taking 7 classes a semester doable?

<p>I’m currently a rising sophomore at columbia college, and I thinking of taking 7 classes (consisting of 3 2/3000level math/physics courses, CC, intermediate microecon, and another 2 intro-level math/sci classes). I know that it will be very challenging & heavy in terms of workload, but i’m curious whether taking 7+ classes is not too uncommon.</p>

<p>Of course, asking such question is meaningless if I don’t provide context. For my 2nd semester of freshmen year, I took 6 classes (accel.phy, uwriting, lithum, and 3 other intro-level math/sci classes). That semester was lots of work, especially physics 2802 and uwriting (i think the two classes combined is on par with at least 3-4 “normal” classes in terms of workload, if not more…the ridiculous physics class alone required more time+effort than the other 3 intro classes). Although the workload was quite challenging, I found the workload bearable and not too overwhelming.</p>

<p>So, my question is: will taking 7 classes, as initially mentioned, be significantly more difficult than my 2nd semester of freshmen year, or will it be more or less similar? I was wondering whether I’m underestimating the difficulty of 2/3000 math/physics classes after surviving a year of accelerated physics. And I can always drop one relatively easy intro-level course if 7 classes is too much for me - though I doubt that it will make much of a difference.</p>

<p>Any feedback/advice would be greatly appreciated. :)</p>

<p>The 3000 level math & physics classes are going to be more like Accelerated Physics with difficult weekly problem sets. It depends a lot on what you’re talking about at the 2/3000 level in math where the level of abstraction increases and more proofs are involved. Complex variables and differential geometry are more difficult than ODE and PDE. 3000 level E&M should seem like a continuation of Accelerated Physics except with more math.</p>

<p>In sum, you ARE underestimating the difficulty of these courses. With CC and intermediate micro, 4 math/physics/sci courses will be a very difficult load. Six courses at the level you are talking about will be more difficult than your second semester. </p>

<p>“i’m curious whether taking 7+ classes is not too uncommon” Ask Norman Christ.</p>

<p>Thanks for the input. Fortunately, my math classes are far from being abstract (calc IV, linear algebra, ODE) and should be ok. I guess my toughest class should be the 3000-level E&M class.
As a side note, I wonder how many classes Norman Christ took in his undergrad years at columbia xD…</p>