Well, that depends on what type of person you are. Some people can handle that type of load but most can’t. Remember that for every hour you spend in class, you need to spend at least three hours studying to make a decent grade. This is especially true when you get up into the 3000/4000 level classes. I would honestly suggest cutting back somewhere if you want to take that many classes. I’m assuming you are going to be taking about 12 hours? Try getting a job at the university to replace one of your other jobs. Jobs in the library or bookstore are good because many times they will allow you to study when you aren’t busy with customers/students. You could also try tutoring jobs. Furthermore, I understand not wanting to rely on your parents financially but sometimes you might need to. Your grades are more important because they will help you get a better paying job in the future. My dad pays for my car insurance and car payment but we have an arrangement; once I get out of school I am going to start paying him back (my idea, not his). This way, I am actually just taking out a loan rather than asking my dad to pay for my stuff.

Also, check with the financial aid office to see if you qualify for pell grant, student loans, and/or scholarships. Many times there are scholarships that never get used because no one applies for them or at least that’s what my financial aid officer told me.

If you are taking the classes you listed, you will need to study alot. It is important, whenever possible, to put your education first, before other interests or responsibilities. Yet, it is true that you may need to work to earn money while in school. Ask yourself these questions:

1. Do I really need to earn as much money as I am earning now?

2. Can I cut my financial needs by moving, doing without a

car or other luxuries, living with my parents?

3. Can I get some financial relief by taking out a student loan, or parental loan, payable after graduation?

4. Can I sell something I own of value to make it possible to work less this semester?

5. Can I find a job that would allow me to study while on the job?

Depending on the answers to these questions, you may have a solution to your problem and maybe did not realize it. I hope you find an answer. I know how you feel. I worked through college too. It is not easy.

Good Luck!!!

4.

My guess is your Chemistry class will be a 5 hour course, your Spanish class will be a 5 hour course, and Economics will be a 3 hour course. 13 hours makes you a full time student, but at 13 hours a semester you probably won’t get done in 4 years. I would say that if these are all 100 level courses, and you have pretty good organizational skills, then you should be able to handle it. Sounds like you’ve got weekends free to do some class work/studying, plus I would imagine your work-study job would let you do a little bit of homework/studying if it’s anything like my work-study positions.

Again, the key is to get organized and stay that way.

Lock up your gaming console. I’m not kidding. Until you are a few weeks in and know what kind of toll this load will take, put away the videogames! And sit your girlfriend down and make sure you both understand how busy you are going to be. Set aside a date night, be it weekly or 2X a month, so you have scheduled time together and don’t loose the relationship in the mess of everything else going on. Get a planner/Calender and stay organized. It can be done, just don’t expect it to be easy and stay as organized as possible.

If you are going to take on a heavy course load, you should at least drop one of those jobs. Think about your long term goals – sacrifice some money now, make better grades, get better job, make more money. Remember to make sure you include a balance for school, work, play and relationships!

Enjoy yourself a little along the way.

No. I did it. In fact, I worked 1 full time and 1 part time job and still went to school full time. Just remember to set your priorities staright. No partying and have excellent time management. I graduated on time and had lots of money left over for when I needed to find my own place, buy a new car and so forth. Make sure not to rack up any un-neccessary debt as this could cause you extreme financial loss after you graduate. Just play it smart, take your time and believe.

You should probably quit one of your jobs. Classes are hard enough even when you don’t work. I’m sure your parents are more concerned that you pass your classes being as they paid for them. Map a good budget out and you should be fine.

If they are already paying for school and books, your good. I was doing the same thing you were except I was paying for school and books too.