Can I Read 30 Extra Credits in 1 Year at 200%?

[izzor]

Hello, I am currently studying enginnering in a university in Scandinavia and will be starting my third year now next week with the total eduaction being five years. I have been studying at a pace of 150% over the last year, including extra mathematics, physics and chemistry. It has been really tough, forcing me to study every minute of the day. However I got the highest grades in almost all courses, meaning I am a so called model pupil.

I have lately been interested in studying french, meaning I will have to step up from 150% to 200%. Is this possible? How much more work will it take studying a new language?

I am somewhat talented in languages and can speak three languages with full proficiency. How many hours a week will I have to spend in order to read 30 extra credits distributed over a year? If I manage I will have to accomplish 120 credits in a year which is equivalent to two years of full time studying, while still keeping my current standard (highest possible grade).

Once again, is this possible? Do you guys have any tips? Inputs? Etc.

 

[micromass]

If you are already forcing yourself to study every minute of the day, then perhaps studying even more is not the best idea.

 

[izzor]

The argument to actually read another language is to pursue studies abroad and to increase my intellectual value.

 

[micromass]

Sure, I got that. But when you're already overworked, you can't do anything extra.

 

[JBosma]

I completely agree with micromass here. From your first post it seems you're already near or at the edge of what's possible. I can see a couple of options for when you do try:
1) You'll (barely) manage but your grades will drop and you won't understand your classes as well;
2) You'll discover halfway the semester that you won't manage and have to drop (a) course(s), causing a lot of frustration;
3) You'll fail some courses;
4) You'll burn-out trying to do 200% and fall back to only being able to do <50% for a prolonged time.
And yes, this is meant to slightly scare you. I have been in your position myself and have seen multiple people around me in the same position as well, and have seen all of the outcomes I mentioned.

Trying to get the best out of yourself is good of course, but be careful. It seems like you're already the top student at your school. If I were you, I'd rather spend some time reading up on topics I find interesting than taking more courses, if you still have some time and want more challenge.

Now about learning french. Doing studies abroad is a lot of fun and will be very valuable. If that's what you want to do, do it. But you'll have to drop some other courses. Cut your normal workload back to 100% and take french on top of that. Keep on impressing everyone with your high grades in those courses, learn french, go abroad. That'd be my advice.