EPTBtw, I'm going to Syracuse University
Edit: I signed up for spanish 201 but I passed the AP test, so I might be able to get out of it? That took up a lot of space, and I might drop astronomy
Freshman year in college?
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il0seonpurpose
Korea (South)5638 Posts
Btw, I'm going to Syracuse University Edit: I signed up for spanish 201 but I passed the AP test, so I might be able to get out of it? That took up a lot of space, and I might drop astronomy | ||
LosingID8
CA10828 Posts
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knyttym
United States5797 Posts
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AcrossFiveJulys
United States3612 Posts
worked for me. | ||
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kzn
United States1218 Posts
[edit] Then again I'm pretty sure I could manage 7 classes, not that I'd do it by choice. | ||
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Macavenger
United States1132 Posts
This would also depend somewhat on how much of a plan you have for college. Do you know what major you intend to pursue? If so, I would definitely wait on taking classes just because they sound interesting until at least your second year, when your schedule will start to thin out and become more flexible. If you don't have a major already mostly picked out, taking a class or two from things you think you may want to major in to see how you really like them wouldn't be a bad idea. Under no circumstances would I recommend taking more than 6 classes your first term though. Even five may be a heavy load, depending on the university. Don't forget that there's also a lot to be said for having some time free to meet people and socialize, especially your first term or two. You're going to be entering a whole new world with new people and friends. You don't want to have to spend all your time studying. [edit] After looking up a couple things on Syracuse and rereading the original post, I'd revise the recommendation to "drop 1." Freshman seminar sounds like it hardly counts and you're on a semester schedule, which means you'll be taking a couple more classes than most people who are on trimesters. Still 6 + seminar is nuts for your first term. | ||
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ZeaL.
United States5955 Posts
On July 21 2010 13:28 il0seonpurpose wrote: So how did you all manage your freshmen year in college? How many classes did you all take, and how many do you recommend? I just got my schedule for freshman year, its not set in stone but nothing won't change unless I ask for it. Orientation isn't until later, which is good if I want to cancel a class or something. I'm taking 7 classes (one is some freshman seminar thing), and I have no days off. I've always heard that you should take classes that are interesting in college, so I signed up for some that I have no idea about, like astronomy and economics. (The latter seems more practical to take just so I'm not ignorant on such a topic, but the former also seems very interesting) Is this a good way to start college life? Btw, I'm going to Syracuse University Man, drop some classes, go to some parties, join some clubs/dancegroups/groupthings w/e, make some friends and enjoy yourself =/. You've get 35-50 more years to seriously work and only 4 to enjoy yourself in college. 7 classes is way overkill unless you want to graduate in 3 years or something. If you don't know what you want to major in take 4-5 solid intro courses in different fields and see what you like; if you do know what you want to do then start knocking off requirements but leave 1 class to explore things that sounds cool. | ||
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Disregard
China10252 Posts
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FragKrag
United States11552 Posts
I'm going in as a college freshman and I'm only taking 3 classes :< | ||
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grats
United States184 Posts
On that note... I am currently a sophomore and it depends on you. If you are a good student (I was not) and you know how to study (and don't have a job) and ignore girls, party's, oh yea and girls, then by all means take 6 classes. I really do not suggest 7 unless you are just an amazing students. Remember if you do not have to rush college don't. Don't get burnt out in the 1st semester make some time to join some clubs and enjoy your college experience. | ||
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mOnion
United States5657 Posts
i did 5 classes which was 17 hours including labs and I thought that was insane that being said I do have a regular social life. I knew a kid who was on our CSL team who was taking 24 hours (8 classes) who was an introverted nerdy asian with a ponytail who never left his dorm room so if thats what you wanna be... | ||
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Shatter
United States1401 Posts
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Megalisk
United States6095 Posts
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Rekrul
Korea (South)17174 Posts
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Saturnize
United States2473 Posts
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Demoninja
United States1190 Posts
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il0seonpurpose
Korea (South)5638 Posts
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ieatkids5
United States4628 Posts
edit - standard is 15 credits, so people usually take 13 to 17 credits. You probably don't have to count your freshman seminar as a class, since you won't be doing anything hw for it, and you won't be doing anything in class either. So use this time to do other classes' homework, fool around with people, do pen spinning, etc. | ||
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Zlasher
United States9129 Posts
