships.
Besides having a competitive academic resume/vita with good grades - many employers also consider other factors when they are hiring a recent graduate. From my experience, these intangibles often include - a student's ability to develop direct or transferable skills via internships, a track record of leadership development experiences, the ability to collaborate with others in a team, and a commitment to ones community or service activity to others.
I hope that this advice is helpful?
Richard Thompson
William & Mary, USA
PS. I visited Vancouver, BC in 2011 to participate in the RBC Gran Fondo Whistler. Vancouver and BC is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places in North America
Thanks for your sharing , they are helpful to me at this momment , I really appreciate your answer
Kris
You are most welcome
Rich Thompson
Aaron Zweig
Asset Manager
13
Answers
Plano, Texas
Updated
Aaron’s Answer
That is really a lot of classes in one semester. There are those that want to do this to cut down on costs, and if this is you, then buckle down because it can be done, but you may not have a lot of extra curricular time. 16 hours is generally the max, that most people take, but again, people have their reasoning.
If you are trying to get done sooner rather than later, maybe try to stay at school during the summer and get some classes out of the way there...there are usually 2 summer sessions and you could probably knock out 6 hours per session pretty easily.
Someone said to enjoy your college experience. I would agree with that! Try to enjoy the time, here, as once you are out, you are in the real world for sure! I loved my college experience. Made life long friends, and met my wife in college. Wouldn't trade my experience for anything, although, looking back, I might have studied a bit more! Good luck to you, hope this was helpful!
If you are trying to get done sooner rather than later, maybe try to stay at school during the summer and get some classes out of the way there...there are usually 2 summer sessions and you could probably knock out 6 hours per session pretty easily.
Someone said to enjoy your college experience. I would agree with that! Try to enjoy the time, here, as once you are out, you are in the real world for sure! I loved my college experience. Made life long friends, and met my wife in college. Wouldn't trade my experience for anything, although, looking back, I might have studied a bit more! Good luck to you, hope this was helpful!
James Moore
Chemist
17
Answers
Hannibal, Missouri
Updated
James’s Answer
You can do it. Nose to the grindstone then you path will be easy.
Good luck.
Good luck.
Rachel Weinheimer
Surgeon
1121
Answers
Amarillo, Texas
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
No, this is not too many credits to take at one time. Just keep in mind that you want to get the most out of the classes you are taking. Also, if you want to go to grad school, don't take more classes at the cost of your GPA.
Jerel L.
Management Consultant
85
Answers
Columbia, South Carolina
Updated
Jerel’s Answer
17 credit hours are certainly doable. Be sure that you hone in on your time management skills because it will truly help you joggle your course-load.
Alissa Guimond
Consumer Leadership
1
Answer
York, Maine
Updated
Alissa’s Answer
Hi Kris,
I believe that the answer is really dependent on what your goals are! If you are able to dedicate the time necessary for each course and feel confident in your ability to self manage the course loads then you are not taking on more than you can handle! If you are pursuing a degree that you are passionate about and truly interests you, it's likely that you will find the coursework engaging and enjoyable.
I personally loved my college career because I loved the subjects that I was studying. The books that I purchased for the courses are ones that I continue to read and reference throughout my career. During my undergrad, I took as many courses as I was able to during each semester because it's what worked for me. My advice is to ensure you have the support that you need. A college advisor is very helpful. They can often make recommendations about which courses are recommended to take at once and others that should be spread across different semesters. They also can help to build a long term plan, showing what each semester will look like throughout your college career based on how many and which courses you take each semester. They also can assist in estimating the work load for each course and the time associated with that, which can allow you to make your own schedule to allocate the time needed for homework and studying.
I am so excited for you that you have a goal and a plan! Continue to pursue your passion!
Good luck,
Alissa G
I believe that the answer is really dependent on what your goals are! If you are able to dedicate the time necessary for each course and feel confident in your ability to self manage the course loads then you are not taking on more than you can handle! If you are pursuing a degree that you are passionate about and truly interests you, it's likely that you will find the coursework engaging and enjoyable.
I personally loved my college career because I loved the subjects that I was studying. The books that I purchased for the courses are ones that I continue to read and reference throughout my career. During my undergrad, I took as many courses as I was able to during each semester because it's what worked for me. My advice is to ensure you have the support that you need. A college advisor is very helpful. They can often make recommendations about which courses are recommended to take at once and others that should be spread across different semesters. They also can help to build a long term plan, showing what each semester will look like throughout your college career based on how many and which courses you take each semester. They also can assist in estimating the work load for each course and the time associated with that, which can allow you to make your own schedule to allocate the time needed for homework and studying.
I am so excited for you that you have a goal and a plan! Continue to pursue your passion!
Good luck,
Alissa G
Hannah Szydlo
Senior Associate Scientist
6
Answers
Acton, Massachusetts
Updated
Hannah’s Answer
Hi Kris,
I second Richard's recommendation to ask for guidance from a faculty advisor if available. The courses you have chosen sound pretty typical for a first year biology student who wants to hit the ground running, but a faculty advisor would know the specifics for your school.
Do you know if you have to take any general education classes in other topics as part of your degree(s)? Swapping one in for one of the courses you mentioned might make for a lighter first semester. Classes with labs can be quite time consuming.
I would also check what the prerequisites are for your physics class. I'm not sure what type of math class you are taking, but it might be easier to understand physics after having taken more math courses.
All that being said, if science is your passion, go for it! You know yourself and your limits best.
Best of luck, and enjoy your classes!
I second Richard's recommendation to ask for guidance from a faculty advisor if available. The courses you have chosen sound pretty typical for a first year biology student who wants to hit the ground running, but a faculty advisor would know the specifics for your school.
Do you know if you have to take any general education classes in other topics as part of your degree(s)? Swapping one in for one of the courses you mentioned might make for a lighter first semester. Classes with labs can be quite time consuming.
I would also check what the prerequisites are for your physics class. I'm not sure what type of math class you are taking, but it might be easier to understand physics after having taken more math courses.
All that being said, if science is your passion, go for it! You know yourself and your limits best.
Best of luck, and enjoy your classes!