More credits/fewer credits...hmm, what do you think?

Ok guys... I need you *expert* advice...

School just restarted on Monday (yesterday). I'm currently registered for 12 credits: Gen Chem (I'm petrified), 5 cr.; Concepts in Schooling (should be a fair amount of easy work), 4 cr.; Technology in Education (no problem) 1 cr.; and Classroom Observation and Analysis (more time than work required), 2 cr.

Now, yesterday when I logged into the school webpage, there was a sign up saying that I'm "Missing out on Free tuition"... I ignored it, thinking it was an ad. Then I got an email explaining that by only taking 12 credits (technically full time), I'm missing out on some free education. Evidently, they don't charge me any more money to go up to 16 credits. So, I could hypothetically add another class up to 4 credits for free.

Now, I'm the first to admit that "free" is my favorite 4 letter word... especially when we're talking about something that generally costs uber bucks... but I don't want to set myself up for disaster either, by enrolling in more than I can handle.

I'm very nervous about the Chemistry, but not worried about the rest of it... hmmm.

Drop date is Sept. 11... And withdrawal date will be quite a while later (Thanksgiving-ish). I suppose that even if I waited past the drop date, I could still withdraw. Usually, I wouldn't use the withdraw option because, I think, you have to pay back the tuition that my financial aid covers for the course. *However*, since this would be a "freebie" that wouldn't be an issue. (BTW, the reason you withdraw is if you know you're not gonna pass a class and don't want it to affect your GPA, you withdraw, the grade is not figured into your grade, but you lose your money.)

I guess in that light, if it's too much to keep my head above water, then I could just consider it a pre-(re)fresher for taking said course in the spring.

Ugh... I'm thinking out loud and I need your wise voices :)

Sarah

Sarah,
Last time I was taking classes, I actually took a "study" class. It was an extremely informative class, as it taught me how I needed to study and learn as an adult, which was totally different from when I was younger!! =) But anyway, it stressed only taking what you know you can devote to studying for and the way to figure it out is, if you take 14 hours, double that as the study time for it a week. That is what I would consider for myself...yes, freebie is great! But do you have time to devote to the class itself and the studying for it? I am like you, I wouldn't want to take it and even waste my time on it if I wasn't going to have a decent grade and/or have to drop the class! Or maybe, use that class as a "fun" class that you would enjoy....maybe a dance class, art or GARDENING :) Personally, I would take a carpentry class.....so I could learn how to make my own plant boxes and a greenhouse...lol! Good luck with it!

Rhonda

I always managed to drop or withdraw classes in time to protect my GPA. If you have the time, why not sign up for one more 'easy' class? You can drop it like a hot potato if need be. I never heard an employer ask to see my grades, let alone, "What's this W next to Math 110?"

Sarah, I had Chemistry last fall & was totally freaked. It had been 35 years since I had it in H.S. & remembered absolutely Nothing. I had a wonderful professor & he got a tutor for me. I had to concentrate mainly on the Chemistry & was thankful that I got a C out of the class. (actually quite proud) I carried 16 hours that semester & ended up with a 3.26 gpa.

The decision is yours...but I'd go for it. Everything happens for a reason & if you're given the opportunity ~ take it. That's the way I view things. But like I said...it's your choice.

Good Luck! :-))

Joey

roflol clay...if that was the case, I would imagine LOTS of us would be unemployed!

I kind of resent the school sending out these messages... don't pressure me! It's hard enough!

I never had Chem in high school, and I've blown this particular course once before in college. eek!

I HAVE to get it this time, and I have to understand it... as I have to take a whole bunch more chemistry for my major. I have to take Organic, and I shudder to think I might need Biochem, Organic II, or both! ACK!

Maybe I'll go talk to my advisor after class today and see what the "easy" options are.

I'll report back.

:)

Sarah

Yes, keep us posted. :-))

As a graduate with a BS and MS in Chemistry, let me warn you....

Chemistry should not be just a lecture, but also a lab. If it's any kind of a serious chemistry class, there will be a significant amount of practice work required to understand the material. The labs should require at least one afternoon a week, along with followup computer work to prepare a presentation report and demonstrate that you understood the reaction from the lab.

College shouldn't be looked at as "how can I get something for free", but instead "how can I get the most for my money." Consider the extra course you may be able to take as a "Pro/Con" issue. If you add a class, and pass it, you might run the risk of just barely passing chemistry. If you leave the schedule "as is", you might get a great grade in the chemistry instead because you can study harder. If you've had trouble with the course before, consider that could happen again.

My 14 cents, for what they're worth (because in industrial chemistry, 2 cents ain't ever enough) =)

Alright... well, let's just throw the "add another class" idea out the window... my life's gotten 10x more complicated in the last 24 hours!

First, yesterday morning Stella's screening for Head Start was done, and now I have to fit her morning school into our daily schedule. This is fine, as I don't have to attend it (lol), but I do have to take her there. I guess the NTSB told the school district that they can only put 2 preschoolers on a bus seat that used to have 3 kids on it.... So, they're short bus seats and are asking parents to do the transpo if they can.

Then I had to stay late last night (till 7) for an orientation for my classroom observations. When I registered for this in the spring, they said, "Don't worry about it, your schedule will say 5-7 pm Tuesdays, but you really only have to select 3 seminars." Well, as it turns out, that was partially correct. I only have three seminars OF MY CHOOSING, I have to stay for the late Tuesday 10/15 weeks of the semester for other stuff they choose... sheesh... so, now I have to figure out who's going to watch Stella for all those, too. There is no other time offered for this class. I'm not sure how they expect me to pull this off!

And, during the orientation I was informed that I'm scheduled to be at my assigned high school from 7:15 to 9:40 Tuesdays. That'll never work because I have to drop the kiddo at Head Start at 8:30... and my school is 45 minutes away. Hopefully, I have an easy going cooperating teacher who won't mind if I come for second block or something.... Or come Tuesdays and Thursdays so I can get my 32 hours in pronto and check that one off my to-do list. :)

Thanks for all the wise words and for reading my rant about my schedule LOL :)

And, AngelSong.... guess who's going to get dmail when my chem doesn't make sense! :) lol

Sarah

Good move to not add extra classes, especially with chemistry.

Too bad about all the new juggling! Maybe you'll be able to network with other parent-students. Does the school have a women's re-entry program? If so, that's a good place to look for resources to help you juggle.

Good luck! School is cool.

You're welcome to come to me for assistance. My first suggestion will always be "did you ask a classmate for their interpretation of the material?" followed promptly by "did you ask the professor for clarification?"