On July 21 2010 13:38 FragKrag wrote: wait wtf you're taking 7 classes? I'm going in as a college freshman and I'm only taking 3 classes :< what the fuuuuuuuuuuu major are you doing that only has 3 classes. I'm an engineer in my school and I had 17 credits both semesters, 3 classes would be like...9-10 credits. | ||
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FragKrag
United States11552 Posts
On July 21 2010 13:55 ZlaSHeR wrote: what the fuuuuuuuuuuu major are you doing that only has 3 classes. I'm an engineer in my school and I had 17 credits both semesters, 3 classes would be like...9-10 credits. well that is what was recommended I'm going in as a Physics major at UCSB Physics 4 credits, Chem 3 credits (lab 2 credits), Music apprecation 4 credits = 13 :> | ||
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jalstar
United States8198 Posts
On July 21 2010 13:55 ZlaSHeR wrote: what the fuuuuuuuuuuu major are you doing that only has 3 classes. I'm an engineer in my school and I had 17 credits both semesters, 3 classes would be like...9-10 credits. Quarter system maybe? I'm double majoring and only doing 3 classes per quarter, although that's 13 credits, not 9-10. | ||
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Macavenger
United States1132 Posts
On July 21 2010 13:55 ZlaSHeR wrote: what the fuuuuuuuuuuu major are you doing that only has 3 classes. I'm an engineer in my school and I had 17 credits both semesters, 3 classes would be like...9-10 credits. At a guess, he's going to an institution that uses trimesters and 4 credits for an average class, you sound like you're at a semester based school with an average class being 3. You also probably need to average more credits per term because you only get 2 terms per year instead of 3. Also, Engineering is one of the most course intense majors I know of. So yeah, 3 classes Freshman year sounds a little light but not unreasonable many places. | ||
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Shatter
United States1401 Posts
On July 21 2010 13:58 FragKrag wrote: Lol I go to UCSB too, don't worry 13 credits is fine for first quarter. well that is what was recommended I'm going in as a Physics major at UCSB Physics 4 credits, Chem 3 credits (lab 2 credits), Music apprecation 4 credits = 13 :> | ||
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koreakool
United States334 Posts
I only had 12 my first quarter and I did pretty well, but after that I added more units and my gpa dropped a little =[ So yeah, start off strong with a solid gpa... especially if you're studying engineering or a technical major, as it'll give you a buffer for your upper division courses! *Edit* But, try keep up with your schedule. If you know what classes to take, make sure you don't fall behind so that you don't have to stay for more than 4-5 years. If you already have AP credits then it shouldn't be a problem, because you can take 12 units your first quarter and still be on track. | ||
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Zlasher
United States9129 Posts
On July 21 2010 13:58 FragKrag wrote: well that is what was recommended I'm going in as a Physics major at UCSB Physics 4 credits, Chem 3 credits (lab 2 credits), Music apprecation 4 credits = 13 :> You'll be on like a 6 year plan that way no? lol. My first semester I had like Chemistry 3, Calculus 3, Mech Engineering 1, Engineering 1, Economics 3, Writing 3, and one other I can't remember off the top of my head Then second semester I had like, Physics 4, Calculus 3, Mech Engineering 1, AutoCAD 3, and uh......again other classes I can't remember. | ||
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Grobyc
Canada18410 Posts
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FragKrag
United States11552 Posts
On July 21 2010 14:03 Shatter wrote: Lol I go to UCSB too, don't worry 13 credits is fine for first quarter. hi5 UCSB buddy | ||
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jalstar
United States8198 Posts
On July 21 2010 14:34 ZlaSHeR wrote: You'll be on like a 6 year plan that way no? lol. My first semester I had like Chemistry 3, Calculus 3, Mech Engineering 1, Engineering 1, Economics 3, Writing 3, and one other I can't remember off the top of my head Then second semester I had like, Physics 4, Calculus 3, Mech Engineering 1, AutoCAD 3, and uh......again other classes I can't remember. Not really, I'm doing 3 classes a quarter as well at UCLA and my advisor said I can graduate early. | ||
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LosingID8
CA10828 Posts
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jalstar
United States8198 Posts
On July 21 2010 14:40 LosingID8 wrote: in retrospect, i think i would have preferred the quarter system over semester. It's one of the reasons I turned down Berkeley (didn't apply to SC but I didn't know their system either). Having too many classes at once just seems so... hectic. | ||
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Sabu113
United States11047 Posts
If the professor looks like he's not going to be useful to you, drop that class/ switch the section. I got an ancient math professor who spoke incomprehensible gibberish. I have no clue how he managed to make calculus so difficult. (Delta approaches epsilon...) Force yourself to meet people especially at the beginning of the year. The first few weeks are when people are especially friendly, open and looking to make acquaintances. After that, people don't become douches but generally seem to settle into groups. Grtz on Syracuse. One of my prof's had a daughter go there. Actually not sure about the gratz >> Visited that area... Cold << Brr. [Btw. Apparently you have the bakery that made the original moon cookie there] | ||
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Slaughter
United States20254 Posts
make friends and stuff that keeps you going and the social aspect really is one of the best aspects of college. Just make time for yourself is the key. | ||
