How many courses should I typically take per semester?

As I'm planning out my high school courses for the next few semesters, I'm also curious about how this translates to college. What is the normal number of courses you should take per semester in college to stay on track for graduation? I’m trying to understand how workload in college might compare to high school and what a full-time schedule really looks like.

In many colleges, students typically take 4-5 courses each semester to meet the full-time student status and stay on track towards graduating in four years. This is equivalent to around 12-15 credit hours, as most college courses are worth 3 credits (this can vary depending on the course). It's also important to factor in that some majors may require you to take a lab along with your science or engineering classes, and these lab sections can count as additional credit hours.

Comparing this with high school, a student usually has 6-7 periods or classes a day. Now, while you might be technically in fewer classes in college, don't be misled. College courses are typically more intense and involve more independent work (readings, projects, papers) than most high school classes.

Remember, balance is important. Don't overload your schedule, particularly in your first semester when you're still adjusting to college life. It's perfectly normal to take time to adapt to the college workload and teaching style. Also, be aware of your personal aptitude, strengths, and the level of rigor in the courses you select. Doing well in four courses is better than struggling through five or six.

Lastly, there's room for flexibility. If you find that you're more comfortable taking an extra course one semester, or maybe cutting back due to other commitments like a part-time job or extracurricular activities, that's usually perfectly fine. You can customize your course load to suit your individual circumstances, as long as you're meeting your university's graduation requirements and maintaining full-time student status (often a requirement for financial aid). Make sure to chat with your academic advisor to map out the most effective plan for you.