College is your full time job!
Option 1: Take 12 credit hours and study 2 hours outside of class for each hour in class
12 hours in class
+ 24 hours outside class
36 hours total per week
Option 2: Take 12 credit hours and study 3 hours outside of class for each hour in class
12 hours in class
+ 36 hours outside class
48 hours total per week
Option 3: Take 14 credit hours and study 2 hours outside of class for each hour in class
14 hours in class
+ 24 hours outside class
38 hours total per week
Option 4: Take 14 credit hours and study 3 hours outside of class for each hour in class
14 hours in class
+ 36 hours outside class
50 hours total per week
The above is why we tell first year students to keep the number of classes low the first semester. It's better to take fewer credits and do well than the opposite. You cannot believe how difficult it is to bring a GPA up if you blow it the first semester.
12-14 credits is PLENTY to take your first semester. A lot of time and energy goes into adjusting to college your first year; it kinda sneaks up on you. Allow for that in the fall semester. As an upper class student you will do well with 18 credits. Just not at first.
Tips from upper class students:
- Schedule time to work out (gross motor activity) 5 days a week.
- Schedule time to socialize each day
- Schedule time to sit quietly and be still each day
- Get to bed at the same time each night
- Get up at the same time each morning
- And, above all: go to each and every class, regardless of if the instructor takes roll.