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jalstar
United States8198 Posts
On July 21 2010 14:54 Sabu113 wrote: I got an ancient math professor who spoke incomprehensible gibberish. I have no clue how he managed to make calculus so difficult. (Delta approaches epsilon...) Delta-epsilon is utterly useless unless you're a math major. I'm a junior majoring in math and still haven't learned it, though I apparently will need to teach myself it before taking Real Analysis. | ||
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XFire
United States131 Posts
On July 21 2010 15:02 jalstar wrote: Delta-epsilon is utterly useless unless you're a math major. I'm a junior majoring in math and still haven't learned it, though I apparently will need to teach myself it before taking Real Analysis. Yeah, the rigorous definition of a limit still beats the crap out of me, but then again I'm just going into my 2nd year as a math/physics major. | ||
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Sabu113
United States11047 Posts
Also. Choose Economics. 'Cause it's awesome. (also don't judge it based on intro econ classes T.T) | ||
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Macavenger
United States1132 Posts
On July 21 2010 14:40 LosingID8 wrote: in retrospect, i think i would have preferred the quarter system over semester. Having done both, it's hard for me to state a clear preference. There are a lot of tradeoffs. Terms tend to be a little easier in quarters, in a way (although that could be colored by the face that my time on semesters was at a more difficult school), but the arrangement of vacations for semester schedule is awesome. It's also possible to go deeper into specific topics when you have a 14 week class as opposed to 10 weeks. I think I liked semester a little better overall. | ||
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MaxField
United States2386 Posts
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bearbuddy
3442 Posts
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Macavenger
United States1132 Posts
On July 21 2010 16:01 TheKing. wrote: I had the same question. I am going to be a freshman this year and i am taking about 15 credit hours. I think this a little above the normal but i really have no idea. Semester or quarter schedule? Either way, 15 sounds pretty close to normal. On July 21 2010 13:28 il0seonpurpose wrote: Edit: I signed up for spanish 201 but I passed the AP test, so I might be able to get out of it? That took up a lot of space, and I might drop astronomy Depends entirely on your university (and quite possibly even the specific department), you'll have to check with them. Some barely accept any AP credit, others you can get out of tons of things with it. | ||
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Elegy
United States1629 Posts
You may be a hardcore asian student (assumption), but that's fucking retarded by all accounts. It sounds great on paper to say "yah, imma do this and that and be done by X" but its not that easy in reality. I went from taking 12 units (which was eaassyyy) to 28 the next quarter for the lulz. I got amazing grades because I'm not an idiot, but it was far too much work and distracted from the rest of the college experience for no gain. The point is that there is little purpose and no benefit towards taking so many classes. You'll crack up or have no social life, or worse. At best you'll have an exhaustive year that you'll regret for years to come. Listen to the voice of experience and common sense and take a reasonable amount of classes (4 is a good amount), cover your general education crap and a course dedicated towards your major, if you have one. PLEASE don't take classes "because they sound interesting" or w/e you said. You don't want to end up stuck in a class you don't really like, won't use in your major, and might risk your GPA for because you have that idealistic "this sounds cool lol" attitude. I've always been interested in astronomy and cosmology. I thought, hey, here's a class about the planets, space, etc. I took it, the professor sucked, I fell asleep every lecture, and barely passed. Instead, just sit in on classes you think may be interesting. If they are, take it next semester! You'll probably be able to tell within 1-2 lectures whether the professor and the material is likeable. | ||
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MaxField
United States2386 Posts
On July 21 2010 16:41 Macavenger wrote: + Show Spoiler + On July 21 2010 16:01 TheKing. wrote: I had the same question. I am going to be a freshman this year and i am taking about 15 credit hours. I think this a little above the normal but i really have no idea. Semester or quarter schedule? Either way, 15 sounds pretty close to normal. Depends entirely on your university (and quite possibly even the specific department), you'll have to check with them. Some barely accept any AP credit, others you can get out of tons of things with it. Semester for me | ||
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OMin
United States545 Posts
On July 21 2010 13:28 il0seonpurpose wrote: So how did you all manage your freshmen year in college? How many classes did you all take, and how many do you recommend? I just got my schedule for freshman year, its not set in stone but nothing won't change unless I ask for it. Orientation isn't until later, which is good if I want to cancel a class or something. I'm taking 7 classes (one is some freshman seminar thing), and I have no days off. I've always heard that you should take classes that are interesting in college, so I signed up for some that I have no idea about, like astronomy and economics. (The latter seems more practical to take just so I'm not ignorant on such a topic, but the former also seems very interesting) Is this a good way to start college life? Btw, I'm going to Syracuse University Edit: I signed up for spanish 201 but I passed the AP test, so I might be able to get out of it? That took up a lot of space, and I might drop astronomy i don't know how hard syracuse is, but do expect college to be tougher than high school. i took more than i could handle my first 2 semesters, and my gpa ate it. i was like 3.9+ unweighted in high school, and got like 3.2-3.3 my first 2 semesters partly cuz i didnt schedule my studying well enough (cramming isn't nearly as easy as in high school at berkeley), underestimated how hard the classes would be (most werent that bad - just underestimating them and not putting 100 percent effort cost me in grade), and also took too many units. definitely lightening my course load a bit next semester. | ||
