@wis75 I think you have to understand that the advisors are trained to go the “safe” route, especially since they don’t know the students at all. I remember I was recommended not to take a certain class because there wasn’t a discussion component, but a couple days later I decided to sign up anyways and it turned out fine. However, I understand why they would try to steer me away from challenging myself- it would really suck to start off college with a subpar GPA. I had a friend who decided to take 18 credits her first semester and then realized that she had bitten off way more than she could chew. I don’t think 14 credits is disappointing at all, especially for a 1st semester.
Anyways, credit hours aren’t everything- the content of the classes matters as well. I’m taking 13 credits (4 classes) in the fall, but two of the classes have big lab components which are time sucks and all of the classes are higher level hard science classes. I don’t think my course load would be considered underwhelming at all.