[MatScui]

I have just transferred out of community college and I have laid out a general plan for my next two years:

Summer 2012:
Honors Transfer Seminar
Multivariable Calculus
Classical Physics I W/Lab
Science Computer Skills (Chem)
Infinite Series Linear Algebra

Fall 2012:
Quantum Principles (Chem)
Quantum Analytical Chemistry W/Lab
Undergraduate Research
Classical Physics II

Winter 2013:
Inorganic Chemistry I
Molecular Structure/Statistical Mechanics
Advanced Analytical Chemistry
Undergraduate Research

Spring 2013:
Inorganic Chemistry II
Thermo & Chemical Dynamics
Physical Chemistry Lab
Undergraduate Research
Elementary Differential Equations

Fall 2013:
African American Studies I
Statistical Methods for Data Analysis I
Inorganic Chemistry II Lab
Advanced Organic Chemistry
Honors Research Chemistry

Winter 2014:
African American Studies II
Statistical Methods for Data Analysis II
Intro to Chemical Biology
Medicinal Chemistry
Honors Research Chemistry
Intro to Sociocultural Anthropology

Spring 2014:
Interreligious Dialogue
Statistical Methods for Data Analysis III
Computational Chemistry
Honors Research Chemistry/Honors in Seminar Chemistry
Current Issues Related to Tropospheric and Stratosheric Processes (Chem)
Intro to Linguistics

I plan to get As in all of them...how do you guys feel about this courseload?

[Arkcon]

It really depends on your ability, and how tough those classes really are at your university.  However, some useful points:

1).  Since you're taking Multivariable Calculus, I assume you already have Calculus I and II done.  That should be adequate for Classical Physics.  Like wise, I don't see a problem with calculus and algebra together.

2).  What if the classes fill up before you can register, or are canceled as the years go by?  You should try to be more flexible.

3).  You seem to be taking core requirements rather late in your plan, that can become stressful, as they make demands on your time, when you have the least to spare.  Consider getting in touch with those instructors.  Maybe you can take those subjects over the summer session, especially if you add a special project to the class.  The instructors should be able to help you with that.

[MatScui]

So at least it doesn't sound unreasonable or impossible, then.

I checked out the core curriculum classes and there's not a while lot available this summer. Next summer I plan to do an REU overseas so this is the only summer I'll have to take classes.

A lot of the classes I take earlier on are prerequisites for the classes I'll be taking in my later semesters, so I don't think I can swap them out with my required Liberal Arts courses or I won't meet the prerequisites to be able to take them soon enough (at least before I graduate).

I've just chosen the most difficult classes available for my major and so consequently the classes do not fill up rather quickly at all, so I'm not that concerned about available space. Most of the classes aren't even full every semester, at least when I checked the seatings for a couple past semesters.

If the classes become cancelled for whatever reason, I'll just take whatever other upper-level courses are available...not that of a biggie. But I doubt they'll be cancelled any time soon. I'll worry about it when it happens...there's not much I can do as a fallback plan except taking some other classes (which I already know some in mind) or transfer schools, lol.

[Jorriss]

6 classes a quarter is too much for just about anyone. Getting A's and getting a real grasp of the material are not the same thing. And almost no one I know takes 5+ classes a quarter and really gets a ton out of them.

[Arkcon]

Building on what Jorriss: said, and reiterating what I said above, don't assume that: African American Studies, Intro to Sociocultural Anthropology, Interreligious Dialogue, and Intro to Linguistics will be light work.  If you can consistently get A's in advanced science courses, you may in fact be poorly prepared to handle those disciples, as they rely more on abstract concepts.  These courses are taught very differently, its rare for example, for these courses to be taught by the TA.  Instead the instructor, the Professor, will want to see dedication from you in like proportion the their dedication.  Really, African American Studies ... II, that's not Advanced Works of Dr. Maya Angelou, that will be more intensive than you might expect.  If you want to take a course such as that, you should get to know the Professor, and see if there isn't a project you can do, akin to a research project in his dicipline, so you don't end up swamped with paperwork, when you have the very least amount of time to spare it.