Tem42 comments on Starting University Advice Repository - Less Wrong

12 Post author: Bryan-san 03 December 2015 11:51PM

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Comment author: Princess_Stargirl 04 December 2015 03:42:27PM 0 points [-]

On the margin I think its usually better to take less and/or easier courses. It is better to do very well on an easier schedule than do "ok" on a hard schedule. If you apply for a job or grad school everyone will look at your gpa. If a semester is too easy this is not a serious problem. You can always read an extra textbook or do some coding projects in your spare time. Next semester you can up the difficulty. If a semester turns out to be too hard and you do badly the penalties are real (though survivable).

Comment author: Tem42 05 December 2015 08:30:34PM 0 points [-]

In many programs you may also be able to take fewer classes during the full semesters and take fluff classes over the summer semester. If your program requires, for example, music appreciation or a physical ed class, these are good summer class; they are easy, you don't loose much by having the class shortened/modified, and they aren't distracting you when you need your attention for more important classes.