Taking 4 difficult ENGR related classes and working a part-time job?

[Wsosa]

I am taking next semester Differential equations, University physics 2, Electrical circuits class and lab and an Introduction to engineering course at a community college and I am planning to work part time. Is it a good idea or at least doable to do those classes and take a part-time job less than 20 hours a week and fitted to my schedule or do you think I am overloading myself. what do you recommend?

 

[scottdave]

A lot of the answer would depend on your amount of time available to dedicate to studying. If you're not raising a family, for example.
A rule of thumb for technical courses such as these: allocate 3 hours study time outside of class for each class hour. So for a 3 credit hour class, allocate 9 hours per week for outside class study.
You may find that you need less than this. But I would rather find that I end up with some extra free time than being overloaded.
But definitely allocate some time for free time, so you don't get burned out.

Another thing that should help - get into a study group. You can help each other work through problems and concepts.

 

[Dr. Courtney]

A rule of thumb for technical courses such as these: allocate 3 hours study time outside of class for each class hour. So for a 3 credit hour class, allocate 9 hours per week for outside class study.

Great advice here.

 

[Choppy]

That's not an unreasonable course load. Don't let it psych you out.

If you haven't tackled that kind of course load before though, one thing to consider is a part-time job that's somewhat flexible in terms of scheduling. If you get busy during a specific week it's nice to be able to drop a shift if necessary and then pick up an extra one when time allows.