Can I manage 6 college courses with a family?
July 22, 2010 8:26 AM Subscribe
I'm returning to school full-time, and any classes over 4 are no additional charge. I'd like to take 6... but I'm pregnant, and have a toddler. Am I insane?
So after a layoff and many months of no job openings in my field, it seems my best option was to finish my BA - I'd been going for 4 years, part time, and am getting my Associate's in two weeks after my summer class ends. I'm going to Salem State here in MA, and it's nearly all covered by grants, aside from maybe $1.5k (not counting books or any living expenses). Anything over 12 credits I'm charged the same flat, full-time student rate - obviously taking advantage of this is my best option.
I'm going to be giving birth very shortly after the fall semester ends. Like, I'm hoping I don't go early or I'll be giving birth during Finals week. I haven't yet talked to an advisor about contingency plans but I'm hoping they'll understand.
Now, my husband has been home from work with a shoulder injury, and after it heals, if it does, he may not return to that job. He has an additional job as a DJ one night a week that provides us with most our income, and it's very possible he will be picking another one up soon. So he'll be home almost all the time.
I had previously signed up for 5 classes, but if he is going to be home taking care of our toddler as much as he can (and he's great at it), I am thinking about a 6th. My current schedule is 9-3 on Mondays and Wednesdays (with a good hour for lunch) and 9-11 on Fridays, plus one online History class. Not a killer. I'm thinking about grabbing a night class maybe on my off nights. Am I insane for doing this?
I have no experience with taking this many classes. I managed three in one semester while working full time (plus overtime and 10hrs/week driving to work), but that was before I had my son. I don't want to tank my GPA if I can't hack it, but I also plan to take the spring semester off to care for the baby and I don't want to be in school another four years.
I'm hoping you can tell me it won't be that bad and I can do it, but you know, honesty is sorta important.
So after a layoff and many months of no job openings in my field, it seems my best option was to finish my BA - I'd been going for 4 years, part time, and am getting my Associate's in two weeks after my summer class ends. I'm going to Salem State here in MA, and it's nearly all covered by grants, aside from maybe $1.5k (not counting books or any living expenses). Anything over 12 credits I'm charged the same flat, full-time student rate - obviously taking advantage of this is my best option.
I'm going to be giving birth very shortly after the fall semester ends. Like, I'm hoping I don't go early or I'll be giving birth during Finals week. I haven't yet talked to an advisor about contingency plans but I'm hoping they'll understand.
Now, my husband has been home from work with a shoulder injury, and after it heals, if it does, he may not return to that job. He has an additional job as a DJ one night a week that provides us with most our income, and it's very possible he will be picking another one up soon. So he'll be home almost all the time.
I had previously signed up for 5 classes, but if he is going to be home taking care of our toddler as much as he can (and he's great at it), I am thinking about a 6th. My current schedule is 9-3 on Mondays and Wednesdays (with a good hour for lunch) and 9-11 on Fridays, plus one online History class. Not a killer. I'm thinking about grabbing a night class maybe on my off nights. Am I insane for doing this?
I have no experience with taking this many classes. I managed three in one semester while working full time (plus overtime and 10hrs/week driving to work), but that was before I had my son. I don't want to tank my GPA if I can't hack it, but I also plan to take the spring semester off to care for the baby and I don't want to be in school another four years.
I'm hoping you can tell me it won't be that bad and I can do it, but you know, honesty is sorta important.
6 courses in one semester sounds INSANE to me, even without children. But I suppose it would depend on the courses. I had some courses that required very little prep/study time, and others that required a lot of attention. If you can pack the schedule with a lot of "easy" courses, it might work out.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 8:35 AM on July 22, 2010 [5 favorites]
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 8:35 AM on July 22, 2010 [5 favorites]
So, this is your first semester back after a hiatus? Most would recommend that you err on the side of a lighter course load for your returning semester, because it's been awhile and you have no idea how your stressors are going to work out.
What I would do: Meet with an academic advisor. Before your meeting, go over all of your requirements and lay out a semester-by-semester strategy that will get you your degree in a reasonable time period. Let them know about your concerns, and see what advice they can offer - for instance, you may be able to do remote classes online, or other options like that.
But, if you do sign up for a big load, you can always drop a class before the add/drop deadline if you decide it's going to be too much.
posted by Think_Long at 8:36 AM on July 22, 2010 [2 favorites]
What I would do: Meet with an academic advisor. Before your meeting, go over all of your requirements and lay out a semester-by-semester strategy that will get you your degree in a reasonable time period. Let them know about your concerns, and see what advice they can offer - for instance, you may be able to do remote classes online, or other options like that.
