<p>Hey guys. I'm in incoming freshman for Summer C, and my plan as of now is to graduate in 3 years. Don't get me wrong, I'm extremely outgoing (already met 4-5 chill kids at orientation) and have school spirit, but I see many more advantages in graduating in 3 years. First of all, a Master's degree is a must for me, and I see many advantages to getting out in the world early (I think i'll be 20) and have a head start at everything. I also have 2 courses this summer that are counting directly towards my major, and all my requirements for Liberal Arts/Gordon Rule besides the 2 maths and 2 sciences/w lab are done. I am also planning on the International Affairs London Program for the Fall of Sophmore year so that is another semester done. Lastly, I know this might seem like a petty thing but I have a long distance girlfriend (still in highschool) that I want to continue and have the means to visit her frequently. Please guys thoughts!</p>
<p>do it if you want… you’re going out into the “real world” at a quicker pace. No one can really decide for you though.</p>
<p>I know… I just wanted some opinions and see what people think/have experience with.</p>
<p>Under the current market conditions I’d enjoy all my college years and certainly consider a graduate degree. To an extent your time at the university can buffer you from the uncertain market.</p>
<p>I’m assuming a career in International Affairs (homeland security, FBI/CIA, Private Sector Security) bolstered by an Undergrad certificate and a masters will be insulated and have high job security!</p>
<p>Pretty tough to get hired by the federal government. It can take years and be extremely competitive. Graduate degrees are preferred, but not necessary. Keep at it if that’s where you want to go.</p>
<p>Job security always depends on how good of a job you do, day in and day out. A positive attitude can be extremely important.</p>
<p>You seem to have it all mapped out and obviously have already put in thought and effort toward your future. No one can tell you what is right for you. Sounds like you are off to a good start. Keep working hard and write down those goals… in pencil. Good Luck!</p>
<p>I graduated in 3 year and will be a graduate student in international affairs at FSU this fall. I didn’t really have an option about graduating in 3 years, I had the credits, and I wasn’t stupid enough to pay to stay in school for another year just to have that 4 year experience. Instead, I took a gap year instead of going tolaw school like I expected. </p>
<p>I don’t regret graduating early at all. I still had plenty of time to hang out with my friends from school as I only lived an hr away, and the year I took off helped me reenergize and really get me excited about going back into education. ( A year of job hunting in a tough market in liberal arts with give you the “real world” experience your looking for. It’s tough out there. I had to take several part time jobs in order to have some money and pay on the loans I took out.) </p>
<p>I definitely am going into my Master’s program with a completed different outlook and attitude than I did coming into undergrad. However, I contribute a lot of that to the year I took off. My advice on college, gaining some experince in the field of choice (in any capacity) is a MUST before jumping into a master’s program. Do some internships in college and figure out what your all about. </p>
<p>As for the gf thing, in those 3 years, hey maybe 4, many things will change. The overall thing I learned from my college experience? Nothing ever goes according to plan. So don’t plan for things, but prepare for things, because the plan will change. I guarantee you won’t think the same way or maybe be interested in the same area 3 years from now.</p>
<p>Sorry about the numerous errors! Definitely not grad-school worthy haha</p>
<p>I started with the idea of doing a degree in three program (I came to FSU with 42 credit hours already, and 45 was the limit) but in the end I chose to instead double major, although I can still technically graduate in just 3 years. </p>
<p>I decided against the degree in three just because the job market around here really sucks, especially for my area. I’d rather go to school another year or two than to end up having to take a job that I hated just to help pay the bills because there was absolutely nothing in my field.</p>
<p>I debated dual degree, and while I think that possibly my advisor wasn’t 100% of what that entailed (which wouldn’t surprise me), it seemed like I would actually end up having to go an extra semester or even a year to meet all the requirements.</p>
<p>Thanks so muchh for the advice! Burge thats exactly what I want to do (i’m not sure about staying at FSU for grad school though).</p>
<p>hey even i was thinking the same about graduating in 3 years…i think there are more chances and possibilities that way… with all the AP credits, dual-enrollment and summer classes that will be no problem… hope it will be same to you too…
and your going to London…that’s so cool…you’ll love it there!!!</p>
<p>haha yeah I’ve been there 4 times and I travel the world a lot… that is why I picked my major! I just want to get out there faster</p>
<p>I am a current FSU student who came in with some AP credits and had the option of graduating in 3 years. I decided against it and am currently on a 4 year track as it gives me more opportunities for internships and networking. In addition, I came to the conclusion that graduating in 3 years, while it sounds impressive to tell people, is not that all of a big deal. You can either go to school for 4 years and work for 40 years, or going to school for 3 years and work for 41 years.</p>
<p>^Great answer!</p>
<p>Lol at the long distance girlfriend. Not to be a jerk but that nonsense highschool love affair doesn’t provide any benefits but only strains your relationship. Sure you may think you are both very mature and are ‘in love’ but if you will be lucky to even make it past Black November ( when most highschool relationships end in college)</p>
<p>Making it past Black November has nothing to do with luck. I too have a girlfriend back home, and I relate to this thread because of that.</p>
<p>I came in with 72 credits as a high school graduate, but I chose to double major in CpE and EE so I’ll be here 3 yrs for the undergrad, and hopefully knock out the Masters in another year. One of the benefits of me choosing this path is that it would allow time for my gf to get here. We both graduated from HS in '10 but she’s PoliSci/Pre-Law so she’s graduating from UCF in August and <em>hopefully</em> will transfer up here for Law school in Fall '12, which will line up our respective graduations perfectly…</p>
<p>Moral of the story, do what you wanna do and have a back-up plan just in case.</p>
<p>I think the best would be to focus on getting an education and enjoying college. Instead of spending 3 day weekends, such as the 4th of July, in Texas with the girl, you stay & enjoy college with your friends at school.</p>
<p>A back-up girlfriend? ;)</p>
<p>^^ HaHa! Backup girlfriends is asking for trouble; especially if they are lawyers. If you string a bunch of girlfriends at school who are lawyer types they could come at you with a “class action” beatdown.</p>