Is this a realistic course load?

cracklingkraken, ASN, RN · May 30, 2014

I think it certainly looks doable. But it really depends on what you think you can handle. I know of people who double majored with 21 credits each semester and did completely fine. I also know people who were at the bare minimum of 12 credits, as a full-time student for my school, and couldn't pull off any As. Just know your limit and use your time wisely!

SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP · May 30, 2014

It depends on what you can handle in your life. Are you working full time? Do you have children? Only you know what you can or cannot handle.

I was able to take 6 classes (17 credits) in one semester and still get a 4.0 in all my classes. It was a LOT of work and I had to stay very organized to do it. But I couldn't have done it if I had to work at the same time. My planner was my best friend :)

Best of luck to you!!!

ksw1978 · May 30, 2014

It's doable :) I'm doing 14 credits next semester plus working 30hrs a week. I'm a bit scared but I'm determined I can do it, and do it well! Have confidence in yourself and know that you can do anything as long as you work hard!

GoodnessFlows · May 30, 2014

Same as above. It always depends on your lifestyle and the amount of time you can commit to school. I am married with two kids, and aside from being a full time student, I do not work out of the home. I do have a ton of responsibilities, however.

That said, I think the schedule above is doable, assuming you are willing to work hard. You will definitely need to put in many hours per week to study for anatomy if you want an A. Not knowing your professor beforehand, I'd predict that after anatomy, stats will also give you a considerable amount of work.

I don't now your time frame or expectations around finishing, however if you have a little time to spare, you can always consider dropping a course. If not, go for it, and do your best. Good luck!

jnichox2 · May 30, 2014

Yeah I think I agree with everyone above. It does seem doable. The only thing I worry about is my GPA (3.96). I guess I have some thinking to do. But thank you for the feedback.

dt70 · May 30, 2014

I only took 3 classes plus Anatomy & Physiology I in a semester. What helped me was 2 classes were mini sessions.

Can you take Spanish, History, or General Psychology mini sessions where one class ends and the other starts?

Or change one your considering dropping to a mini session that doesn't start till October. This way you will already know if the schedule is too much and can drop the additional class before it starts.

Sizzline · May 30, 2014

For me, taking A&P1 and Stats in the same semester would have been disastrous. I struggled a lot with both of them, and spent hours each day on each of them. I think it depends on what comes easily for you, though, and how much you have on your plate outside of school. I'm mom to 2 little ones and run a small side business, so my time to study after school can be limited.

ixchel · May 30, 2014

I'm just wondering if taking these courses is to much for the upcoming semester.
Anatomy and Physiology 1
Statistics w/ Computer Applications
General Psychology 1
Elementary Spanish 1
U.S. History 1
Should I drop a course, I know that A&P requires a lot of attention. Thanks.

Personally, I'd drop stats or a&p. If this is your first semester in college in awhile, or ever, drop a&p. I have 2 kids that were 2 & 4 in my first semester back. If I recall, I had a&p, English, psych, some "this is what college is" class, and I can't remember what the 4th real class was. I had to stay full time every semester but kept it to 4 classes at a time (that "this is college" class was p/f and basically a useless thing that lasted half the semester). Anyway, I made As in all but a&p, in which I got a C. It was my only C. It was my only non-A in gen eds and pre-reqs. It made me realize the intensity of studying I needed to do. It was a really hard class, and I wish I had waited to take it in my second semester so I could have gotten into a college mode before getting hit with it. I also found that 4 classes was my max, when I had a choice. It wasn't the number of credits that got me. It was the number of classes. When I kept it at four, I was awesome.

Good luck to you, love.

angikat · May 31, 2014

I agree, it's doable. I have had similar semesters and I work and have a family. Like everyone else said, it does make a difference and if you don't have this it's VERY doable. I found I had to learn to keep a planner because I did have to put extra effort into making study time. If you do have a job and family then it will be stressful at times but it can still be done. Good luck! ?

Sent from my iPhone using allnurses. Angi/LPN (?RN)

Ramcharger310, ASN, CNA, RN, EMT-B · May 31, 2014

Try and take one of those classes over the summer if you can.

I remember A&P 1 was hard and Stats was hard. Both were spent a lot of time mastering tough concepts. I find Psych, Spanish and History not hard but time consuming.

I try to have a balance of hard and easy courses. Again, do something like take psych or spanish over this summer. You should still have enough units to be full time.

mamabearof3boys · May 31, 2014

What is your schedule for study time for each class? Allow yourself sufficient study time for each one, with an over estimate on what you'll need. I agree it depends on your study habits and life schedule. Also classes can be easy or hard and heavy or light work loads, depending on your professor. A lot can go into account when making the decision. Give yourself the first class, look over your sylabuses, and if you see the work load will be too much, drop one while you still can. Best of luck!