Is a 22-hour course load too much?

AmberFaith90

I know this is random, but I'd really like input from others. I want to get the hell out of my community college so I can transfer to the nursing program at the University of Memphis. The only con I can think of is that I have a young child to take care of (2 years old, to be exact). Child care isn't a problem, as I have a very strong support system.

Here is my schedule for the fall:
MONDAY
A+P1: 6-9PM

TUESDAY
World Civilization: 9:10-10:35AM
Pre-Cal: 12:20-1:45PM
Intro to Sociology: 1:55-3:20PM

WEDNESDAY
A+P1: 6-9PM

THURSDAY
World Civilization: 9:10-10:35AM
Pre-Cal: 12:20-1:45PM
Intro to Sociology: 1:55-3:20PM
English2: 6-9PM

FRIDAY:
Philosophy: 6-9PM

ONLINE:
Nutrition

coachblt

It is for some students, but I'm not familiar with your study habits. The course I'd struggle with is the online class. There's little motivation and besides, I'm a visual learner and a feedback learner.

Thank goodness I didn't do the masters program online...I wouldn't have completed it.

I wish you well and you might not have a life this upcoming semester, but it will be worth it.

kcoftx

I dont recommend it. Even if you have enough time to devote to all the minimum requirements, it will be much harder to really learn the material well. More importantly, even if you have a strong support system, don't shut out your family just to get ahead faster. You will burn out too quickly and it isn't worth it. You are also taking a good risk of bringing your GPA way down.

Ocarina

I recommend summer courses. Seriously... 22 credits is absolutely nuts. And you have children? Wowzas. Just do your time and get over to the other university when it's all completed. I know how you feel. It took me FOREVER to get back to my regular U after completing an Associates. I did it in a regular amount of time and it was totally worth it. You really don't want to risk that type of workload and the possibility of failing a class. Plus tuition usually charges per credit after 17-18 credits.

I've been in school for 3-4 years so I have experience. I did 18 credits one semester and had to drop a class that required SO MUCH time out of class. And A&P is NO walk in the park. If you don't have strong As in that class and the other core nursing classes you won't stand a chance getting in.

I'm actually DREADING next fall because I have to take 16 brutal credits. I live ON campus with no children and have a very laid back job through the school. But... the classes I'm taking are going to be so time consuming.... Advanced accounting, Business Statistics, Calculus, Macro Econ, and a extra course on business courses. I don't have a choice in the matter and it blows! I can't not work while going to school.... Just going to be intense. I can't imagine 22.

AmberFaith90

@coachblt: I don't really have much of a life right now, so that's not a problem haha. I did an online class for intermediate algebra, and I made an A. Thank you for your reply!

@kcoftx: Well, I went to school from 7-2 five days a week back in high school (which wasn't that long ago). The only thing different is that I have a baby now. Thanks for your input!

mills101

If you have the dedication, then you will get the grades.

RaeLB

wow that seems intense

is that over 100% course load?

I do 100% when i don't have a job (& no kids)

this year i did a 70%, had a light volunteer job (still no kids) and it was a lot better - i have to do my degree in 5 years instead of 4 but it will be worth it

veganbaum

Quite frankly, I think that 22 hours is nuts. It's not about the time in class, it's about the time that will be required outside of class, even if it's "only" community college. I think taking that many hours makes it more likely that your stress levels will be higher and your grades possibly lower simply because there isn't enough time to do everything well. And, that leaves a lot less time to spend with your child. I personally would keep it at 15, then do one more semester to finish. One more won't make that much difference in getting to the University, but it might make a big difference in terms of your happiness and health.

christine24t

I'm a senior nursing student about to graduate, and I think if you want to get a decent grade in A and P, you should cut back at least one of the classes, and stick to more 16-18 credits.

Usually intro stuff isn't hard and online classes are usually jokes unless you have to write papers for it. High school is no comparison to college classes. It's not the time in class that matters. I spend less time in class than I did in high school, but way more time outside of it doing work.

AmberFaith90

Okay, I dropped my Nutrition and World Civ class. That makes my course load 16 hours. Y'all are right. It's better to stay longer and not be overwhelmed than to take an extremely heavy course load and lose my mind.

cbeutler

That looks like a tough schedule.

A&P is a tough class and English and Philosophy will both likely have papers to write. That said you can pull it off if you are really dedicated. I took 16 credits on my masters. 6-10 M-Th one class had a 70 page paper.

AmberFaith90

Quite frankly, I think that 22 hours is nuts. It's not about the time in class, it's about the time that will be required outside of class, even if it's "only" community college. I think taking that many hours makes it more likely that your stress levels will be higher and your grades possibly lower simply because there isn't enough time to do everything well. And, that leaves a lot less time to spend with your child. I personally would keep it at 15, then do one more semester to finish. One more won't make that much difference in getting to the University, but it might make a big difference in terms of your happiness and health.

