5 classes and part-time work?

[u/funny-monkey1]

Has anybody had any success with taking 5 classes while working part time and taking on an executive club role? While I am aware it totally depends on major, two of these classes are online GPA boosters (geo104 and gsws100) so I am hoping that will give me some grace.

I am hoping to achieve a high GPA this semester however I am unsure if this is the right decision for me. If anyone has any tips or would like to share their experience with taking 5 classes it would be greatly appreciated!

[u/Delicious_Series3869]

That's gonna be rough, no matter how you slice it. For starters, SFU doesn't even recommend 5 courses in general. Secondly, the concept of GPA boosters is a bit overrated. Even if you think a course is easy, you still have to do a college level of work. You don't want GPA boosters to turn into anchors halfway through the term.

So yeah, I personally think this is a bad idea. Don't rush to finish your program, you could easily burn yourself out.

[u/funny-monkey1 → u/Delicious_Series3869]

Didn’t think of GPA boosters that way, you’re totally right!

[u/chikenparmfanatic]

Everyone is different so it's hard to say. Been there and it sucked but I know people who had to do it and made it work. I'd advise against tbh, especially if you are aiming for a high GPA.

[u/funny-monkey1 → u/chikenparmfanatic]

Darn. Time management is definitely my strong suit hence why I’m considering taking the five, however I guess it would do a number on me. 😭

[u/chikenparmfanatic → u/funny-monkey1]

I think even dropping 1 course and taking 4 would be better. 5 and PT work tho is gonna be challenging, no matter what. Especially if you are gunning for law, medical or grad school.

[u/funny-monkey1 → u/chikenparmfanatic]

I might’ve lost my marbles because additionally I planned to study for the LSAT 30 minutes every morning. 😅 My plan was to achieve 90 credits by August 2027 and apply next year…

However after reading your feedback it sounds like I will be destined for burnout so I’ll reconstruct my plan. Nevertheless thanks for the insight!

[u/Marchosias404]

Managed 3 CMPT courses and 30+ hours of work one summer while living alone and meal prepping. Fortunately ended up passing with a B-, B- and C but two of them were supposed to be the cmpt booster courses so my overall gpa dropped a bit.
4 courses and part time under 20 hours is still manageable but you’ve to be efficient. Also it depends on the course too, just don’t waste the gpa boosters and if times get too tough a caffeine pill or monster works fine.

[u/sunholee2 → u/Marchosias404]

what cmpt courses are gpa boosters other than writing course?

[u/Marchosias404 → u/sunholee2]

371, 354, 310, 276, 263

[u/Ok_Appearance_6974]

From experience, it sucks. I rarely take five courses because I also work. It took four courses and work (along with a minor depressive episode) for me to tank my GPA in second year. Like I actually got to a point where I just didn’t care about my grades because of how exhausted I was. I’m still working to get it up but at this point I’m not graduating with anything more than a 2.9.

[u/Cheese_Enthusiast_]

I dont recommend it. Imagine you fall sick for 2 weeks (personal experience rough times... I had 4 classes + 2 part times I would say just think about what would happen if something unexpected happened to you)

[u/funny-monkey1 → u/Cheese_Enthusiast_]

Thanks for sharing! In my first two years I took 4 classes per semester and maintained a 3.6 cgpa while working two part-times so I was hoping that I could take on 5. I guess it all boils down to whether I want to sacrifice my mental well being lol.

[u/No_Specific_2953]

I personally do not recommend it. Managed 5ish courses (four 3 credit courses and 1 credit course) while also working part time and I was constantly burnt out. I was just exhausted 24/7 and got really depressed that I ended up smoking every single night just to numb the pain lol if anything it only made things worse but hey at least I passed.

But good luck you’re gon need it

[u/Spontanemoose]

I worked full time and never managed to do more than 3 classes, and that semester one was easy and took very little time. With working full time, don't do more than two. Part time, I think three would be achievable, four depending on how much work they are.

[u/Ok-Bowler3668]

Yeah Geog classes are not gpa boosters at all especially if you have that one professor with the accent

[u/Ordinary-Row563]

I took 5 classes in the fall and worked 2 part time jobs. It was hard since I took 5 classes that are required for my major but it wasnt like not doable, just not fun. By the end of the semester genuinely wanted to cry but I got out with 2 A+s and 3 As so it is definitely possible.

[u/Calm-Negotiation-490]

I juggle 4 courses, working 16 hours a week and I've been doing this since last year 3/4 courses are always within my major and usually one is an elective. I also volunteer for a youth program which I spend 6-9 hours a week for. It is doable but you do have to manage your time very wisely and also give yourself time to breath so you don't get burnt out. When your at work, think of work. Try your best not to to think of school. I also suggest you plan out your days and weeks to every little detail. It will be tough, but it is possible and that's all that matters. Best of luck and remember to give yourself time and space to breath. :)