<p>I switched majors to biology at the very end of last year and have a lot of requirements to fulfill. While I can complete them in four years, doing so would require me taking all science courses every semester with a total of two electives for the next 2.5 years.
I was considering adding another year to my 'undergraduate experience.' Does anyone have any opinions on this? Would graduating in five years make me look like a weaker candidate when it comes to applying to PhD programs (I'm not pre-med, in case you're thinking med-school). Also, how does one go about doing this? Do you just take your time or do you have to alert someone that you're going to take five years to get your major all taken care of?
Thanks so much!</p>
<p>With the major switch I doubt they'd look too poorly upon a 5 year plan. Can you take some classes over the summer to balance out the courseload a bit?</p>
<p>I don't think it matters....my friend was looking at graduating in 5 years because she's doing a double major and a minor, but I think she's planning on graduating on time. I'm doing a major and two minors and I'm planning on graduating in 3 years. We're both planning on going to law school. It should be okay.</p>
<p>You just kinda.. don't graduate in four years. People do it all the time, more than you would think. You don't have to alert anyone, schools are happy to get more of your money (ever seen Van Wilder?). You'd want to talk to your advisor about the major switch of course, which you may already have done. No one's making you graduate in four years, that's just sort of the standard. Don't stress about it. It's not a big deal. Just do your thing.</p>
<p>Agreed. Taking 5 years for an undergraduate is far from a disaster. Your overall performance in your classes will be far more important. My only suggestion would be (if you want to go onto a science PhD) is to take advantage of that extra year and get involved with a lab where you can get more research experience under your belt. If you do well in all your classes and have extensive undergraduate research experience there's no reason why any grad school wouldn't take you.</p>
<p>Only 55% of students from my school graduate in 4 years or less, so you're good. I agree with rocketman, if you want to go into graduate work in the sciences, try and get some good undergrad research in during that last year.</p>
<p>Graduating in five years, these days, is getting close to being considered the norm, but I guess that it all depends on the major and school.</p>
<p>It does not matter how long it takes you to get your degree (well, within reason), it just matters that you got one.</p>
<p>Don't worry about it. College is time to take classes you enjoy as well as requirements for your major - at least, that's my philosophy. It'll take me 5 years to graduate as well, possibly 6 depending on a lot of different factors (double major, study abroad, etc). As long as you don't have to go ridiculously into debt for it, I think it's great to be able to spend another year learning and exploring.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Also, how does one go about doing this? Do you just take your time or do you have to alert someone that you're going to take five years to get your major all taken care of?
[/quote]
It all depends on your college. You'll need to read thru the material on the registrars site or in the college catalog, or make an appt. to talk with a counselor. At some schools you don't graduate until you file a form saying you're done. Others have limits on the number of units you can take as an undergrad to prevent people from being "career students".</p>
<p>BTW taking 5 years, especially if you're in a demanding major such as the sciences or engineering, is a great idea or else you'll miss out on a lot of interesting classes and extracurricular involvement.</p>
<p>It mostly depends on what you can afford... if you/your parents are willing to pay that much, and you want to, why not? Most people would probably do it if they could afford it.</p>
<p>Talk to an academic advisor about this. There may or may not be "hidden" hurdles. For example, my school only offered guaranteed housing for four years, and off-campus housing was pretty inconvenient, expensive, and undesirable. Merit scholarships are generally renewable for four years only. Financial aid is not always renewable for five years (I don't know the details, but a close friend decided to take 5 years at UCI until she found out that her need-based aid would stop at 4 years). </p>
<p>In the grand scheme, these may be fairly minor (or irrelevant) examples, but they're still the type of thing you'll want to be aware of before making your decision. An advisor will also probably be able to let you know which office you should be talking to. Other offices you might want to consult with (just to ask questions and make sure you're covering your bases) are the Dean of Students and the Registrar.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>Like others have already said - there should be no problem taking 5 years to complete college. Some majors have "pinch" courses where only so many students can get in, and it is required to take higher level classes. This causes students to have to wait an additional semester, even an additional year in some cases.</p>
<p>The only issue with taking 5 years is what lianri brought up: Can you/your parents afford the extra semesters?</p>
<p>If you are switching over to a major you are truly interested in, it is totally worth it. Higher level courses are much easier if you are interested/passionate about your area of study. This can also lead to better grades (which employers and grad schools look at more heavily than years attended) and more connections that could help provide you more opportunities in the future.</p>
<p>Thank you all so much for the input. I am currently working in a lab, and am hopefully doing REU for the summer. I'm hoping to continue doing research, as that is what I want to do when I graduate.
I can afford doing the extra year, I just wanted to know how it would affect me in the long run I suppose. thanks :)</p>