But, if you do sign up for a big load, you can always drop a class before the add/drop deadline if you decide it's going to be too much.
posted by Think_Long at 8:36 AM on July 22, 2010 [2 favorites]
IAAProf; IANYProf: I think it's too much. That said, sign up for all the courses and decide by the withdraw date which one (if any) to drop. Decide whether passing is the goal, or whether the grades matter at all, and if so, what is acceptable. By the time you hit midterms (around the withdraw date, usually), you can talk to each prof about whether it might be possible to do a take home exam or an early exam, or turn your major paper in early. See what each will offer you and then make the decision whether/which course to drop.
posted by kch at 8:40 AM on July 22, 2010
posted by kch at 8:40 AM on July 22, 2010
Do you have the option of taking any pass/fail? I took 6 classes one semester (plus a full-time job), but I took the extra class pass/fail and just put in C-level effort. I agree that it depends on the type of work involved for the class -- if it's a couple of papers, that's doable, but lots of regular reading could add too many hours outside of class.
posted by xo at 8:41 AM on July 22, 2010
posted by xo at 8:41 AM on July 22, 2010
By the time you hit midterms (around the withdraw date, usually)
It may have just been my school, but that was considered a "drop" and we had a limited number. I believe I was allowed to drop three classes during my time at the university, no more. I think there was no penalty for leaving a class during the first week, but that definitely was not the same thing.
posted by mikeh at 8:44 AM on July 22, 2010
It may have just been my school, but that was considered a "drop" and we had a limited number. I believe I was allowed to drop three classes during my time at the university, no more. I think there was no penalty for leaving a class during the first week, but that definitely was not the same thing.
posted by mikeh at 8:44 AM on July 22, 2010
There's a difference between a "drop" and a "withdrawal" - to drop means to remove yourself from the course before a deadline, thus it never appears on your record. A withdrawal is what happens after the drop deadline has passed - you receive a "W" (or equivalent) for that course - it shows up on your transcript, but does not affect your GPA. Most places have limits to the amount of Ws one can receive without having to prove extenuating circumstances*
*Your college may vary.
posted by Think_Long at 8:48 AM on July 22, 2010
*Your college may vary.
posted by Think_Long at 8:48 AM on July 22, 2010
Best answer: If you're trying to maximize the number of classes/credits you're taking--and I agree that six classes sounds like a lot, but you and your advisor are in the best position to figure that out--I would suggest trying to get a mix of classes that require final exams and that require final papers or other projects that can be done well in advance of finals week. I worked full-time and took classes nearly full-time for a masters degree, and it wasn't the day-to-day load that made it unmanageable to do both full-time, it was the crunch periods right before mid-terms and finals.
In other words, it may be totally feasible to do the classwork for 6 classes all at once, but find yourself totally unable to prepare for six final exams that all happen the same week. However, depending on the hardness of the classes, you might find it feasible to take 3 classes that will base their final grades on exams given during finals week, plus 2 more classes where you need to write a final paper (in my experience, it's usually totally possible to do semester-long papers three or four weeks in advance of the final due-date, since they are often independent of the subject matter of any given class) or grades are determined solely by homework done each week during the semester.
posted by iminurmefi at 8:48 AM on July 22, 2010
In other words, it may be totally feasible to do the classwork for 6 classes all at once, but find yourself totally unable to prepare for six final exams that all happen the same week. However, depending on the hardness of the classes, you might find it feasible to take 3 classes that will base their final grades on exams given during finals week, plus 2 more classes where you need to write a final paper (in my experience, it's usually totally possible to do semester-long papers three or four weeks in advance of the final due-date, since they are often independent of the subject matter of any given class) or grades are determined solely by homework done each week during the semester.
posted by iminurmefi at 8:48 AM on July 22, 2010
Are you hoping to actually get anything out of these courses, or is your goal primarily to churn through them with GPA in tact? If the former, I think you'd be setting yourself up for disappointment (how could you dedicate the time necessary to read and really absorb any of the course material?); if the latter, then maybe you could get away with it if you follow ThePinkSuperhero's suggestion to load up on relatively easy courses ...
