Would I be able to handle Chem & Psych and get A's while working 25 hours per week?

pmabraham, BSN, RN · Jun 1, 2013

Hi Sarah:

Chemistry typically has a lab.

I'm told one needs to study at least two hours outside of class for every hour in class.

Did you add up how many hours per week in class, then multiply by two to get total study time?

Would you be able to fit in the total study time per week where you get in some study time each day?

Thank you.

__patiently_waiting · Jun 1, 2013

Chem actually wasn't THAT hard for me. It wasn't a walk in the park, but it wasn't terrible either. I think it's very possible to get A's in both while working, but it depends on you. Are you good in science? How are your study habits? Will you have time to study? Cause you definitely will need to study chem. If you think you can do it go for it. You can always start to test it out then drop during the drop/add period if you think it's too much.

Idiosyncratic, BSN, RN · Jun 1, 2013

I'm taking chemistry this summer with a psychology class but that's it. My psych class is online, while chem is 4 times a week 5 hour days.

I've heard chem is difficult, and very math extensive. Unfortunately I don't know hands on yet. Are you taking any other classes?

Jory, MSN, APRN, CNM · Jun 1, 2013

Chemistry and Psychology shouldn't be an issue, however, you really, really need to think about your work schedule and start making plans to cut back if you can get accepted into a nursing program.

Guests · Jun 1, 2013

Chemistry is not particularly difficult for many people; others, however, find it to be terribly challenging.

If you are a good student, you attend all the classes, do all the work, and study diligently, there is no reason that you should not be able to be successful in chemistry and psychology while working part time. In fact, I'd consider that to be a fairly light load.

However, your previous experience is somewhat concerning because 1 A and 2 B's, while not terrible, is not particularly good, either.

amberdawn85 · Jun 1, 2013

I'm took chemistry and micro together in an 8 week course, it was a lot of work but not to difficult. I just study everynight when the kids all go to bed for 1-2 hour.

jtboog2003 · Jun 1, 2013

I don't see why you wouldn't be ale to do it, unless you don't have the determination and dedication. I took Chem along with 3 other courses while working full time and got all A's. But that's me. I honestly feel like it's up to the individual. Some people can't take a science and another course together when not doing anything else but take classes, and fail. Others can have way more on their plate and do well in school.

If you truly don't feel like you can't do it then don't. Going in with the attitude that you won't be able to do it doesn't do you any good. It's like setting yourself up to fail. On the other hand, if you think it's something you can do then go for it. No one on here knows what you are really capable of, you do. What's good for one isn't always good for others, so you have to decide for yourself. Will you be able to take a science class while working?

Chanduh · Jun 1, 2013

"I'm told one needs to study at least two hours outside of class for every hour in class."

I'm taking an accelerated science class (well, starting Monday) and if this is accurate then I will be dedicating 15 hours a day to this class. :nailbiting:

pmabraham, BSN, RN · Jun 2, 2013

Hi:

The example I was given is you add up all of the time for a week you spend in class, then multiply that by two for the total hours per week to study as a minimum.

For example, if you had an algebra class that met four days a week for two hours per day, then you would have eight hours of class time per week. That would mean a minimum of sixteen hours of study per week. Sixteen hours divided by seven days in a week would mean a little over two and a quarter hours per day of study (just an example).

Thank you.

nursingstudentsarah · Jun 2, 2013

Thank you for your response :)

This chemistry class is 5 units which includes 3 hours of lecture, 1 hour of discussion and 3 hours of lab per week.

The psych course is 3 hours of lecture per week.

I believe that I will in fact need to cut back on work and possibly not take psych. I have the summer to decide :) Thanks for your input.

nursingstudentsarah · Jun 2, 2013

Thank you for your response,

I am leaning toward taking both classes at this time however I will cut back to working only 2 days per week. I am fortunate to have a good employer who understands my needs.

Seriously though, thank you everyone for the input!