Students are considered full time with 12 billable hours, but a standard class load is 15 credit hours. Academic advisors help students select appropriate classes.
College classes are typically similar in rigor to high school AP classes. Emphasis is usually placed more on tests and research papers than homework. For example, students in a History class may be graded on three tests and two written assignments.
Time management is important, as students need to account for studying, going to class, working, commuting, being with friends, and sleep! For every hour spent in class, students can expect to spend an average of two to three hours outside of class studying, reading, writing papers or working on other class-related work. College is a full time job. Note, too, that sometimes students think working on weekends doesn’t count! If time runs short, it is often the study time that gets short shrift.
Studies show that being employed for more than 20 hours a week significantly impacts grades. The following example accounts for hours spent on work and school within a week.
Time in class 15 hours
Study time 35 hours
Paid work 10 hours
Total hours 60 hours