I get asked frequently is taking 18 hours in a semester possible? Do you have a social life? Do you have a job? How do you make it work? Well to everyone who has thought about taking 18 hours, but is too afraid I am going to give you advice on how. These are my tips on how to make it work for you.
1. Go to Class-
In general whether you are taking 18 or 12 hours go to class. You do yourself a dis-service by skipping class. Once you go down the path of skipping you will have a hard time stopping so do not even go down it. Like if you are not a morning person try to not take morning classes. Do not set yourself up where you will probably skip. Also the professor will many times mention during his lecture what parts will be on the exam. So yeah people just go to class because you will get behind and lose track of your work if you skip.
2. Use a Planner-
This is definitely one of the most important things on the list. Your planner should be your best friend always. A planner is the perfect way to keep your schedule organized and in order. This will help you keep all the due dates in mind. It seems like a bit of a hassle to fill it out always, but once you get into the habit it will get easy. Dedication to the planner will pay off. Whenever I get a call about work or meeting I always am able to open up my planner, and tell them exactly when I am available and not just guess.
3. Work Ahead-
Do not procrastinate!!! I have procrastinated before and I understand it happens, but you will stress yourself out more than necessary. Also you never know when a another professor may assign more work also. Be prepared at all times and not on edge because you have one night to write a 15 page paper (I have wrote a 15 page paper in one night and it was awful). Do not do what I did that one time because you will feel exhausted after staying up all night.
4. Have You Time-
There comes point once you finished studying a lot, and you just want some you time. I make time for me time every few days because if not I would probably go a little crazy. Having this time for you will be a great feeling. Something as simple as going to the movies or to eat with friends will make the workload feel a little lighter.
5. Do Not Give Up-
There will be times you feel like I can not do this and is it really worth it? Well your education is worth it. Do not get distracted from your goals. Getting somewhere in life is never easy so do not get yourself down. Also just because one grade was not perfect does not mean the world is over.
So everyone do not get discouraged about taking a lot of credit hours. It is possible as long as you manage your schedule well. Just go for it and try to take a lot of credit hours. I promise from personal experience it is not hard to manage. I work 20 hours a week and take 18 credit hours, and still have time for me.
