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For someone attempting 30 credits a year, what tips or advice would you give to them?

I am asking this question because I am one of those that are attempting 30 credits a year to graduate in four years, on time. #aspiringgraduate #college #college-advice #academic-advising

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Simeon’s Answer

Biggest tip I would offer you would be to save your freshman/sophomore level courses for later on in your degree. You don't want to be at max course load having all of your professors stressing you out. Save some of the fluffier classes for when you're taking hard classes so you can balance them out. To do that, you'll need to take some of your harder classes sooner. Work with your counselor to get an exact idea of which classes you'll be taking each semester. Also, take a look at summer classes and mini-mesters. You can spread out your course load more evenly that way as well.
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Frank’s Answer

I'm unsure if you're talking quarters or semesters, but either way it sounds like "a full time load".

Advice:
1. Develop and use strong time-management skills! Leverage your abilities "to prioritize" and "work smart". For example, when your friends want to go see the third movie this week, you'll have to weigh it in your mind, and perhaps say, "Thanks, but I have study plans", and then go to the library or a quiet study spot and make that happen.
2. Do some regular exercise! You'll probably get a lot just by walking to, from, and between classes, but make sure you get some physical activity, because it will help you stay healthy and sleep well.
3. Find "Study Halls", group study labs, or approach other students in your class to link-up at least weekly to study together! I wouldn't have passed Calculus without a great teacher and two buddies in class - we went math lab after class and worked on the homework problems together, a great help!
4. If you need help, and there are on-campus tutoring resources or "office hours" available, use them! There are also on-line tutoring resources available, which can help you if stuck.
5. Have some fun, too! If you've finished up a lot of studying, papers, research, etc, then it's time to have some fun, too.

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Kristen’s Answer

Time management is the most important skill you'll need to balance 30 credits with a social life and work and other organizations. There'll be days when it's not as busy as others, and those are the days to go hang out with friends or work on other projects. I've always been lucky that I've never had all of my tests for all my classes in the same week, my college didn't have mandatory midterms so most professors did two or more tests each semester. But it is possible to balance a 15-18 credit hour semesters, work 20 hours a week, and keep up with a social life, it just takes careful time management and the ability to say no to some things so you aren't overwhelmed.

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Lonnie’s Answer

I took 18 credits a semester and worked a 50 hour a week job, so I'm sure you can do it if you're able to focus. In my opinion the best thing would be to be pretty structured in your day, while leaving flex time every day to rest and to take care of things that will always pop up. There is a danger of becoming burnt out with this kind of workload, so you'll need to be sure and take time to get away from school from time to time just to relax, and since the majority of your time will be in a classroom or studying, make that time outside or in the gym if you'd prefer. It does need to be something physical though. Neglecting your health doesn't help your brain at all. And when you're my boss, be nice to me!
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Richard’s Answer

Treat school like a job. Get up early, get to work and when your work is done at the end of the day, you can spend time on social life or organizations.

Go to class. Plan to spend 2-3 hours studying for every hour of lecture. Attend your professor's office hours and any TA review sessions. If there is a test bank, use that as a study tool to understand what your professor wants you to focus on for the test.

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Akeeya’s Answer

I agree with the above comment. Time management is definitely key when taking on a full load. Also, note that "graduating on time" can still be whenever you complete your program. Once you get into your coursework, you will find out how many courses you can handle per semester. I think that it is a great goal to have, and never lose sight of your goals. If at some point you fall below 30 hours don't be too hard on yourself and go at your own pace. When you finish it will still be an accomplishment and everyone will be just as proud of you!!


Good luck to you.

Akeeya recommends the following next steps:

Take a look at your curriculum and speak with a counselor on campus when making your course selections. They may have some insight for you on which courses are better to take in the same semester.
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