... as a college instructor myself, though, personally I couldn't imagine doing so many classes in a semester.
posted by DingoMutt at 8:49 AM on July 22, 2010
... as a college instructor myself, though, personally I couldn't imagine doing so many classes in a semester.
posted by DingoMutt at 8:49 AM on July 22, 2010
When I was in college I took 5-6 classes a quarter (quarters being more fast paced than semesters). I worked 30-40 hours a week and though I didn't have a baby, I was drinking a lot-- so that took up a lot of time.
You have to have the right mentality to make it work, but it's definitely workable. First thing is that most people don't work very efficiently. A lot of people might study for 3 hours-- but if you break it down after the getting ready to study, the getting coffee, the texting, the email, and whatever else-- you only really worked for an hour and a half of that 3 hours.
So be efficient.
Second, I made a conscious decision to not try that hard in some of my classes-- for example, my science GEs. I pulled Cs in those classes and didn't care. It did pull down my overall GPA, but it's not like I was applying for medical school after my BA.
Third, I didn't get as much out of the classes as maybe I should have, but I have the rest of my life to read Virgina Woolf if I feel like it. And the boring classes seemed to just fly by!
It's not as hard as you might think-- as long as you're not one of those obsessive worriers or high achievers you'll be fine.
posted by Wayman Tisdale at 8:52 AM on July 22, 2010
You have to have the right mentality to make it work, but it's definitely workable. First thing is that most people don't work very efficiently. A lot of people might study for 3 hours-- but if you break it down after the getting ready to study, the getting coffee, the texting, the email, and whatever else-- you only really worked for an hour and a half of that 3 hours.
So be efficient.
Second, I made a conscious decision to not try that hard in some of my classes-- for example, my science GEs. I pulled Cs in those classes and didn't care. It did pull down my overall GPA, but it's not like I was applying for medical school after my BA.
Third, I didn't get as much out of the classes as maybe I should have, but I have the rest of my life to read Virgina Woolf if I feel like it. And the boring classes seemed to just fly by!
It's not as hard as you might think-- as long as you're not one of those obsessive worriers or high achievers you'll be fine.
posted by Wayman Tisdale at 8:52 AM on July 22, 2010
Best answer: Things to consider:
- What's the last day on which you can withdraw from classes without penalty? Will that be deep enough into the semester so that you can get a fair idea of the workload?
- What kind of homework / studying will each class require? What's the form of evaluation? If you end up trying to write 5-6 term papers in the last three weeks of the semester, you may do poorly. On the other hand, if evaluation is mainly exam-based and you have good study habits, you may be able to keep up with the material well enough throughout the semester so that exam week will not be such a bad crunch.
- Will you be taking classes similar in subject matter and difficulty to classes you've taken in the past, or will you be moving into new territory where the work may be more challenging / time-consuming for you?
- Is your husband definitely going to be able to provide child care while you attend classes and do homework? What if he lucks into a job offer in the middle of the semester--would he turn down work in order to allow you to finish your 5-6 classes?
- What is the advantage of piling extra classes into the semester, besides the fact that you don't have to pay for them (in tuition dollars--you might "pay" in time and stress)? How far ahead will it get you in the pursuit of the BA? Will you be able to knock a semester off the total time-to-completion? Or will it just mean that you can take a lighter load in a later semester, and if so, how much do you really value that prospect?
- What are your contingency plans in case of third trimester complications or early labor? Would Salem State allow you to take incompletes and finish the classes in the following semester? If so, how confident are you that you would be able to finish the work for 5-6 classes while caring for an infant?
- Does Salem State offer other resources that you might be wise to spend your time on rather than taking extra classes? For example, if there's a professional internship program, your long-term interests might be better served by interning for a few hours a week rather than taking a sixth class.
posted by Orinda at 8:52 AM on July 22, 2010
- What's the last day on which you can withdraw from classes without penalty? Will that be deep enough into the semester so that you can get a fair idea of the workload?
- What kind of homework / studying will each class require? What's the form of evaluation? If you end up trying to write 5-6 term papers in the last three weeks of the semester, you may do poorly. On the other hand, if evaluation is mainly exam-based and you have good study habits, you may be able to keep up with the material well enough throughout the semester so that exam week will not be such a bad crunch.
- Will you be taking classes similar in subject matter and difficulty to classes you've taken in the past, or will you be moving into new territory where the work may be more challenging / time-consuming for you?
- Is your husband definitely going to be able to provide child care while you attend classes and do homework? What if he lucks into a job offer in the middle of the semester--would he turn down work in order to allow you to finish your 5-6 classes?
