So I'm considering overloading into 6 courses for the second semester. Any words of wisdom from people who've already gone down this path? Tips or things I should be thinking about ahead of time? Were there other difficulties other than the time constraints and the assignments? What "pros" were there if any, other than just getting an extra credit and knowing more?

How many of those courses are math-based?

why? just why? dont do it unless it's manditory...

i believe u require a minimum 7 avg for u to overload

Originally Posted by RyanC

How many of those courses are math-based?

4 or 5 depending on what I choose to overload on...if it's relevant I didn't feel that my courses were challenging.

Originally Posted by Leeoku

i believe u require a minimum 7 avg for u to overload

That requirement's already out of the way so I'm safe in that area =)

Any other academic factors you think I should take into account?

Originally Posted by The Guardian

4 or 5 depending on what I choose to overload on...if it's relevant I didn't feel that my courses were challenging.

Well I suppose, it all depends on how you feel you grasp the courses.. being heavily devoted to one subject, with all the overlap, certainly does make things a lot easier! Regardless, you have to make use of every hour you have to doing practice problems and proofs (or whatever), and not blow it on various tv/movie watching.. succeeding at that, its possible to do it and not be stressed/sociallifeless/insane. When it comes down to it though, do you think you can truely go deep in the material and appreciate what you're learning (and not just cramming the bare minimum)? I prefer lighter courseloads because you can be relaxed and have time to take everything in, and not just focus on cranking out 'type' questions on exams (arguably lets you take a lot less from the courses, and will forget the material easier after the exam)

ask ur personal work ethic. Can you really handle it? are you gona get distracted/slack off? What do these courses require you? Labs? or just alota self practice time. Will you be able to study for all these exams? Are any of these things confusing/cross referencing with each course

Do it at your own risk. I did it once and regretted it hugely because I was taking pretty much all science courses (organic chem, genetics, anat&phys, biochem etc). The only reason I did it was so I could finish my prereqs for professional school in time.

I would only consider doing it again if I was overloading with a bird course.

Originally Posted by RyanC

Well I suppose, it all depends on how you feel you grasp the courses.. being heavily devoted to one subject, with all the overlap, certainly does make things a lot easier! Regardless, you have to make use of every hour you have to doing practice problems and proofs (or whatever), and not blow it on various tv/movie watching.. succeeding at that, its possible to do it and not be stressed/sociallifeless/insane. When it comes down to it though, do you think you can truely go deep in the material and appreciate what you're learning (and not just cramming the bare minimum)? I prefer lighter courseloads because you can be relaxed and have time to take everything in, and not just focus on cranking out 'type' questions on exams (arguably lets you take a lot less from the courses, and will forget the material easier after the exam)

Fair enough, I was thinking along the same lines. I'm introverted, so I kind of reflect on these things a lot. In terms of a social life, mine isn't too demanding. Thankfully I already get enough social interaction/personal time when I volunteer and have a coffee at the local Timmy's. With regards to the "deep insight", I usually figure out the deeper concepts when I'm doing higher level questions by myself. Usually I've got 4 or so extra hours a day to devote my time to something after all's said and done. I'm pretty sure things will get crazy at times, but I'm more than sure that I'll be able to enjoy my time studying. Thanks a lot!