Will 5 classes for a semester be doable?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of taking five classes in a semester, particularly in the context of a challenging course load that includes subjects such as Differential Equations, Organic Chemistry, Linear Algebra, Statics, and Chemical Process Principles. Participants share their personal experiences and insights regarding managing multiple classes and labs.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant typically takes four classes and seeks advice on managing an increased load of five classes.
  • Another participant questions the original poster's experience with four classes, asking if they felt overwhelmed or underwhelmed.
  • A participant shares their experience of successfully managing five classes and two labs, noting that test scheduling can be challenging.
  • One contributor mentions struggling with four classes and labs, achieving a GPA of 2.9-3.0, but indicates that their current semester would involve only one lab.
  • Another participant emphasizes the difficulty of lab work, suggesting that replacing multiple labs with a single class could reduce overall workload.
  • Time management is highlighted as a crucial factor for success, with one participant detailing their study habits and planning strategies during a particularly heavy semester.
  • Final exams are noted as a significant stressor, with one participant planning to dedicate extensive time on campus to prepare.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of experiences and opinions regarding the manageability of five classes, with no clear consensus on whether it is advisable. Some believe it is doable under certain conditions, while others express concerns based on their own struggles.

Contextual Notes

Participants' experiences vary widely based on personal circumstances, including time management skills and the specific demands of their courses and labs. The discussion does not resolve the question of whether five classes is advisable for everyone.

m.hubb
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I'm registering for next fall and I am planning on taking:

Differential Equations
OChem 1
Linear Algebra
Statics
Chemical Process Princ & Calculations (chem eng)

I usually only take 4 classes. Any insight would be great, thanks.
 
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How do you normally do with 4 classes?? Are you overwhelmed?? Underwhelmed??
 
Depends on you and what other responsibilities you have but 5 classes is fairly normal for me. I did 6 w/ 1 lab last semester and the hard part were test times where I had multiple tests occurring at the same time (4 in one week). I'm doing 5 w/ 2labs this semester and its going decently with labs being the big time sinks. For reference I am a dual EE/math major.

If you've handled 4 with not problem then I would go ahead and do 5 especially if its very beneficial for you to get those classes done quickly. I know at my school most of the classes you listed for prereqs for getting into some more serious classes.
 
For the past 2 semesters I've done 4 classes and 3-4 labs and I did struggle. I barely got a 2.9-3.0 (out of 4 points) GPA. However, I only have 1 lab with those 5 classes.

Chunkysalsa, for this semester, how much time would you say you put into your classes for homework, studying, etc.?
 
I don't know how yours are but labs are a killer for me. Last week I spend everyday working in my lab trying to finish up, and that's not counting the hours spend actually writing up reports. So replacing 3 labs with 1 class seems like less work not more.

I can't really say how much time I spend each day as I have no idea. Probably a few hours each day plus about 5-7hrs on saturdays with a few on sunday. The semester where I did 20credits, I had to plan out what I had to do each day at the beginning of the week which helped a lot. Time management is the key to success here.

Final exams are always the killer for me, since you'll have like 5 exams in one week. I plan on spending all my time on campus next week to get ready for it.
 

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