- What is the advantage of piling extra classes into the semester, besides the fact that you don't have to pay for them (in tuition dollars--you might "pay" in time and stress)? How far ahead will it get you in the pursuit of the BA? Will you be able to knock a semester off the total time-to-completion? Or will it just mean that you can take a lighter load in a later semester, and if so, how much do you really value that prospect?
- What are your contingency plans in case of third trimester complications or early labor? Would Salem State allow you to take incompletes and finish the classes in the following semester? If so, how confident are you that you would be able to finish the work for 5-6 classes while caring for an infant?
- Does Salem State offer other resources that you might be wise to spend your time on rather than taking extra classes? For example, if there's a professional internship program, your long-term interests might be better served by interning for a few hours a week rather than taking a sixth class.
posted by Orinda at 8:52 AM on July 22, 2010
Yeah. There's no way you're going back to school full time with a kid and one on the way.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 8:58 AM on July 22, 2010
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 8:58 AM on July 22, 2010
Response by poster: I think you all are right. I think 5 is enough. I have Intro to Business, World History I, Financial Management, Speech, and another business accounting/finance course I can't remember the name of. I do want to learn and retain information from these classes, since they're the foundation for the rest of my business school education.
I do have the option to drop for the first week, then withdraw up until sometime in early November, but you can't have more than a 33% withdrawal rate.
I remember a roommate I had once took 7 courses. My sister takes 6-7 per semester, but she's a nursing student so maybe credits work differently? I think that's what I was basing my ability on, but you know what? I think I'll just leave open the possibility of taking a spring class and leaving the baby and the toddler with my husband one night a week to regain my sanity and remain in the adult world. Thanks all!
posted by kpht at 9:07 AM on July 22, 2010
I do have the option to drop for the first week, then withdraw up until sometime in early November, but you can't have more than a 33% withdrawal rate.
I remember a roommate I had once took 7 courses. My sister takes 6-7 per semester, but she's a nursing student so maybe credits work differently? I think that's what I was basing my ability on, but you know what? I think I'll just leave open the possibility of taking a spring class and leaving the baby and the toddler with my husband one night a week to regain my sanity and remain in the adult world. Thanks all!
posted by kpht at 9:07 AM on July 22, 2010
Best answer: I'm pregnant with a toddler right now and the idea of taking that many classes sounds like too many. I remember how energetic I felt at the beginning of my second trimester, but that energy level doesn't last! I don't mean to sound too Earth Mother here or anything but I just got the lecture from my OB about growing a baby being a job in itself that requires a certain level of energy from you, and to make sure to get enough rest. So yeah, I'd suggest that you sign up for the number of classes you are confident you can handle and no more. I know you don't want to stretch getting your degree out forever, but if you overdo it and wind up on bed rest and have to pull out of ALL your classes, that's not any forward progress either. Think tortoise, not hare.
posted by ambrosia at 9:09 AM on July 22, 2010
posted by ambrosia at 9:09 AM on July 22, 2010
Let me also add, that when you look back at college in 10 years you're probably going to say, Who cares?
Did you get a C- in Medieval History when you could have got a B+?
Could your GPA have been 3.7 instead of 3.2?
Did you not fully understand Skinner as much as you could have?
Who cares?
The only important question is Did I finish?
Don't listen to all these other people. Don't worry about drop dates or whatever. You'll just be setting yourself up to drop. Just take the classes, do the work, and pass. It's not that hard! It's just college!
Contrary to metafilter, you don't always have to live your life in the most prudent and level-headed way. Sometimes the practicality, logic, and banality of the way people talk and lead their lives is so depressing! 6 classes is obviously not a normal thing to do. But that does not make it a bad thing to do. There's not even much risk in the endeavor! The worst thing is you fail a class in college???? Who cares? Pardon my cliche, but seize the day!
I don't know you at all, but if you're the type of person who even is considering taking 6 classes while pregnant, then you're the type of person who can do it. Many people would never dream of challenging themselves like this. But you are not like many people.
Anyway, good luck.
posted by Wayman Tisdale at 9:10 AM on July 22, 2010
Did you get a C- in Medieval History when you could have got a B+?
Could your GPA have been 3.7 instead of 3.2?
Did you not fully understand Skinner as much as you could have?
Who cares?
The only important question is Did I finish?
Don't listen to all these other people. Don't worry about drop dates or whatever. You'll just be setting yourself up to drop. Just take the classes, do the work, and pass. It's not that hard! It's just college!
