18 Credit Hours + Working?!

CountryGuy · Jan 14, 2014

You can do it, or if you have a bunch of money in the bank now, just work 15 - 20 hours and let the money slowly drain.

Since your parents recommend 15 hours. Do that. Borrow money from them at their cost or plus interest they would have earned if not loaning the money. Pay it back when you graduate.

pmabraham, BSN, RN · Jan 14, 2014

Good day:

A general rule of thumb for study time is a minimum of two hours per credit class. So if you have 18 credits, that would mean a minimum of 36 hours of study time. Personally, I found that for hard core sciences with a lab (that typically go for four credits) is to treat them as six credits as often times the lab time takes as much as the lecture time. It looks like you only have one hard core science with a lab (Microbiology), so that would up the study time to 40 hours per week. Also, having taken online classes, they often require more time and discipline than on campus classes. So be careful to stay focused on meeting all of the projects, activities, and objectives in a timely manner or you will get swamped.

If you can do the work hours plus deal with the travel time plus study time and all and have time to sleep so you are not a walking zombie, go for it.

Thank you.

JayCimone · Jan 14, 2014

I may just have to be okay with 15 hours. I'll just have to double up during any breaks or days off! LOL Thank you for the encouraging words! I really needed some advice here! I really do feel like I'm already loaded. I think 15 hours/week will have to do!

Thank you!!

kenya1005 · Jan 18, 2014

I'm doing it. I work 24 hours per week--12 hour shifts Saturday and Sunday. I hate not having my weekends, but it makes it to where I can sign up for any classes during the week and have study time. I study a lot---like 24/7 when I'm awake---but it's doable. I also have 4 kids, so that makes it even more fun.

amberdawn85 · Jan 19, 2014

I have 19 hours this semester, 18 last semester. I don't study at all when my kids are awake so I of my class work after 8PM for about 3 hours a night. I do very well and it works for me. I think of you have the self control to study instead of messing around during your free time you'll be fine. My first semester I felt over whelmed and it was because I spent an hour of my study time messing around online every night.

acmj · Jan 19, 2014

I think you should listen to your parents. You're taking a lot of classes that require memorizing small details which can take some time to really memorize.. If you have a good work ethic, it can certainly be done... but it's not optimal. If your parents are also asking for rent/gas/etc.... I would talk to them about possibly giving you a "discount" for good grades and explain that good grades will lead you to a better paycheck in the future!