Need advice! Going Back to School

[charliedacia]

I've decided to go back to school and I'm set to start back up in Jan. I am currently register for three classes. Two are once weekly night classes and one is an online class where we will actually meet as a group 6 times that semester. I am a homeschooling mom of four and part of me is worried that I will get overwhelmed with everything. I have not been a college student for nine years so I am wondering if I should just take two classes and test out the waters or should I take the plunge and go for three. I have to take at least two to keep my financial aid. Will a third class be that much more overwhelming than two? I'm confused! Help! If it helps any, the classes I will be taking are English, History and Sociology. No hard math or science. Thanks.

[Drummer's Wife]

I think the 3 you registered for aren't too bad -- but English for sure will inlude a lot of essay writing. Is that your online course? I just ask, because I am finishing College Writing right now and it's online. I also have four children, though two are in school full-time and one part-time. Do you have a DH who is supportive and will help out with the kids a lot? I think that will make a huge difference.

What I would recommend is starting out with all three classes and once you get your syllabus for each course - plan out when assignments are due on a calendar and see how your are feeling at that point. I ended up dropping sociology last semester because I got overwhelmed once school started and I compared course content. The good thing is that you have so many weeks to decide and drop - without it impacting your GPA. I receive fin aid, too, so going half time is a must. I am glad I eased in with only 7 credits the first semseter starting back - but one class was Algebra which is often more time consuming.

Best of luck!

[charliedacia]

Sociology is the online course. My DH is very supportive and will help out with the kids so I am blessed in that area.

[sparklefairy]

My best advice is to take your schooling as seriously as you would a job and not let it get relegated to last place.

[LorenaAZ]

It really depends on how much work is assigned by each class. I took an online course when I was pregnant that was only for 1 credit, but I spent more time doing work for that class than all my other 3 and 4 credit classes put together. It was ridiculous.

Also, if you feel overwhelmed, you can always drop one of your classes before the deadline. I did a lot of the work when my LO was asleep.

I say go for it!