Contrary to metafilter, you don't always have to live your life in the most prudent and level-headed way. Sometimes the practicality, logic, and banality of the way people talk and lead their lives is so depressing! 6 classes is obviously not a normal thing to do. But that does not make it a bad thing to do. There's not even much risk in the endeavor! The worst thing is you fail a class in college???? Who cares? Pardon my cliche, but seize the day!
I don't know you at all, but if you're the type of person who even is considering taking 6 classes while pregnant, then you're the type of person who can do it. Many people would never dream of challenging themselves like this. But you are not like many people.
Anyway, good luck.
posted by Wayman Tisdale at 9:10 AM on July 22, 2010
I'm amazed at your energy level. I could never do half of what you do. You must be a remarkable person.
That said, I think that even four classes is pushing it. Way too many people try to juggle four or five classes and fail at it as full time students. I teach intro courses and I try to be very, very accommodating of students from all backgrounds and with all kinds of needs. I'm the type that if you came to me and explained your situation I try to help you out.
And from what you've said, you're already spread thin. Trying to get in extra classes right now seems like a really bad idea. Talk to your academic advisor, but I can't imagine they'll tell you this is a good idea. There are just too many unknowns between now and the end of the semester.
Honestly I would be kind of annoyed (although I wouldn't take it out on you!) if someone in your situation asked for special assignments or extra time. It doesn't sound like there's an pressing need for you to take all this on right now-- forgive me if I misread. All those accommodations you might like make more work for me, and I don't get paid enough as it is for the ton of work I and the extras I do for my students. I'd wonder if my class was one you really cared about or if you were just aiming for a C.
That's just another perspective...
posted by vincele at 9:14 AM on July 22, 2010
That said, I think that even four classes is pushing it. Way too many people try to juggle four or five classes and fail at it as full time students. I teach intro courses and I try to be very, very accommodating of students from all backgrounds and with all kinds of needs. I'm the type that if you came to me and explained your situation I try to help you out.
And from what you've said, you're already spread thin. Trying to get in extra classes right now seems like a really bad idea. Talk to your academic advisor, but I can't imagine they'll tell you this is a good idea. There are just too many unknowns between now and the end of the semester.
Honestly I would be kind of annoyed (although I wouldn't take it out on you!) if someone in your situation asked for special assignments or extra time. It doesn't sound like there's an pressing need for you to take all this on right now-- forgive me if I misread. All those accommodations you might like make more work for me, and I don't get paid enough as it is for the ton of work I and the extras I do for my students. I'd wonder if my class was one you really cared about or if you were just aiming for a C.
That's just another perspective...
posted by vincele at 9:14 AM on July 22, 2010
Response by poster: Vincele: You're right. I think five classes is doable, but I can take four and still be a full-time student, so I can drop one at midterms and be OK.
Also, I am finding out that my Speech class has an option to write a speech and present it, and if you're graded as an A, you get your 3 credits within the first month of the course and are excused from the remainder. That would be a gigantic win. I'm not banking on it because I have stage fright something fierce, but get me talking about gay rights and I'll talk up a storm.
I wouldn't be asking for special treatment at all, except in the rare case that I go into labor more than a week before my due date and physically can't be there. I had no issues with my first pregnancy and school - I took three classes (one a four-credit accounting course) while working 45 hours a week in my third trimester, but that time the baby was due in January instead so I had a little wiggle room. I mean, my job had downtime in which I wrote papers or studied, so I wasn't superwoman, but it wasn't terrible.
posted by kpht at 9:28 AM on July 22, 2010
Also, I am finding out that my Speech class has an option to write a speech and present it, and if you're graded as an A, you get your 3 credits within the first month of the course and are excused from the remainder. That would be a gigantic win. I'm not banking on it because I have stage fright something fierce, but get me talking about gay rights and I'll talk up a storm.
I wouldn't be asking for special treatment at all, except in the rare case that I go into labor more than a week before my due date and physically can't be there. I had no issues with my first pregnancy and school - I took three classes (one a four-credit accounting course) while working 45 hours a week in my third trimester, but that time the baby was due in January instead so I had a little wiggle room. I mean, my job had downtime in which I wrote papers or studied, so I wasn't superwoman, but it wasn't terrible.
posted by kpht at 9:28 AM on July 22, 2010
FWIW I was the crazy person who got an adviser to allow me to take 21 credits or more each semester after freshman year. I also found that I did better then - maybe it was because I got credit for working at the student magazine, maybe it was because I had a hard freshman year but my grades definitely were better doing more classes. Come to think of it, I've been taking grad school classes one at a time and the semester I did two at a time I did pretty well.
