Is 19 College Credits Too Much Workload? Finding the Right Balance for Academic Success
Deciding on the number of courses to take each semester is a crucial decision in your higher education journey. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, as everyone has unique circumstances, learning preferences, specific degree program requirements, and credit hours required for graduation that affect the workload they can take per semester. Striking the right balance is vital not only to your academic success but also to maintaining a healthy balance of your well-being and overall college experience. Let’s delve into the factors to consider when determining if 19 college credits are too much for you.
Understanding Credit Hours and Workload
Understanding your college workload is a pivotal aspect of your academic journey. Each credit hour coincides with a minimum of three hours of student engagement during and after class. Most classes are worth three credit hours, and lab courses are often worth one credit hour. This means that a 3-credit course will require at least 3 hours of class time and about 6 hours of study outside of class per week. Taking 19 credits translates to a significant time commitment, and it is important to understand what you are signing up for.
Full-Time vs. Part-Time Enrollment
For full-time enrollment, you typically need to earn 12-15 credit hours, which translates into taking four to five classes per semester. On the other hand, for part-time enrollment, you will need to earn fewer than 12 credit hours per semester, which means taking three or fewer classes per semester. The main difference between full-time and part-time students is the number of credit hours they enroll in during a semester. A full-time student is typically enrolled in 12-15 credit hours per semester, whereas a part-time student takes fewer than 12 credit hours. Furthermore, full-time students have a more structured schedule and a focused commitment to their studies.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Classes
Several factors should influence your decision regarding the number of credits to take:
College Requirements: One of the critical factors in choosing your college classes is understanding your college requirements, as each major has additional unique requirements like language credits or certain courses you need to take.
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Credit Hours: It is equally important for you to consider the credit hours associated with each class. Full-time enrollment often requires a specific number of credit hours, usually 12-15 credits per semester, with each class being worth three credit hours. This means you will have to take four to five classes per semester. Choosing more classes means you will be able to fulfill the necessary credits to graduate earlier.
Career Goals: Another factor to consider when choosing your classes are your career goals. You need to reflect on your academic and career goals and select classes that align with your interests and aspirations. In your future career, courses that enhance your skills and broaden your knowledge can be beneficial, even if they are not directly related to your major.
The Allure of Graduating Early
Many students are drawn to the idea of graduating early. This can save money on tuition and allow you to enter the workforce sooner. To graduate faster than the typical 4-year plan, consider taking more credits each semester or exploring other options.
Plan Duration** | Credits/Year | **Average Credits/Semester------- | -------- | --------
4 years (standard) | ~30-32 | 15-163.5 years | ~36-38 | 18-19 (sometimes more)3 years | ~40-42 | 18-21 + summer/winter classes
Most full-time students take 15 to 16 credits per semester, which is perfect for a four-year graduation. To finish early:
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- Aim for 18-21 credits in some semesters (check with your academic advisor, as many schools need approval for over 18 credits).
- Take summer or winter classes for 3-6 credits each.
- Use AP, IB, CLEP, or dual enrollment credits if you have them.
- Look into online or fast-track courses if your school lets them count toward your major.
The Potential Downsides of a Heavy Workload
While graduating early is appealing, it's crucial to consider the potential downsides of taking on too many credits. Overwhelmed feelings can compound and lead to feelings of burnout. "Burn outs burn out," said Jamie Valderrama, an associate teaching professor for the School of Social Work. "When we see burnout, we see people become very lethargic." Although it might seem like the right choice, if you get overwhelmed easily or feel as though you simply do not have enough time to handle an extra class or two, it is not worth putting your mental or physical health at risk. If either one is put in jeopardy, it can seriously inhibit other areas of your life, hurting more than just your grades.
Balancing Academics with Other Commitments
Many college students juggle academics with other commitments, such as work, extracurricular activities, and social lives. It's important to be realistic about the amount of activities and work you can handle in a week so you don’t spread yourself too thin. Taking 20 credits can be a lot, and it can be especially overwhelming if you also have a work study job on top of it. This semester, I knew that 20 credits would be a lot, and I didn’t want to put unnecessary stress on myself, so I decided to just work the minimum 8 hours a week. I also evenly spread out the hours so I mostly work an hour to two hours a day. This way I can easily manage both my assignments for class and the tasks for my work study. Also, don’t take on more extracurriculars than you can handle.
Tips for Managing a Heavy Workload
If you decide to take on 19 credits or more, here are some tips for managing your workload:
- Choose Your Classes Wisely: This step is the most important in keeping a manageable schedule. Don’t take multiple courses that you know have a heavy workload or where the material will be too difficult. Also, make sure to take classes where you know you’ll enjoy learning the material and working on assignments.
- Stay Organized: If you are taking 20 credits along with a work study, it's vital that you keep your tasks organized to avoid falling behind on your assignments. Use Google Calendar to block off your work time and classes to see where you can fit in extracurriculars, studying, and breaks. Keep a planner to stay on top of your assignments and prioritize what needs to be done ASAP and what can be done later. If you have time, try to get started on assignments early!
- Spend Your Time Wisely: My time has definitely been more crunched this semester, so I have been more conscious of how I spend my time. One thing I’ve done this semester is spend less time perfecting smaller homework assignments and instead prioritized spending more time on bigger assignments like tests or essays.
- Take Breaks! With 20 credits and a work study job it's easy to overwork yourself which is why it's essential that you give yourself breaks during the week to avoid burnout.
- Set Limits: Be realistic about the amount of activities and work you can handle in a week so you don’t spread yourself too thin.
Seeking Guidance and Support
It's always a good idea to talk to your counselor and stay focused. Talk to your advisor early to plan for prerequisites and popular courses. Colleges aim to support student success, and taking on too much can affect academic performance. If you start to struggle, recognize that there is no shame in asking for help. Reach out to campus resources, your friends or your loved ones. Always know that you are not alone!
Student Perspectives
Jean Sullivan, a junior, is taking 19 credits. "To stay on track, I needed it all at once. I’m not even complaining because 19 (credits) is the bottom of the average of what other students who are music majors are taking," Sullivan said. "It’s pretty common. Alan Dupre, a triple-major senior studying mechanical engineering, physics and global health, said because he is planning on completing a 4 + 1 program with the Ira A. "I worry about (the stress) plenty, but the thing is that all the classes I have taken for the overrides are classes I found super fascinating," Dupre said. "I have my associate's degree already because I took a bunch of college classes in high school, and I would do course overrides all the time," McKenna said. "I think there was one semester where I took 20 credits …" According to Kimberly Singleton, an academic adviser for the University and the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, most students Singleton sees are sophomores and juniors requesting to take more than the required credits a semester. "To take 19 credits, you just need to have a 2.0 GPA or higher; to take 20 to 21 credits, you need a 3.0 or higher," Singleton said. "And then anything over that needs to get dean approval, and that’s just for fall and spring.
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