Which Course Schedule Balances Work, GPA, and Graduation Time?

[thinkcentre12]

So I am going into my third year at a college. I am a double major math and mechanical engineering. And I'm trying to decide which schedule I should take. The main difference between them is one option takes only two semesters while the other takes 3 semesters. I do not want to over do myself and mess my gpa up. (3.96 currently) So bio about me is I work about 20-25 hours a week which will increase to right under or around 30 at November and December. School is my life.

Option 1 (2 semesters)
Fall
- Cal 3
- Phys 1
- Mathematical proofs
- Differential Equations
14 hours

Spring
- Phys 2
- Statics
- Mechanics
- Abstract Algebra
- Real analysis
(16 hours)

Summer
- Senior math project
- Linear Algebra
- Probability
(7 hours)

Option 2 (3 semesters)
Fall
- Cal 3
- Phys 1
- Mathematical proofs
- Random class
(12 hours)

I thought about putting differential equations here instead of the random class. For 13 hours

Spring
- Phys 2
- Statics
- Abstract Algebra
- Differential equations
(13 hours)

Summer
- Senior math project
- internship

Spring
- Real analysis
- Linear Algebra
- Probability
- Mechanics
(12 hours)

I know it is long. But thank you. Look forward to your input.

 

[psparky]

Do whatever you like.

No one knows your life or schedule more than you do!

What would you do and why?

 

[thinkcentre12]

Good point. Option 1 makes me nervous because of that 16 hours during the spring semester. But doing it in 3 semesters maybe is not as bad as it seems. Do you guys think that is a good double major?

 

[462chevelle]

I don't know how you feel about spring semesters. but I hate them. so I stay 12-13 hours for spring

 

[psparky]

Good point. Option 1 makes me nervous because of that 16 hours during the spring semester. But doing it in 3 semesters maybe is not as bad as it seems. Do you guys think that is a good double major?

Of course it's a good double major. It would be even better if it were ELECTRICAL engineering.

But nobody is perfect.

Again...coming from a sparky...

In reality, it looks like you have things set up quite well. Nice job so far.

 

[thinkcentre12]

Thats a good combination also. i debated about electrical for awhile actually. There could still be time for change. Thank you. I was just double checking hah. I had talked to an advisor at school one time who said it was a waste to take the extra time to double major. But I always thought the combination was good. Thank you. I think either option works good. I just need to be comfortable with my choice. As of now it is looking like it may take me to 5 to 5 and a half years to get both of them but I think in the long run it will be worth it.

 

[psparky]

Haha that's funny. I could see that. There could still be time for change. Thank you. I was just double checking hah. I had talked to an advisor at school one time who said it was a waste. But I always thought the combination was good. Thanks you. As of now it is looking like it may take me to 5 to 5 and a half years to get both of them but I think in the long run it will be worth it.

It probably is a little over the top, but can you really be too smart?

And you obviously enjoy it with your insanely high GPA.

GPA's are great and all, but once you land a job they don't mean much.

Don't forget to develop your social skills a bit as well. Working with other people is typically a huge part of any job.

I wish there was a double major that contained electrical and mechanical engineers. You'll notice the top, top guys in industry know the electrical and mechanical backwards and forwards. As a firm owner, these will be the most desirable guys to develop your business.

 

[thinkcentre12]

Haha that's a good point. It cannot hurt you. Oh I do I really have enjoyed my classes. It's interesting information. I am proud of my GPA i have worked very hard for it. That's correct that's what I always hear. Your school/GPA helps you get your first job and then after that it's about how good you did at your first. That's very true too. I do try to do some social events. Alot of engineering do work in groups. That's a very good point. I will remember that. I could see how that would be the top employees.