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Credit Overload Request

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Staying on Track

What is an Overload?

Before the start of a term, students in the College of Arts and Sciences can request to register for more than 18 hours in fall or spring and more than 9 in a summer session. Once you are activated for registration for the term in which you are requesting an overload, you can complete the overload request form.

Students can request an overload after the start of a term, but ideally the request is initiated before the start of the term.

There are three ways to qualify for an overload of 19 hours:

  1. You earned a GPA of at least 3.0 in the previous semester; and your cumulative GPA is at least 2.5
  2. You require an overload to graduate in the term requested
  3. You obtained special permission from a dean

**Requests for 20 or 21 hours are rarely granted and typically reserved for seniors who need the hours for graduation or students in truly extenuating circumstances.

** Students in professional schools (e.g., Business, Media and Journalism, Public Health) must contact their school’s dean to request an overload (even if they have a second major and/or minor in the College of Arts & Sciences).

Here’s What You Should Be Doing:

Map out your long terms course plans and review them with an academic advisor during a scheduled advising appointment. Remember that overloads are unlikely to be granted for students in their first or second year at Carolina.

Here’s How Advising Can Help:

If you are unsure if your circumstances warrant an overload, please schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to discuss. Your academic advisor can support you if you have additional questions or concerns regarding a potential overload request.

Ready to Submit the Overload Request Form?

You will receive a confirmation email once you submit your request for an overload. You will receive a decision via email once your request has been evaluated. If your credit overload is approved, your credit limit will be increased after all grades from the current term have posted (no later than the day before the first day of classes).

Submit an overload request