<p>Kid is entering spring semester of sophomore year at Yale college, still hesitating about major because he loves both history and art. We tend to encourage him double major but are worried it might take him longer than 4 years to graduate, and if so, will he still be eligible for financial aid in the 5th year of studies? Any advice will be greatly appreciated! </p>
<p>I only know what I hear from my DD, but I thought that 5th years are HIGHLY unusual and need special dispensation etc.</p>
<p>Several issues to deal with here: (1) Yale students must complete their bachelor degree in 8 terms, and (2) In exceptional circumstances, sometimes a 9th term is granted, but Yale does NOT offer financial aid beyond 8 terms, although the student can apply for outside scholarships to cover the 9th term. See <a href=“A. Requirements for the B.A. or B.S. Degree < Yale University”>http://catalog.yale.edu/ycps/academic-regulations/requirements-for-ba-bs-degree/</a></p>
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<p>If your son or daughter is having issues deciding what to major in, they might want to take 6 course in the Spring semester and take two of them Credit D/Fail. Although 6 courses sounds like a lot, my son is doing it this fall and seems to be okay with the work load.</p>
<p>My D is also entering spring of sophomore year with plans for a double major. She has already worked out the course requirements for both and does not seem concerned about finishing in four years. I would encourage your son to get with his advisor to lay out the requirements of both majors and what is needed to meet them. </p>
<p>My S graduated with a double degree in 4 years, no problem. Not doing adequate planning of course schedules to be able to obtain a double major is certainly not considered an “exceptional circumstance”. I second musicmerit in that your son needs to talk with his advisor.</p>
<p>Thanks for the helpful notes everybody!</p>