14 vs 18 units for first quarter of college?

[CHCOOH]

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I'm an entering freshman taking 14 units at UC Irvine. This is basically 3 classes worth 4 units each, with a 2 unit seminar.

My current schedule:
Bio Sci 93 (Genetics & DNA) + required 2 unit Bio seminar
Chem 1A (General Chemistry)
Writing 39b

I'm thinking of adding another 4 unit class, Intro to Social Psych.

I enjoy learning about psychology and I find the subject very easy to understand. The professor also has good reviews. I figure I should take it now while a good professor is teaching it, and while it also fits into my schedule. I also figure that I should take this kind of courseload before any heavy ECs get in the way (work, volunteering, etc). Only compaint is that the Psych class is 10 minutes after my 3 hour writing class. x( Thursdays will be very long for me.

I'm thinking of adding the class, and if it seems like too much I can drop within 2 weeks. 4 classes doesn't seem *too* hard. Or should I play it safe and stick with 3 classes?

 

[Doudline]

In my experience, seminars require literally no work outside of class.

Tbh I think your intuition is right. Take the psych class and drop it if it seems like too much work/volume (which sometimes can be in psych, depending on the teacher. imb4 dozens of pages to read each week and countless assignments.)

 

[NuttyEngDude]

I'm thinking of adding the class, and if it seems like too much I can drop within 2 weeks. 4 classes doesn't seem *too* hard. Or should I play it safe and stick with 3 classes?

play it safe and stick with 14 hours

 

[487806]

play it safe and stick with 14 hours

This exactly. Don't be like me OP.

 

[CyberMaxx]

Agree with two previous posts. You should absolutely challenge yourself in college and take way too many courses, just not in your first year. I would recommend taking the easiest course load that you can and spend your time making new friends, partying and getting involved in campus. Protect your GPA and have a tremendous amount of fun - it will make all of those crazy difficult semesters to come a little easier.

 

[jombojuice22]

Stick to 14 credits.

Most of the time, the people you meet in your first semester at school will be your friends for the rest of your college career. I think it's especially important in your first year to have plenty of time to party, goof off, make an idiot of yourself (without getting in trouble), meet people, and explore this new world of living "on your own".

Crush these classes and start off your career with a 4.0. If you feel like you've adjusted well to college life and you think you're up to the challenge, start piling on the classes in your 2nd semester if you want to. But I don't think you'll regret taking an easy course load for your first semester.

 

[anteater08]

Yay uci! I'd stick to 14 credits and just get into the groove of college life. Take more next quarter.