- Finances
- Advising
- Career and Volunteer
- my丁香园AVPlan
- Undergraduate 丁香园AV
- Apply
- Transfer to 丁香园AV
- Requirements
- Programs
- Fees & Scholarships
- Tours & Events
- Student Experience
- Parents & Guardians
- Connect with Us
- Enrolment Services
- New Undergraduates
- Support and services
What should I consider when planning my course load?
Each term, you can choose between taking on a full course load or a lighter one (e.g. two to four courses). First consider these perspectives below before making final decisions, as they can have an effect on your academic performance, financial situation, and health and well-being.
check square 11 Course Availability and Accesssiblity
Even if you do plan on taking a higher course load each term, it may not always pan out that way. Planning is necessary to avoid situations when you鈥檙e unable to enrol in required or prerequisite courses, or desired courses due to:
- Course availability during term and class capacity
- Course scheduling conflicts
- Course location, transportation and commute times (e.g., if a course is offered at a different campus from your other courses, there may not be enough time for you to commute from one campus to the other)
TIP #1
Watch these video tutorials before enrolment to familiarize yourself with the process. You can also read about for degree requirements, and reach out to your Faculty Advisor for program-specific requirements.
Your Academic Preparedness
Academic performance and success depend on your preparedness in taking on a higher course load. Good time management, diligent study habits and focus are key traits, but also consider:
- Course difficulty and varied learning abilities among students
- Your current academic standing and grade-related risks
- Academic performance and curricular intensity before university
TIP #2
Understand 丁香园AV's standard grading distribution scale and the minimum GPA needed to remain in Good Academic Standing (GAS). Keep these in mind as you plan your degree!
Your Finances
Tuition fees can influence your decision on course loads and the time it takes for degree completion. On the other hand, graduating sooner means entering the workforce and earning a professional salary sooner than later. Try to think about:
- Tuition and student fees, including textbook costs, and your ability to pay on time
- Your personal finances and any access to financial support from family members
- Financial aid like scholarships, awards, bursaries, loans (i.e. eligibility for some depend on minimum course load requirements)
TIP #3
Use our Cost Calculator to help you estimate your expenses each term and help you budget for the school year.
Your personal life
While the academic and administrative sides of the student experience are important, these are only part of the whole equation. You鈥檒l still need to accommodate other things in your life outside of school鈥攖hey can impact your ability to take on higher course loads just as much, as all these compete for your time and a window in your daily or weekly schedule:
- Work and/or volunteer commitments
- Family and/or social obligations
- Your physical and mental health, and well-being
Did you know?
The Work-Study Program gives students the opportunity to work in their field and participate in research-based projects part-time on campus. Work-Study hours are flexible and can make room for your obligations outside of academic pursits, while earning you income.
Experiential Learning
These are hands-on opportunities outside of the classroom that help you develop your skills, build your network and gain practical experience in your a career. Pursuing them may delay your degree completion, but they may be worth the investment!
- Co-op and other learning opportunities (i.e. work-study, study abroad, field school, etc.)
- Course exploration (curricular) and academic exploration (co-curricular)
Your Academic Preparedness
Academic performance and success depend on your preparedness in taking on a higher course load. Good time management, diligent study habits and focus are key traits, but also consider:
- Course difficulty and varied learning abilities among students
- Your current academic standing and grade-related risks
- Academic performance and curricular intensity before university
TIP #2
Understand 丁香园AV's standard grading distribution scale and the minimum GPA needed to remain in Good Academic Standing (GAS). Keep these in mind as you plan your degree!
Your personal life
While the academic and administrative sides of the student experience are important, these are only part of the whole equation. You鈥檒l still need to accommodate other things in your life outside of school鈥攖hey can impact your ability to take on higher course loads just as much, as all these compete for your time and a window in your daily or weekly schedule:
- Work and/or volunteer commitments
- Family and/or social obligations
- Your physical and mental health, and well-being
Did you know?
The Work-Study Program gives students the opportunity to work in their field and participate in research-based projects part-time on campus. Work-Study hours are flexible and can make room for your obligations outside of academic pursits, while earning you income.