<p>I understand that a regular course load at Tech is 5 classes a semester, but are 6 or 7 classes really a load when it comes to being socially involved? Also, into consideration, I will probably be involved in 3 clubs at the most along with Track.</p>
<p>Do you follow basketball? I do. And I follow high school basketball. HS BB players tend to run into a big problem in college. You see, they’ve grown up being the best basketball players in their neighborhood, and were known as being superior athletes. Then they went to high school and were the school star, and everyone admired their ability. Maybe they even won all-state honors and some recognition.</p>
<p>The problem is when they get to college they try to do too much. They want to hog the ball and be the center of the offense because, in their mind, they’re the best player on the court. The problem is that they forget that everyone else on the court was also a top high school player, also grew up as the best player in their neighborhood, and also won all-state honors. In fact, the “high school superstar” is now just an average college player, and unless the college player recognizes his or her limitations, he or she will make serious errors, won’t perform well, and will eventually be cut from the team.</p>
<p>This post, and your previous post, really concern me in this regard. You’re “interested in the PSP” like they need to market to you, you’re “set” on the 5-year program like you’ve already waved the admission criteria to that program (let alone the Institute), you’ve already put yourself on the track team, and ask asking a question along the lines of “I know the ‘regular’ students can only handle 5 classes, but…”</p>
<p>Take a step back and breathe for a second. Two degrees, one in Public Policy and one in Biochemistry, will probably take you 200+ credit hours. Even at a heavy course load (17 hours (5-6 classes) / semester), that’s 6 years for the BS degrees, plus a 7th year for the MS in Public Policy. You obviously want to reduce this by taking 21 hours / semester (7 classes), which is the maximum course load allowed by Georgia Tech. That would reduce you to 5 years for the two BS degrees plus a 6th year for the MS degree. </p>
<p>Would you have a life with 21 hours / semester? No. Assuming you could even get a schedule that packed (many classes are only offered once and would probably overlap on timing). For an upper quartile student (so top 25% of the class), budget 3-5 hours / week / credit hour for a non-major course and 4-6 hours / week / credit for a major course. For 21 hours with 12 hours being from major courses, that’s 72 - 124 hours (and about right in my experience). Also, if you plan to run varsity Track, the AA won’t let you schedule that many hours. You’ll likely be limited to 15 hours per semester in the semesters you compete.</p>
<p>So what would I tell my daughter? Start with a reasonable plan: Biochemistry major with a Public Policy minor for 4 years, register for 15-17 hours / semester (enough to graduate quickly but still maintain a very high GPA), perform research on a biochemistry - public policy interface issue, and run for leadership positions within student government / key organizations. Then, go to Harvard for her MPP or similar.</p>
<p>That would get her much farther in her career than 6 years at GT with no research, a low GPA, and a miserable life from being overloaded with classes.</p>
<p>Firstly, I want to say that I appreciate your wisdom and time, and I apologize for the improper word choices. I truly understand your basketball analogy and see where you are coming from. However, I did not mean regular students at all; I meant a normal course load or the average number of courses taken by Ga Tech students at the current time, which was 5 courses the last time I looked at Ga Tech’s website. Also, I am just honestly excited about Ga Tech and to have the opportunity to apply in the fall of 2010. I am thrilled about my future wherever God takes me. Yet, I can see how my strong enthusiasm could have been misinterpreted. In terms of track, the sport has always been a passion of mine, and I plan to continue track in college (time providing) and professionally (life providing). Once again, one is entitled to his/her own opinion, and I am grateful for your insight. Keep hitting me hard with criticism good or bad because I am for anything that will make me and my peers better open-minded individuals (since we are the world’s future)!!!</p>
<p>Anything over 17-18 hours will put a hindrance on your social life.</p>