Anyway, I'm not going to tell you whether to do it or not. I will however recommend that you do take these classes deliberately if you decide to go above and beyond. I graduated college with a BA and I was one class short of a minor. Had I thought more about my goals and such, I probably could have graduated with a double major. So I would take a look at what you need to do to get another major or a minor or a certificate and plan accordingly.
And again, unless you're planning to go to grad school (and even then) or about to flunk out, it's pretty rare that anyone cares about your grades after college.
posted by kat518 at 9:29 AM on July 22, 2010
Anyway, I'm not going to tell you whether to do it or not. I will however recommend that you do take these classes deliberately if you decide to go above and beyond. I graduated college with a BA and I was one class short of a minor. Had I thought more about my goals and such, I probably could have graduated with a double major. So I would take a look at what you need to do to get another major or a minor or a certificate and plan accordingly.
And again, unless you're planning to go to grad school (and even then) or about to flunk out, it's pretty rare that anyone cares about your grades after college.
posted by kat518 at 9:29 AM on July 22, 2010
it's pretty rare that anyone cares about your grades after college.
This is pretty accurate in my experience (unless you want to keep the doors open for further education) and I'm sure if you go on to work in the business world, your work performance will matter FAR more than your college courses.
So, it might be best to power through these courses and start earning some money for your family.
On the other hand, your personal values also come into play. Are you going to be annoyed at yourself in x years when you look back and wonder if you could have taken more from the courses? Or sad because you want to apply for grad school but your grades are sub-par because you rushed?
It's not for me to say which is right or wrong, wise or foolish... it's just something for you to think about.
posted by cranberrymonger at 9:42 AM on July 22, 2010
This is pretty accurate in my experience (unless you want to keep the doors open for further education) and I'm sure if you go on to work in the business world, your work performance will matter FAR more than your college courses.
So, it might be best to power through these courses and start earning some money for your family.
On the other hand, your personal values also come into play. Are you going to be annoyed at yourself in x years when you look back and wonder if you could have taken more from the courses? Or sad because you want to apply for grad school but your grades are sub-par because you rushed?
It's not for me to say which is right or wrong, wise or foolish... it's just something for you to think about.
posted by cranberrymonger at 9:42 AM on July 22, 2010
The only important question is Did I finish?
it's pretty rare that anyone cares about your grades after college
While I agree that your grades will count for much less than your degree when you're applying for jobs, I think these comments ignore an important point. Many of the classes that are required for your degree are required because the information is actually important to the work you're preparing for. You want to be able to pay attention and retain information from these classes, because they will make your life easier once you're in the working world.
Go ahead and pack in the credits if you're doing a semester full of classes to fulfill your liberal arts requirements. If Intro to World Religions and 19th Century American Literature help check off some boxes on your list of requirements, but you're majoring in Chemistry or Business, who cares if you forget everything you learn in those classes? But in courses that are foundational to your major, you want to be able to put the time in to really absorb and integrate the information. Not because it will get you an A (though it probably will), but because it will help you throughout the rest of your schooling and into your career.
posted by vytae at 9:55 AM on July 22, 2010
it's pretty rare that anyone cares about your grades after college
While I agree that your grades will count for much less than your degree when you're applying for jobs, I think these comments ignore an important point. Many of the classes that are required for your degree are required because the information is actually important to the work you're preparing for. You want to be able to pay attention and retain information from these classes, because they will make your life easier once you're in the working world.
Go ahead and pack in the credits if you're doing a semester full of classes to fulfill your liberal arts requirements. If Intro to World Religions and 19th Century American Literature help check off some boxes on your list of requirements, but you're majoring in Chemistry or Business, who cares if you forget everything you learn in those classes? But in courses that are foundational to your major, you want to be able to put the time in to really absorb and integrate the information. Not because it will get you an A (though it probably will), but because it will help you throughout the rest of your schooling and into your career.
posted by vytae at 9:55 AM on July 22, 2010
As a data point, I took anywhere from 18-21 credits each semester my last year and a half of college (so, all senior level seminars) and did better than I ever had before. Some people thrive on stress... only you know if you're one of them.
posted by youcancallmeal at 9:58 AM on July 22, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by youcancallmeal at 9:58 AM on July 22, 2010 [1 favorite]
In my experience, anything over 15 credits is really unmanageable.
