At MIT how many courses can you take in one semester?

Answer 1

For colleges and universities that operate on a regular two semester academic year, the minimum load for a full-time student is 12 credits (usually four courses). The average load is 15 credits (five course). Some students take 18 or 19 credits (six courses). This is an approximation because some courses can be four or five credits. Still, if it is the students first time in college, I always recommend a student takes the minimum full-time credit load for the first semester. After the student makes the adjustment into higher education, understands what is expected, the study involved (based on the intensity of the program), assimilation into peer groups, etc., then they can build up from there the next semester. It is better the start slow, and build up, rather than to overload ones self and wind up of either stopping out, or failing out. I can tell you this, the programs at MIT are going to be intensive, and you should be cautious and give yourself every advantage to succeed. Start slower (if the program allows), and build up from there.

Answer 2

At most schools, the number of courses is irrelevant, it's the number of credit hours that matter. The exact limit varies from school to school; it may be as low as 12 or as high as 18 hours. A typical course is 3-5 credit hours, but 2 and even 1 credit courses do exist (usually lab classes or PE "activity" courses). Most colleges will actually let you take more than the normal course load, provided you get permission from your advisor and/or the dean.