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SilverSkyLark
Philippines8437 Posts
I'm a computer engineering student in the best university in our country and I took these for my first year: English, Filipino, Math, Electronics Workshop, AutoCad, P.E...yeah, I had 6 subjects (too lazy to look at my online program of study) that's around 15 to 17 units if I'm not mistaken. We don't really get to pick our subjects (except for PE) so it kinda sucks, but from Junior year until we graduate, we are free to pick the professors we want so in effect we are free to create our own schedule. | ||
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omninmo
2349 Posts
take year-round school. 3-4 classes during main semester 1-2 classes during summer term. unless you live in a terrible place where staying around for summer in your college town is a bad idea then this is the prescription to easy school load. | ||
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SilverSkyLark
Philippines8437 Posts
On July 21 2010 21:26 omninmo wrote: here is how to have a great college life: take year-round school. 3-4 classes during main semester 1-2 classes during summer term. unless you live in a terrible place where staying around for summer in your college town is a bad idea then this is the prescription to easy school load. Isn't there like a rule that prevents students from overloading? In our University, you can take a maximum of 20 units (not counting those that don't get credit) for the first and second semester (though it varies depending on the year level for some reason), and only 9 units for summer semester (which is like 3 subjects maximum). | ||
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duckett
United States589 Posts
freshman year i entered taking 5 classes and ended up taking 4. will be taking 5 most semesters after now but 1 is independent study credits. don't overload yourself; if you want to challenge yourself, take really hard classes at your school, but i would really suggest not taking over 5. then again, my school doesnt have credit hours and weights by number of classes, but id say stick to < 15 credits especially for your first term also ive heard people saying stuff like "adjusting to college is just as hard as another class." i went to school im my hometown and it was still really tough to adjust to the new standards where i could not sleep or do work in class like in high school and breeze through A's. focus and work hard (and drink and party on the side) and start with a base good gpa. another note: the way college works (you can go to lectures and just sit through and leave without interaction etcetec) it can be difficult to make friends if you JUST take your classes. a friend of mine took five really hard classes both semesters of freshman year and didnt have time to have any fun/join any clubs/hang out or party with anyone. He now really regrets not building a wider base of friends in freshman year, and the hardest of those classes are useless because he decided on a different concentration (he was taking all the ones that were interesting to him haha). | ||
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N.geNuity
United States5112 Posts
Of course if you take summer classes you can lessen that. And the first semester has a listed 2 hours wellness course (which I don't think is mandatory but it might be) that is just a freshman seminar. So really 14 hours. edit- actually looked it up, it appears to be a mandatory health and wellness class. Still, it's not a *real* class. | ||
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jalstar
United States8198 Posts
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ulszz
Jamaica1787 Posts
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MetalMarine
United States1559 Posts
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news
892 Posts
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ieatkids5
United States4628 Posts
On July 22 2010 04:45 News wrote: I cannot make a blog just yet, I was wondering how much does it cost yearly to attend a state school these days. The reason I'm asking is because I will be trying to take out a private loan and I need to know how much money will I roughly need, including housing. Any estimates? It varies depending on where you live, which state school, etc. Check out collegeboard.com for good info on colleges. Or just tell us where you live lol. Out of state vs in state tuition is a big difference. | ||
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news
892 Posts
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jamesr12
United States1549 Posts
On July 22 2010 04:45 News wrote: I cannot make a blog just yet, I was wondering how much does it cost yearly to attend a state school these days. The reason I'm asking is because I will be trying to take out a private loan and I need to know how much money will I roughly need, including housing. Any estimates? all schools publish this info and it varies greatly, stop being lazy and google. As to OP and everyone else, 7 classes may be a lot it may not be depends on the school. I go to Virginia Tech and there are plenty of kids who take 6 or 7 classes (we have lots of 2 credit classes and a few 1 credit) What you really need to look at is how many credits your taking and how this compares to the max and other people at your school. For example at VT the max credits is 19 and average is around 16. So if your taking 15 or less credits thats an easy semester, 12 or 13 your a lazy shit, less then 12 you arent even full time, 17 or more is a hard semester. Over 19 they will almost never let you and if they do your crazy. | ||