In my experience, this depends hugely on the classes themselves. I've had upper level classes that required only about one or two hours of work a week. I had one that was basically free credits; I took it to fulfill a requirement but already knew most of the subject matter, so I just had to glance over notes from the classes I didn't attend (which was most of them). I've had others that took up as much time as my other classes that semester combined.
But when evaluating this, you really need to be thinking ahead and looking at crunch times. Evaluate based on the course load then and how well you can spread that over the semester. A class may be low-stress until finals, when you have to turn in a twenty-page paper. Or maybe most of your grade is based on midterm and final, but you don't want to be cramming studying into one week. That kind of thing.
If after reading all of the advice here, you think you want to try it, look very closely at the syllabus of each class the first week, when you can still drop without penalty.
I personally wouldn't do it, unless most of the classes were "easy" in terms of work load, and my family thinks I'm the type of person who often takes on too much. If I had no other obligations--no job, no baby, I might, but not with either of those two things. Take that as you will.
I can drop one at midterms and be OK.
Look at your school's policy before banking on that. Mine wouldn't allow you to drop at midterms without getting a W, which while not as bad as an F, does remain on your transcript.
posted by Kutsuwamushi at 12:35 PM on July 22, 2010
In my experience, this depends hugely on the classes themselves. I've had upper level classes that required only about one or two hours of work a week. I had one that was basically free credits; I took it to fulfill a requirement but already knew most of the subject matter, so I just had to glance over notes from the classes I didn't attend (which was most of them). I've had others that took up as much time as my other classes that semester combined.
But when evaluating this, you really need to be thinking ahead and looking at crunch times. Evaluate based on the course load then and how well you can spread that over the semester. A class may be low-stress until finals, when you have to turn in a twenty-page paper. Or maybe most of your grade is based on midterm and final, but you don't want to be cramming studying into one week. That kind of thing.
If after reading all of the advice here, you think you want to try it, look very closely at the syllabus of each class the first week, when you can still drop without penalty.
I personally wouldn't do it, unless most of the classes were "easy" in terms of work load, and my family thinks I'm the type of person who often takes on too much. If I had no other obligations--no job, no baby, I might, but not with either of those two things. Take that as you will.
I can drop one at midterms and be OK.
Look at your school's policy before banking on that. Mine wouldn't allow you to drop at midterms without getting a W, which while not as bad as an F, does remain on your transcript.
posted by Kutsuwamushi at 12:35 PM on July 22, 2010
My freshman year i took extra classes ( i foreget how many credits but I took 5 classes) because I didn't have a car and thus couldn't work. Sophmore and Junior year I worked full time and took regular full courseloads. Sophmore year was a slogfest, but Junior year I met with each professor before teh semester started, pleaded my case about work (for part of the year I worked 4 hours away but I made mad money) and asked how having 5-6 absenses would affect my grades if I agreed to never turn in anything late ever, ask for an extension, or ask for a grade change. If I was unable to physically make it to class, I would email the assignment. Luckily all of my professors were receptive to this so I didn't run myself ragged trying to physically be places I just couldn't be. Senior year I collected unemployment and was able to take 2-3 courses each semester because that's all I needed to graduate. Senior year was awesome.
I think you could do 5 classes in your situation (6 is a little much). While some have said that it would be absurd of you to ask for special accomodation, I dont think it would so long as you agree to submit all assignments on time. This will really free up some of your time, especially if you are a good self-directed learner.
posted by WeekendJen at 12:55 PM on July 22, 2010
I think you could do 5 classes in your situation (6 is a little much). While some have said that it would be absurd of you to ask for special accomodation, I dont think it would so long as you agree to submit all assignments on time. This will really free up some of your time, especially if you are a good self-directed learner.
posted by WeekendJen at 12:55 PM on July 22, 2010
My daughter tried this with a new baby and a toddler. It was a disaster. And right before finals her marriage broke up.
And this was just with online courses, and some child care.
You would be better off to start with fewer classes and then see how it went.
posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 2:49 PM on July 22, 2010
And this was just with online courses, and some child care.
You would be better off to start with fewer classes and then see how it went.
posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 2:49 PM on July 22, 2010
I think 4 is doable. 5 is pushing it.
Remember, it's not just the classes, it's the homework and studying and research, and with a new baby your sleep levels are going to be so low it will really be amazing if your brain isn't fuzzy already.
