How many credits is too much

Lightning90 · Jan 18, 2017

I would be a little worried about taking 2 science classes and a math class in the same semester. You mentioned you took 14 credits last semester. How was that? Did you feel you had an adequate amount of study time for each class? There are other factors you should consider. Are you working? Do you have kids? If you feel like you can handle it, then go for it! However, if I were you, I would probably move the chemistry class OR the math class to the summer. That way, I make sure i get the BEST grades possible in each class. Good luck this semester :)

Alexander the Great, ADN, RN · Jan 18, 2017

If you aren't working and don't have to worry about financial stress I would say go for it. You know best whether or not it's a good idea to continue with a pretty heavy course load. Understand that you are about to have a pretty rough semester though regardless and hunker down and push through it because it would definitely benefit you in the long run.

However, since you are getting ready to take the PAX, I would suggest maybe moving one course to the summer in order to afford yourself more time to study for that test. I recently took that test and scored pretty well on it and was able to luckily gain the most amount of points possible for the program I applied for. If you aren't strong in the subjects that are going to be tested on then I would purchase a study guide and prepare all semester long so that you will be ready by the time it comes to take the test.

You could do just fine with either of the options above it just depends on how well you do on tests and if you're stressed about that aspect of applying for your program. If you feel pretty confident and are great at managing your time then I say keep the classes you've registered for.

NICUismylife, ADN, BSN, RN · Jan 18, 2017

If you have no job and no kids, then I think it's doable if you really buckle down. 2 sciences will be tough together, so if you do have kids or a job, then I think you might compromise your GPA with this load. Good luck in whatever you decide!

ItsThatJenGirl, CNA · Jan 18, 2017

For me, 14 credit hours is my max. I have two kids that I homeschool, and my husband and I run our own business. It's going to probably be different for you.

Like a previous poster, I wouldn't take two sciences and a math together. I'm taking two sciences this semester, with two easier classes to hopefully balance the load.

Ultimately you're the boss and you know what's best for you :)

SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP · Jan 19, 2017

It all depends on you and what you personally feel you can handle. I took 17 credits in one semester so I didn't have to wait a whole year to apply to the nursing program. I took Physiology, Microbiology, Microbiology Lab, Human Growth & Development, Pharmacology and Intro to Health Professions. I've always been strong in science & math, so I felt very comfortable taking that many sciences at once. Also, I was not working during that semester, so I had plenty of time to devote to studying. My kids were also self-sufficient (both able to drive), so I didn't have to worry about being the family "shuttle bus" either. I was able to make it through the semester with a 4.0 GPA.

If I had been working and had to deal with small children, I don't think I would have been able to do that many credits and still earn decent grades.

You really need to evaluate what works best for your present circumstances. Is your schedule do-able? Sure, but really think about if it's do-able for *you*. If you do go for it, use a planner and stay organized. Good luck