Hello all,
I was wondering what you are giving up by graduating in three years instead of four. Is it still possible to have the same experiences as others without that senior year? Specifically, is it possible to spend a semester/summer abroad, maintain an internship, do research, and take all your classes in three years? Thanks!
Save money. Lose a year of the experience that is college. It is once in a lifetime.
Is it possible?
Sure. But not easy and depends on major, school, prior credits, etc.
The answer generally speaking would be no… Some schools only give AP credit for electives, not for your major. YOu have limits on the # of credit hours each semester. Some schools require tuition be paid for 8 semesters whether or not you are physically on campus or not as you might be having an off-campus internship. It is challenging enough to fit in study abroad semester depending on your major and course sequence requirements within your major.
@bookmama22 Which schools require tuition for 8 semesters? Never heard of one.
It really depends. I managed a double major in 3 years. Maybe if I had only majored in one thing, I would’ve had time for a study abroad semester or an intensive internship. I felt a little sad to leave when all my friends and boyfriend were still there, but I’m really happy I saved that entire year’s tuition.
@rebeccar: A double major in 3 years! Impressive.
Re #3
Brown requires 8 semesters of attendance, though only 4 are required to be at Brown.
The answer to your question all depends on what your financial resources are for college. The primary goal is to get that degree, and some people save a lot of money when they are able to complete their degree requirements in three years. Do they have to give some things up to do so, yes, often times they do. But they end up with the same diploma as the four year student who spent a semester abroad.
If you can afford four years and those additional experiences are important to you, then take the four year option if you want it.
Many of my friends have. It will also depend on the number of credits you come in with, what you intend to study, and the college itself. Some make it easier than others. Being able to do this requires proper planning, especially if you are considering something like study abroad, to make sure all the credits you earn count towards your degree
Thanks everyone! I plan on attending grad school after to get a bioengineering masters, so I need to be weary financially for that. But now I see that the different policies that different colleges have could effect this decision.
It depends on your major/goals. You save money doing it in 3 years. The “college experience” is kind of an overrated marketing gimmic. You’re there to get a degree and an education, not be a character on an ABC Family TV show.
Go for it! You can make it! Best of luck!
Go for it!! It depends on your school and your major, but I think that you can do it. I would recommend talking to an adviser in your major and letting them know of your plans right away. I am currently in my second year and hope to graduate in a total of three years. I am also a transfer student, so it is possible! I have gotten to know my advisers and academic dean and they have proven to be incredibly helpful and supportive. You will need to be proactive, but it’s not difficult when you have a plan.
I also agree that college is often overrated and the “college experience” is not what you have in mind.
Taking classes online or over the summer is a great way to get additional credits. You could also easily study abroad during the summer if it works for you financially.
It is all about individual choice. Do what is right for you. My friend graduated in 3 years and went directly to law school. She had no regrets and money she saved from going to her undergrad college for one year came in very handy in paying for law school. On the other hand, others I know would have felt that they missed our on an important part of their college experience if they did not stay for their senior year.
In terms of is it possible to do everything in three years – well that would depend on the college. You’d need to see how your credits will be counted, what requirements you would be left with for both graduation and your specific major etc.
Well, depending on your school/major, it’s definitely possible to graduate in three years and have an internship, especially if you take summer classes…not so sure about a semester abroad though. Maybe you could do a summer program?
Obviously I don’t know a lot about every college, but I know that graduating within three years from certain majors within Rutgers is possible.
The couple questions missing is what’s the major? Different school for Grad? Scholarships?
Starting with the last question, appearing to be a self motivator I would think you have a pretty good chunk. Most scholarships are 8 semesters and not a dollar amount to be used as you want. Take advantage of that free $ and can be used for study abroad too. Or take that extra couple classes for double major or lightening your load each semester allowing time for a job to save for grad school. If no scholarship or minimal 3 years is doable, but real life work (COOP or internship) is important when you go get an adult job.