I wish you well, and I hope you succeed whatever you choose. You may just be the superwoman who can handle it all.
If it becomes overwhelming, though, don't be afraid to swallow your pride and drop some hours. If you stubbornly continue to push yourself too hard you will only regret it later.
posted by misha at 4:59 PM on July 22, 2010
Remember, it's not just the classes, it's the homework and studying and research, and with a new baby your sleep levels are going to be so low it will really be amazing if your brain isn't fuzzy already.
I wish you well, and I hope you succeed whatever you choose. You may just be the superwoman who can handle it all.
If it becomes overwhelming, though, don't be afraid to swallow your pride and drop some hours. If you stubbornly continue to push yourself too hard you will only regret it later.
posted by misha at 4:59 PM on July 22, 2010
Response by poster: I think some people misunderstood- our current child is 18 months and at this point, easy enough to deal with and predictable. New baby won't be born until after this semester ends. I will take a semester off after the new baby is born - no way am I taking more than one class with a toddler and an infant. With two children, I don't expect to ever be full time again, but 2-3-4 classes per semester depending on how things work (my school has a daycare that my son will qualify for in fall of 2011).
I will skip picking up class #6, stick with 5, and drop one if I need to (I can withdraw on up to 33% of my classes at the midterm period without being on academic probation). The school offers some great summer classes, some that run 1 week 8AM-4PM, so I may just grab one or two of those to make up for the classes I'm missing in the spring. Thanks, all!
posted by kpht at 6:15 PM on July 22, 2010
I will skip picking up class #6, stick with 5, and drop one if I need to (I can withdraw on up to 33% of my classes at the midterm period without being on academic probation). The school offers some great summer classes, some that run 1 week 8AM-4PM, so I may just grab one or two of those to make up for the classes I'm missing in the spring. Thanks, all!
posted by kpht at 6:15 PM on July 22, 2010
IAAProf, so take anything I say with a grain of salt. ;)
I didn't see anything mentioned yet about the possibilities of group projects/work. One group assignment in one class and you'll find that the only time your group can meet is when you have no sitter or you were planning to be in bed already. Then, if another class gives a group assignment you'll find out how much different college is w/ a family.
I'm not saying you can't take 4, 5 or even the original 6 courses. What I'm saying is that the more you know about what your profs expect before you start the term, the better off you'll be.
BTW...when I was a freshman in college, one of the students in my Russian class was about 6.5 months pregnant at the start of the term. She was always the first to arrive to class, and I was usually the second. One day late in the term I got to class at my usual time. She was not there, but her bag was. Then I noticed a puddle next to her bag. As I was staring at the puddle she popped into the room and said "guess the school really needs to fix the roof." It had rained that morning and water leaked in...I thought it was her water that had broke. She had the baby after finals, right on schedule.
posted by achmorrison at 6:20 PM on July 22, 2010 [1 favorite]
I didn't see anything mentioned yet about the possibilities of group projects/work. One group assignment in one class and you'll find that the only time your group can meet is when you have no sitter or you were planning to be in bed already. Then, if another class gives a group assignment you'll find out how much different college is w/ a family.
I'm not saying you can't take 4, 5 or even the original 6 courses. What I'm saying is that the more you know about what your profs expect before you start the term, the better off you'll be.
BTW...when I was a freshman in college, one of the students in my Russian class was about 6.5 months pregnant at the start of the term. She was always the first to arrive to class, and I was usually the second. One day late in the term I got to class at my usual time. She was not there, but her bag was. Then I noticed a puddle next to her bag. As I was staring at the puddle she popped into the room and said "guess the school really needs to fix the roof." It had rained that morning and water leaked in...I thought it was her water that had broke. She had the baby after finals, right on schedule.
posted by achmorrison at 6:20 PM on July 22, 2010 [1 favorite]
Look up all the possible professors on ratemyprofessors.com and make sure you don't take a bunch of hard professors.
posted by Jacqueline at 7:41 PM on July 23, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by Jacqueline at 7:41 PM on July 23, 2010 [1 favorite]
This thread is closed to new comments.
What you can do is sign up for the 6 classes and find out what the withdrawal date is (when you can drop a class and still get your money back). If you find you can't or probably won't be able to handle the workload, just drop before that date. Or alternatively, you could ask each professor for a syllabus in advance and try to work out your probable schedule from there.
posted by Lobster Garden at 8:31 AM on July 22, 2010 [1 favorite]