<p>I was wondering if it really matters a lot to finish your bachelor degree in 4 years. Do employers look at that.</p>
<p>No. People take more or less than 4 years for a variety of reasons. They just care about the degree.</p>
<p>It wouldn’t hurt to be prepared to give a simple, one-sentence explanation if you’re asked in an interview, though. Something like, “I needed a ninth semester because I changed my major” or “I took a leave of absence because my family had some financial problems” or whatever. Don’t apologize. There’s nothing to apologize for. There’s nothing wrong with taking more or less than the standard 8 semesters and 4 calendar years to finish college.</p>
<p>How would they know? Most resumes just put the graduation date.</p>
<p>College degrees are awarded based on the number and type of credits earned, not the length of time required to get them. Graduating in more than four years could be due to needing time for work to pay for college, only taking a minimal full load, changing or adding a major, taking many more credits than needed for a degree… Also, graduating in 4 years could mean taking only the bare minimum of courses required to graduate instead of having greater depth in a field. It could also mean a less rounded person who never took time for nonessential but enriching courses. Too many variables to consider. Some places like to see a college transcript. The experts can quickly see relevant information. A provided work history would explain the need for fewer classes in a semester. </p>
<p>Plan your college career to maximize your experience. Do not have regrets about rushing through college and missing some (no one can take all) of the classes you feel you should take as an undergrad at your school. Do not feel you have to explain taking more than 8 semesters. Your degree is your proof of meeting standards.</p>
<p>It will have no impact, they only need to know you completed it, no explanations needed, no need to volunteer any information about time taken in college. And as an HR professional I advise not putting any graduation dates on your resume, no need for that and can work against you in some ways.</p>
<p>I’ve never really paid attention. The most important thing is the field of study. </p>
<p>5+ years to get through in engineering = okay.</p>
<p>5+ years to get through in history = put in reject pile.</p>
<p>I don’t think it matters from an employer’s perspective, but 5 years is one more year before you start earning, and one more year of tuition to pay (with limited aid, because many schools stop at 4 years).</p>
<p>I also know that I, personally, was really ready to be done with college by the beginning of my 4th year, 2 more years would have pushed me over the edge!</p>
<p>Oy. Some colleges have co-op plans, some kids change majors, some kids pause their education to work for a bit…there are many GOOD reasons not to finish in four years.</p>
<p>College life could be a very special memory, thus less than 4 years is kind of short. Enriching yourself with activities, courses, another major or even a degree. Enjoy your time in college. Make it at least 4 years.</p>
<p>The majority of college students are non-traditional and take many years to finish. This forum is mainly focused on students doing the 4 year residential college experience, but if you look at the numbers, they are actually in the minority.</p>
<p>I will look at applicants’ GPA and I would want to know why it took them more than 4 years to graduate. The reason shouldn’t be poor planning or bad grades. Not all employers will care. It depends on how competitive a profession is.</p>
<p>Probably doesn’t matter, especially if it is explainable (ie did a co-op, worked for a year, had financial/health challenges, changed majors or transferred, etc).</p>
<p>No, it usually does not matter. In CA public college system, it often takes 5 years. My best friend took 8 years, transfering to many different colleges, and eventually graduated from UCBerkeley in CS and got a programming job.</p>
<p>it does matter a little. they may think you were not dedicated to school and were to busy partying i.e. maybe a weak or troubled applicant.</p>
<p>Duecey sums it up pretty good!</p>
<p>basket weaving major and more than 4 years …99.999% chance you go to file 13.</p>