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news
892 Posts
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Servius_Fulvius
United States947 Posts
Honestly, only take as many classes as you feel comfortable taking. 7 is a lot, but then again, this is the first semester. You're probably in introductory courses or covering subject matter you practiced well in high school (this makes the classes a TON easier than learning it for the first time). Another thing to factor in is knowing how to study. I mentored many first year students that never had to study in high school, but then crashed and burned their first few college semesters because they didn't know any study habits. Make sure that if this is you, learn how to study. Get involved in something fun. Don't overdo it, but college isn't all about classes; it's where you start to learn who you are as a person. Joining organizations that interest you and becoming active in its leadership give you hands-on experience that academic lectures cannot perform. As the semester goes on you will discover if 7 classes is feasible. For almost everyone, it is not. In fact, as you become an upperclassman, I highly recommend taking less classes so you can focus on the specialized material a lot more clearly. Instead of graduating in 4 years taking 7 classes a semester I graduated in 5 because I learned the most when taking 12-15 credits a semester. It kept my sanity intact and allowed me to pursue things I enjoyed while optimizing my learning. I had a 3.19 cumm., 3.0 department, and I'm going to grad school on full scholarship with a great stipend. Don't buy into the stereotypes - you don't need to study your life away to come out of college successful. | ||
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itzme_petey
United States1400 Posts
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il0seonpurpose
Korea (South)5638 Posts
On July 22 2010 04:55 News wrote: Thx, I'm interested in UMass specifically unless you can recommend something else in this area. Instate tuition too. Family income is also very important. On July 22 2010 08:26 itzme_petey wrote: I always LOL at people who take a shit ton of classes (brag about it) and make no money coming out of college. People really have no idea on what counts in college and what doesnt. However, if you enjoy taking classes, then I won't disparage you. Network with people and spend time in organizations to get a leg up in recruiting. I don't want you to think I'm bragging about this, haha. | ||
OneOther
United States10774 Posts
it's good to be ambitious but be a little more realistic. college is more than just classes, and networking/social life, especially freshman year, is CRITICAL for an enjoyable college experience EDIT: I guess workload does depend on schools, and I can't really speak for Syracuse. But if you take seven (not sure if it's even allowed) classes here at Duke, you are going to die. Either that or your GPA will. | ||
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Judicator
United States7270 Posts
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theonemephisto
United States409 Posts
On July 21 2010 15:43 XFire wrote: Yeah, the rigorous definition of a limit still beats the crap out of me, but then again I'm just going into my 2nd year as a math/physics major. Really? Delta-epsilon was on our math placement exam (at least knowing the definition in general, not using it much). I took Honors Calculus first year (gave up my AP credits to take it too, fml) and by end of the first week if you didn't have a good understanding of how to use delta-epsilon proofs you were going to fail. The class was mostly physics and math majors, but I'm an econ major and I still consider delta-epsilon a pretty basic concept. | ||
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Bereft
United States1007 Posts
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G3CKO
Canada1430 Posts
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OneOther
United States10774 Posts
On September 07 2010 08:28 G3CKO wrote: I have 15 in my first year, and 15 again in 2nd year. 7 is not all bad for one term. You will manage. what school do you go to | ||
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TommyGG
United States142 Posts
vancouver high school probably? | ||
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Lokgar
United States147 Posts
Somehow that ended up being 14 credit hours but I have to go to class everyday at 9 AM  .How I manage? The herb. | ||
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OpticalShot
Canada6330 Posts
I don't know whether the U of Toronto credit system differs from those in the states, but it was normal for my program to take 8... 6 "half" and 2 "quarter" (which then equals 7 "half") for about 33 hours of lectures+tutorials+labs together per week (not sure what that'd b in "credit hours" you're talking about). Yes, that was in the 1st year of the program. You'll manage, but social life will suffer. | ||
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Cerin
Australia7 Posts
Also: if you're aiming to get over a certain average, again, you want to nail your intro courses, because they usually hand out marks like candy. Edit: obviously this can vary. I'm in Australia, and we go to uni straight after high school, which may make them more amenable to treating us kindly. | ||
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