Intransit

Are six classes manageable at Columbia? I'm planning on taking two intros (poli and econ), calc III, lit hum, french, and an upper-level poli sci class. Does this sound like too much? I'm coming from the quarter system so I don't want to go too crazy. Thanks.

Layla121986

Greg--I'm coming from a quarter system also, and I'm taking 6 classes totalling 20.5 credits. I've been told that taking 6 classes is totally manageable and a good starting place for a transfer.

Shraf

ppl typically take 4-5 classes in CC or 5-6 classes in SEAS....6 classes in CC may be more atypical than in SEAS and the reading from those classes might add up quickly....don't underestimate intro classes and languange classes have alot of work.

columbia2007

The intros might seem difficult to a freshman but for someone who's already been in college, they should be a bit breezier. The language class workload will probably depend on the level; if it's introductory you'll have an easy time. From what Poli Sci majors tell me the reading is mostly either superfluous (if one attends lecture) or skimmable in their classes, so you could manage this schedule so long as you blocked off ample time for Lit Hum, which will be the real (and most enjoyable!) reading load.

Denzera

I highly recommend starting with no more than 5 your first semester. Ramp up after that once you know what you've got yourself into. Unless you're transferring from MIT or Smith, the workload may take you by surprise.

Layla121986

Denzera, I fear that taking 5 classes now will leave me overwhelmed Junior and Senior year, when Biomedical Eng. gets really hard.

LoJT

Don't most SEAS kids start out with 6 classes?

This was found in the First Year Planning Book:
Typical SEAS Fall 2006
Calc, Physics, Chemsitry, University Writing, "Student Choice", and Phys Ed.

Or is Phys Ed. not being counted as a course?

Shraf

phys ed is not counted as a course here...i would count that as 5 classes....i typically think of "six classes" as being 19 pts and above. Most SEAS kids do not take 6 classes...the usual is 5.

i completely agree....i took six classes both semesters sophomore year and am still overwhelmed junior and senior year! I think sophomore year is a good time to take 6 classes cause u r adjusted but at the peak of being motivated. For reference to the BMEs out there, my schedule soph yr looked like this:

Fall:
Orgo I
Calc 4
Music Hum
Lit Hum
Physics 1403
Econ

Spring:
Orgo II
Orgo Lab
Physics Lab
ODE
Lit Hum
Jack's ******** technology class which counted as a nontech elective

LoJT

I was thinking of taking...

Calc III
Physics C2801, Accelerated
Chemistry (Track1/Track2?)
Gateway
Chemistry Lab
(Computer Science or Prof Level Course since if I choose Chem E I dont need Comp Sci)
-Gym

With Chemistry any suggestions as to whether or not I should take Track 1 or Track 2? I've only had a 1/2 year course on chemistry since it was part of a "biochem" class. If I take Track 2 with such a background, is it extremely difficult? How easy or difficult is Track 1?

Any suggestions on whether or not this is extremely difficult? And some suggestions with which professors are good, etc.?

Shraf

that is absolutely way too much!

Calc 3 .....ok
physics c2801 .....this class is VERY VERY hard and i'm not exaggerating....though they say starting higher and then dropping down is better this is just too high....you are better off taking 1600 especially if u plan on taking a heavy schedule.
Chemistry....the 1400 track can be a breeze depending on your teacher or it could be tough....with such a meager background i would suggest starting there though i'm sure the placement test will also tell you that.
Gateway....i'm sorry you have to take this class
Chemistry Lab....I would suggest not doing this first semester especially with such a slim chem background....lab classes are usually alot of work and its better to have a handle on the first semester material before you dive into lab....i suggest putting this off to second semester.

Do the prof. level class...its a good way to get an idea of what u want to major in.

Gym....i dont think you will even have time to fit this into your schedule if you take six classes....but it is a good idea to knock one semester off during freshman year cause it will creep up on you.

LoJT

The thing with physics is that i've taken two years of physics already in high school, and got a 5 in calcbc and 4's on physics b ap and physics c (e&m and mechanics both) ap.

how about...

Calc III
Physics C2801, Accelerated
Chemistry (Track1/Track2 - decide after the placement test)
Gateway
Chinese (non-tech class)
Prof Level Course
Gym

and that'll be six... since gym doesn't really count as a course. leaving Chem and Physics lab's for sophmore year or 2nd semester freshman year.

columbia2007

My girlfriend managed to take six classes and PE, but found it a burden to run to the gym in the midst of a long day of classes/heavy workload. It depends on the intensity and scheduling of the PE class.

Columbia2002

I took 7 academic classes twice. One time I got over a 4.0. The other time I had my worst semester at Columbia. It's all about time management. If you're efficient, 6 classes totally should not be a problem.

Denzera

Chinese, like Chem Lab, is a course with a totally unfair workload. I'd suggest doing that after at least one semester.

If you're SEAS, one thing that's fairly easy to knock off is the compsci requirement, 1007 or something. It won't kill you.

-Steve

LoJT

I'm just afraid of later on choosing Chem E and having that Comp Sci requirement become totally useless since CE's don't need to take Comp Sci