Hi,
I took 4.0 FCEs during the 2012-2013 year (my first year) & by the end of this summer, I’ll have earned an additional 1.0 FCE. My current “plan” is to keep up this course load pace for the rest of my time at U of T, because I’m concerned that I wouldn’t be able to keep up with the recommended 5.0 FCE course load, as every year only gets more challenging.
I was wondering if this type of course load is a common choice for students, because I am concerned about completing my degree requirements a summer after I was hoping to graduate, in 2016. I know everyone is different, has their own pace, etc., etc., but most people I know are taking those 5.0 FCEs, so I guess I’m looking for some kind of reassurance? (the truth is also appreciated)
Also, do you have any recommendations for courses with lighter workloads, that I could possibly take as CR/NCR during the fall/winter semesters? I know a lighter workload is more than a big-ask, but it would be great to achieve that June graduation date.
Thanks so much for your help!
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Hey hey
Rest assured, this is a common course load. While the majority of students like to live on the edge and play with 5.0 FCE, a good chunk of them end up with LWDs or just drop things.
So don’t worry — 4.0 during the year + 1.0 in the summer is fine if you’re okay with it.
But yes, that one summer where you can’t finish 1.0.
What to do, what to do…
Well, I say you test the waters! Try taking five courses this coming semester and see how you manage with it. Contrary to popular belief, it’s actually quite simple providing you manage your time and cut back on the usual shenanigans.
You can take a look at our post on bird courses, but try not to fill up on those.
Actually, if you’ve already chosen your programs for the future, you’ll find that plenty of courses in that field can be treated as “bird courses” just because they interest you!
And try not to get too into that CR/NCR option. It doesn’t work for courses that are program requirements, so they’re really meant for students who want to try new things without totally botching up their cGPA provided said “new thing” doesn’t work well with them. So if a math specialist wants to take world religions and is scared he won’t do well, the CR/NCR kicks in.
tl;dr = Just try a semester of five courses. If you have trouble with them, you can drop one (before the last date to do so). I mean you’re on program fees anyway, so it’s not like you actually lose anything past textbook fees or whatnot. 
Cheers!
aska