Avoid "Super Person" Syndrome. It is not possible for you to work 40 hours per week, take 19 semester credits and be your child's soccer coach. Something will suffer.
For each hour of credit you take, you should plan a minimum of two to three hours per week of study time outside the classroom. For example, if you are taking 12 credits, you need to plan 24 – 36 hours of study time.
Don't overload your academic schedule; your grades may suffer. Remember that if you are taking a course that is a prerequisite for another course, there may be a minimum grade you need to get in that course to move on to the next. Also, your major may have a minimum GPA requirement to be accepted or to stay in the major.
Your grades may be important in a job search or decision to attend graduate school. Many graduate schools will not consider applications from candidates whose cumulative GPA is below a 3.0. Overwhelming yourself during your undergraduate career can undermine your plans to achieve your goals.
Know your own limits, and use the many student support and assistance services available. The Engaged Learning and Career Action Center for Students offers workshops on time management and a variety of other academic success topics each semester. Students generally find these workshops very helpful.
Visit your academic advisor if you are struggling with time management in any semester. Your advisor will help you come up with strategies or solutions to maximize your academic success when you are facing challenges.
