I’m really struggling with accepting that I’ll have to graduate at least a semester late. I went to a two year college right after high school and got my AS and transferred right away to a four year university. I stayed in the same field Business for AS and International Business for BS. But, I have at least four more semesters to go beyond this one because of the remaining required credits.
I did so much “right”. I didn’t really switch majors, I didn’t take a bunch of useless classes, I followed my degree plan. I’m so frustrated that my BS degree is set up where if you didn’t take classes in high school then you’re behind. It’s so aggravating.
I’m struggling with being okay with graduating late when I’ve always been a high achieving go-getter. I feel like I’m failing somehow.
It’s not even a case my friends’ graduating before me, most of my friends are a year younger and so I get more time with them. Which makes me question if I should go for a second minor or something to delay my graduation an additional semester so I could graduate with them. It would be cool to graduate with my close friends. But, is it stupid of me to extend my education for another semester just to be with them and graduate with them? I would put the time to good use, but would it be foolish? Any advice welcome please.
Yes, it would be foolish. Don’t let your ego about bring a 9 semester college student be an issue. In the long view of adulthood it means nothing (and I mean that). No one will ever care. And spending the money on an extra semester so you can graduate with your friends seems like a colossal waste of money. You’d be way better off putting that money into savings – you will be happy when you need a car or house down payment or emergency fund. And if it is your parents’ money, don’t waste it – they have things like retirement to pay for.
Some colleges allow winter graduates to walk in the spring graduation – you could check on that.
Do you receive financial aid? Where would the money for that extra semester come from? What are your parents thinking?
One thing you could do is use the Fall for study abroad with an internship (very importantor for international business!) or do a co-op, if co-op save the money and finish your requirements in the Spring with your friends.