How to Determine Your Capacity for Class Schedules
There are times in life when attending college full-time seems like an easy decision to make. Like right after high school or when you have the GI Bill®️ and minimal additional distractions. For most adults, attending college part-time feels like a more manageable option. But how do you determine your higher-ed capacity? Here are some things to consider.
Full-Time or Part-Time?
How many credits can you reasonably – and successfully – take? The answer to that will help you decide what works best. You'll be a part-time student if you take less than 12 credits a term. Each option has pros and cons from an educational standpoint and many more that are personal.
A student who chooses part-time capacity has more flexibility in scheduling classes and allows more time to work and pay tuition as you go. Full-time course loads will enable you to finish your degree faster, may qualify your family for tax breaks and open more opportunities for scholarships.
The best part may be that you can do both. One term you may have the time to take a full course load, but the next one, you can't. You can mix and match as your situation changes – both inside the classroom and out. It's a personal decision and therefore whatever you decide is right.
One key thing to remember is that your schedule is a consideration for Military Housing Allowance (MHA) eligibility and amount for students using the GI Bill®️. Check out the VA's GI Bill®️ Comparison Tool to better understand this, and be sure to confirm your schedule with your advisor and VA Certifying Office if MHA is a concern.
Questions to Ask When Deciding
What are your priorities?
First, consider your priorities in life. Do you have small children that you are caring for during this season? What about work, volunteer obligations or other things that take up your time? Are you ready to put them aside for a full-time course load? Most of the time, your professor will recommend you spend two to three hours per credit studying. So that brings a 12-credit course load into 24 to 36 hours of studying – even if your courses are primarily online.
How much time do you have?
Now that you know how much time should be spent on class work and studying, how much time do you have in the other areas of your life? If you're already working a 40-hour week, can you add another 24-36 hours of school? What about spending time with your family or volunteering? Consider what your days and nights will look like with all your obligations before deciding. And make sure you factor in sleep!
How much time do you want to spend on school?
Going to school is a choice, so also consider what you want to do. If you have just a few terms left, maybe it's worth buckling down and getting it done quickly. If you have years left, you may do a combination of both. Remembering that you can adjust from trimester to trimester is helpful when other things come up in your life.
Are there other things to consider?
All of the above are great things to consider when deciding. Another thing to consider is whether the school supports veteran and military-affiliated students. GGU has programs and professors who understand military life and the obstacles that come with leaving it behind. This understanding and familiarity can make a difference when teaching, assigning projects and talking to students.
Join a strong community of military veterans and their family members by connecting with other students at GGU.