Only taking 2 classes in first semester. Bad idea?

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Hello I am newly graduated high school student attending my local CC(Harper College) to complete my pre-reqs. Right now during summer semester I am working on getting my CNA certification so that I can potentially work during school. For the fall semester I have 2 classes scheduled, one being Human Anatomy(Hardest class at CC I heard) and Sociology 101(easy class). Taking only two classes was the recommendation from my guidance counselor since she didn't want me to get overwhelmed my first semester.

The problem is that I'm worried that this will look bad to the admissions office of the schools I will potentially apply to. My ultimate goal is to get into UIC's nursing program and I heard its insanely competitive. I heard a normal semester was about 12-14 credit hours but right now I only have 7.

So I guess my ultimate question is whether or not it looks bad to only take two classes in one semester? Also would you guys recommend me to work during school as a CNA and be a part time student(or maybe even full time? Is that possible?) or should I just load up my schedule and focus hard on just studying?

If you've read this far thank you. I'm a very paranoid person and I would be grateful for any sort of replies!

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Specializes in critical care.

I believe the first semester of college tends to be very hard, as you learn how to self direct and prioritize between work, school, and home. If there were ANY semester I'd recommend only two classes, it would be the first semester ever.

If you do feel concerned about the way two classes may look, when it comes to application time, simply explain why you took this route. It was recommended, you are a brand new college student, you are getting a brand new job, and your number one goal is academic success. Starting slowly is an excellent strategy for academic success.

Good luck to you in your future endeavors!

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It may be different from school to school but where I am all the schools just look at your pre-req GPA and any experience you might have. They don't care how many classes you took at one time or how long it took you to complete the pre-reqs. I decided to go back to school while still working full time and I only took one class at a time. It took me 3 years to complete my pre-reqs but that didn't stop me from getting accepted. Maybe check with the programs that you are interested in to be sure but as long as you focus on getting good grades you should be fine.

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It's not a bad idea at all. It's your first college semester and you should focus on becoming more acclimated to college courses vs worrying about the number of credits you are taking. The competitive nursing programs focus on GPA in the pre-reqs and what kind of volunteer experience you have. Welcome to college.

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I've been taking classes on and off since '09. It doesn't matter how long it takes you, as long as you get there.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

If you're eligible for financial aid, make sure you understand the course load requirements. Disbursements are tied to your status as a 'full time' or 'part time' student. If you haven't filled out your FAFSA (financial aid assessment/application) do so right away. Financial aid would decrease the pressure to work - allowing you more time to focus on study.

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Specializes in Ambulatory Care, Clinical Care Coordination, LTC.
I've been taking classes on and off since '09. It doesn't matter how long it takes you, as long as you get there.

I agree, 100%. I took all of my pre-requisites as a part time student taking 6-7 credits per semester, and worked full time. It took me a little over two years. (It would have taken a little less time, but I had some remedial math classes I had to take also.)

During my first semester I was originally going to take 3 classes, but at the last minute I had to drop one. Initially I was pretty peeved, but once school did start and I got into my routine, I realized that I wouldn't have been able to handle 3 classes plus the job. I would pace yourself this first semester as suggested by your counselor. See how you balance out work, studying, and time at the school. If you feel like at the end of your first semester that you can handle more, then do it!

You gotta take it at your own pace, not at the pace you think everyone else is going at.

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Hello I am newly graduated high school student attending my local CC(Harper College) to complete my pre-reqs. Right now during summer semester I am working on getting my CNA certification so that I can potentially work during school. For the fall semester I have 2 classes scheduled, one being Human Anatomy(Hardest class at CC I heard) and Sociology 101(easy class).

How are you taking human anatomy, without taking general biology and general chemistry? Did you take AP courses in high school?

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