<p>I'm considering pursuing a double degree(BA and BS), and every thread I read is stacked full of posts commenting about graduating "on time"(4 years). I'm a little unclear why this seems to be front and center everyone's #1 concern. Usefulness for employment, expanded options, etc all seem to take back seat to graduating "on time". One person was lamenting having to take 21 credits per semester, including 15 in summer so he can graduate "on time" from the University of Washington.</p>
<p>Is there a little gremlin with a knife that pops up and stabs me in the back at the start of my fifth year or something?</p>
<p>Yeah, there’s two of 'em: extra debt, and extra time not earning an income. Also, after 4 years (or less), you can get pretty sick of college, and an extra year can seem daunting.</p>
<p>I would think packing five years worth of school into four years is more daunting than just taking a regular course load for five years. I’ve always enjoyed school and I’m looking forward to college.</p>
<p>You’re right, you could potentially have one more year where you aren’t earning an income, but I guess I don’t see how that is worth killing yourself and ruining your college experience.
I suppose the mindset is “ZOMG I need money NOW!” For what? Stressed like that, it isn’t likely to make you feel better. I’ll live five years longer for lack of anxiety, so meh :p</p>