<p>My son is having a really tough decision as to whether he wants to do 4 or 5 years. </p>
<p>From what I understand, if a student is receiving grants/scholarships, they will extend for the whole 5 years...is that correct?</p>
<p>He was also told that with either 4 or 5 year coop, you only get the summer off after your freshman year...then you are basically working or going to school until you graduate. I always worked though my college summers and I explained to him that he would probably do the same, coop or not, so it really doesn't make all that much difference...do you think this is a correct assumption? So whether he has graduated or not..he would basically be working anyways (in his field) which in the long run looks great on a resume, especially in this job market. </p>
<p>I would love some input on this from someone in the coop program...also advise on the 4 v. 5 year program.</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>PS: He will be a Sports Management major</p>
<p>always go with the 5 year program. there are many posts here that will tell you the advantages vs. disadvantages. however, the 5 year is billed at a lower rate, and you can always switch from 5 year to 4 year but after a certain point, you can’t do the opposite.</p>
<p>As said above, 5yr co-op is much better. The 18months of work experience hook is what set Drexel apart from other schools. And yes, all scholarships and grants cover that 5th year as well. I also had some initial doubts about the “no summer after freshman year” thing but I thought of it this way…Most adults don’t get summer vacation from work. It’s the way of life, why not get used to it now?</p>
<p>One word of warning…sports management co-ops are not always paid, and sometimes the positions with the best experience that are offered to you will give no money. I have some friends with this major that have done unpaid co-ops (but the jobs were pretty awesome). If money is an issue then you will want to consider this wisely, because it’s not guaranteed that your son will be able to find a paid job.</p>
<p>That also applies to many of the artsy majors who are planning on doing co-op. Great experience, oftentimes no monetary compensation for your time though.</p>
<p>If you’re undecided go in as a 5-year and switch down to at the end of your freshman year. You’ll save a few thousand over starting as a 4-year.</p>
<p>Thanks everyone…I will have my son take a look at this thread. No $$ for coop does put a little kink into the plan if he goes 5 year but since he can change during his freshman year he has some time to explore the program once he is actually at the school.</p>