I've been to this community college before. The classes and teachers are wonderful, but I just can't stand the admissions/financial aid/whatever staff there. Every time I go over there, there's only one person working at the desk and all the others are sitting around watching TV and munching on popcorn when there's at least 50 people waiting to get their stuff situated. I figured that a university would be more professional.

stephabef

22... credits??! That isn't allowed even with an override at my university. The most I ever took was 16 hours, and that was INTENSE. Honestly, I don't recommend it

RaeLB

Okay, I dropped my Nutrition and World Civ class. That makes my course load 16 hours. Y'all are right. It's better to stay longer and not be overwhelmed than to take an extremely heavy course load and lose my mind.

yes good plan!

mznisaelaine

I had a 20 hour course load last semester....and I have no children -- I dont recommend it.... Although I survived and did really well on top of all the other stuff I was involved in and my undergrad research....I still dont recommend 22 hours...But if you can do it, then go for it :flowerforyou:

Frayed_Ends

Okay, I dropped my Nutrition and World Civ class. That makes my course load 16 hours. Y'all are right. It's better to stay longer and not be overwhelmed than to take an extremely heavy course load and lose my mind.

Much better in my opinion. I'm at 17 and it seems ok in the first weeks, but I know it's going to get crazy when mid-terms and finals start coming around. However, I've also been out of school for 6 years prior to this.

Ocarina

Okay, I dropped my Nutrition and World Civ class. That makes my course load 16 hours. Y'all are right. It's better to stay longer and not be overwhelmed than to take an extremely heavy course load and lose my mind.

You are smart. Seriously you will thank yourself.

Take some classes in the summer if you really want out of there.

Enjoy your time in school! It will go so fast so soon. And I agree about professionalism being higher at a University... but community college is also a great foundation for your first two years. Saves money, gives you a good taste of the commitment involved, and the smaller class sizes are really nice. I enjoyed my time at the CC a lot. It was very hard leaving but have to move on at some point. University has also been a blast but holy crap! Work load is intense... and its so huge... 20k students and you feel a bit lost but it is still really fun. I think it's a great experience to be in both environments.

Mad props to you for going to school while having a child!

xHelloQuincyx

i took 18 credits my first semester. not sure how many hours that was, but it was much more then 22. working around 30 hours a week at Barnes and Noble. i did good (3.7, 4.0 is 100% in all classes) but it was way to much for me. just see what you are comfortable with, i hope you have the option to drop classes within a few days after you know what its like.

Anomalia

You can do it you just have to be dedicated to your work. I think it will be extremely difficult with a child even if you have the help of others. I would not recommend doing this.

Sherbog

Only you know the answer...a good support system makes all the difference. Hubs and I provided full time child care for grandkids so our children could take more hours per term. Savings in tuition was huge...only you know the answer.

BeautyFromPain

I'm doing full time school and that is only 14 hours.

I'm also working full time as well though.

AmberFaith90

Money isn't really an issue, THANKFULLY. I get financial aid, Pell Grant and the Hope Scholarship (for scoring well on the ACT).

I always heard it was hard getting back into school once you take a break, but I didn't believe it. Oh boy, that is DEFINITELY true. I didn't mean to take this long of a break (I dropped out in 2010 due to having my daughter). Everything happens for a reason, though.

EmilyTwist1

A lot of this will depend on your time management skills. If you are good at it, you might be ok. But speaking as a single, childless college student with a minimal social life, anything above 15 hours can be pretty hard. My school doesn't even allow students to take more than 18 hours per semester. I can understand wanting to finish quicker, but you have to balance that with your ability to do well in your classes. If taking so many hours causes you to do poorly in your classes, you may put yourself further behind.

thetrishwarp

I personally have a 14-hour week, and find that I have way more than enough time to do everything. Many of my close friends have 30+ hour courseloads and are doing just fine - albeit, sans baby.

Just do what you feel comfortable with

EmilyTwist1

Also, it's good to keep in mind that most college classes require three hours of work outside of class for ever hour you're in class in order to do well. Even only taking 15 hours, that's well more than a full time job (15 hrs in class + 45 hrs outside = 60 hrs total). If you take 22 hours, and want to do well in all your classes, then you'd likely spend 88 hours a week on school alone.

carrotstick2012

Withe one child and a good support system you should be able to do a 22 hour a week study load (assuming you don't have paid employment on top of it right now).

Nessa0506

I am taking 5 classes (Chem/Lab, Statistics, Spanish and American Government) and I would NEVER recommend it. I have a 1yr old and a 3yd and it is ALOT of work. God, I can't wait for the next 3 weeks to come and go so that I can relieve myself.

But unlike you I also work full time and do not have much support. So what ever works for you go with it. My only advice is if you have to take more classes next semester you might as well balance everything out.

The most important subjects are math and science so make those your priority.

Good Luck

k8blujay2

I think it is... I tried to never take more than 17 hours because more than that and I would fail a class... :-/

ETA: and that was without kids and only needed to work for play money...

BAMFMeredith

I did it one semester and never did it again. After that I took 18 at the most any other semester, but mostly just regular ol' 15 hour semesters because I'd rather it take me a while to graduate and get good grades than be super stressed all the time, have bad grades, and graduate early.

Take your time, 22 hours insane! I had no kids and just a part time job (and a couple student organizations in school) and it was awful. Never again.