What classes should I take for the spring semester?

[Bashyboy]

Hello all,

For the spring semester, I was considering taking Calculus III, Math Statistical Analysis, Discrete Mathematics, and Physics II. Before I sign up for this classes, I thought it most prudent to seek the advice of others. So, does anyone have any opinions that they'd like to share? I certainly would appreciate it.

 

[Choppy]

What are you planning on doing for your fifth course? I usually enjoyed balancing it out with something on the humanities side to give my mind a chance to switch gears.

 

[Bashyboy]

Do I need to take a fifth course? I Am just wondering if this might be too much.

 

[Arsenic&Lace]

Doable, but you have two questions to answer:
1. Have you taken this many math/physics classes before?
2. Do you need to take this many classes? Does it really benefit you? Remember, undergrad is partly about learning, and partly about getting into grad school.

Think about where your grades are now, and imagine a realistic worse case scenario (2 B's? a C?) and try to envision just how likely it is, and whether you're willing to deal with it.

 

[Bashyboy]

No, I haven't taken this many math and science courses simultaneously. My grades are good (all A's), and I suppose I don't want to chance getting a bad grade. I am twenty-years old, and I see all of these younger people starting in Calculus III, so I feel like I should do this to get ahead.

 

[Arsenic&Lace]

Well, the more courses you balance on your plate the less stable you are; ergo, if the unexpected comes hurtling from out of the big blue yonder you might stumble and fall.

That being said it's actually not that bad a course load and you sound like the sort of student who can handle it, if my opinion means anything.

 

[Bashyboy]

One more question, am I crazy for having the idea that I need to catch up, and should I just keep a regular course load? I would like to take the four course, but I don't know if I could handle getting a bad grade.

 

[micromass]

Four courses is really not that much. I usually took 5 math courses each semester and I could handle it fine.
I suggest you try the four courses (and maybe a Gen Ed course as well). That way you know that you can handle such load.

 

[Bashyboy]

All right, I think I attempt this. Thank you both for the advice.

 

[Arsenic&Lace]

Good luck! You'll probably be just fine.

 

[Hercuflea]

This sounds like a do-able load. Last semester I took complex variables, physics 1, linear algebra 2, computer science, and a senior level spanish class. I ended up with A's and a B in complex variables. I was working one day a week as well. So your schedule sounds like you could pull it off, as long as you don't have too many extracurricular activities. You might even think about throwing in a "gimme" gen. ed. class as well.

 

[jbrussell93]

I had a similar load last semester with calc 3, physics 2, statics/ strength of materials, cell biology, and a physics seminar. I also worked 10-12 hours a week in the lab and ended up with all A's. I was prepared to risk my GPA though, in order to explore some classes without getting behind. It may be a risk but if you work well under pressure then I say go for it!