Right now, I have 15 classes left to graduate, which would lead me to graduate in 3 semesters (spring 2019) if I take 5 classes each of the next 3 semesters. I’m in 5 classes right now, and it sucks. I have zero free time outside of work and school. I’m a double major and in the honors college, so I basically have to kill myself via workload in order to graduate “on time.” My question is if it looks bad to graduate late (fall 2019) in order to graduate with both of my majors and as part of the honors college still. Is it worth it too stay late (more tuition, rent costs, etc) just to have two majors and a slightly higher GPA? My scholarship only covers 8 semesters of school, so graduating late would mean the last few classes I take would be completely out of pocket.
5 classes is the normal load.
What are your two majors?
What type of work do you want to do?
Do you want to go to grad school?
Do you have money?
I feel like most people I talk to take 4 classes and maybe a 1-credit elective. I’m a double major in finance and marketing. Want to work for a big Corp doing financial analysis or marketing (not sure yet.) Grad school is always on option, but don’t think I’m going to do it right after undergrad. Im middle class. Already have 10k in student loans
@bopper 5 classes is not always the norm, it depends on the school. My school it is normal to take 4, 4 credit courses. An additional 4 credit course is considered overload.
Op, I think it really depends if you feel that the classes you have remaining will really benefit you in trying to move into the workforce. Are they really necessary or just “fluff” requirements for that extra major? Imo, a double major in itself is not useful, it is what you learn overall and the experience you gain in college. I am also a double major and constantly overload, so I know how much it stinks, but for me it is more beneficial career wise to keep the two majors. Think about if you feel the same way.
My D has always taken 5 classes every semester and she is engineering/premed. She has always taken 17 credits at minimum. She works part time and is also overloaded but she can’t afford to spend an extra semester. She has to graduate in four years.
If cost is not an issue then it is your decision to make but most kids would not graduate in four years taking only 4 classes a semester.
Normal course load varies by school.
OP, I would try to avoid taking on additional debt if possible but I would also make sure I had enough time to really learn the material.
If you want to finish in spring, you could take a semester off, perhaps to do an internship.
Employers won’t hold it against you that you didn’t graduate in spring, but many may do recruiting around spring graduation so that could be a little bit of a challenge.
It all depends on cost of the extra term (can you afford it?), and whether or not you are able to give up a few months income at the same time. Many students bust their humps and have no free time because they can’t afford to spend an extra semester in college. Only you and your parents can decide if its affordable and/or worth it. College is hard work, but time limited.
I guess I meant that 5 classes of 3 credits per class (or 4 classes of 4 credits per class) is normal.
Consider if you really need two majors. What does the second major really get you? I’d probably opt to graduate on time with one major (and possibly you can do a minor in the other subject).
Employers don’t care if it takes you 4 years or 4-1/2 to graduate; the GPA doesn’t really matter either - you are honors, so it’s going to be high enough for an employer (if they even care about that - depends upon the field).
It’s about finances, plain and simple. Keep in mind that taking an extra semester means 2 things: 1) the extra expense YOU will have to incur since your scholarship won’t cover it (tuition, books, fees, EVERYTHING surrounding another semester in school), and 2) the opportunity cost of delaying your launch into the work world, where you would be looking for a job/finding a job/ working a job/getting paid for said job. Don’t know how many units/credits your 5 classes comes out to, but it’s beside the point. If you cannot make that extra semester work financially, you will have to suck it up and grind through the next 3 semesters to graduate in 4 years. You have chosen to double major - this is one of the prices you pay for that decision. Hopefully, you will reap the rewards later on down the line.
Is summer school an option? You could maybe lighten your final school year load by a class or two if it is.