how much will the University force you to graduate in four years?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Virginia
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<p>So the last time I talked with my advisor (who by the way, I adore), he said the administration would try as much as possible to make sure you graduated in four years, never mind if you only needed a semester more to finish a second major.</p>

<p>There's basically only the Second Writing Requirement and biochemistry lab preventing me from graduating on time next year with a BS in biochem, but I'm thinking of intentionally sabotaging my graduation by not telling anyone I haven't signed up for a SWR course until it's too late. </p>

<p>If I wanted, I already basically have a free (yet to be declared) BA in Biology (but not the BS) and basically two upperlevel courses in Physics (and one back course to cover PHYS 1620, which is given free with AP credit to non-majors but not to majors) in my way of a BA in physics. An additional year would grant time to finish the following: a BS in biology, a BS (or a distinguished majors program) in physics, or cognitive science. </p>

<p>Since I currently have about 143 credits as a rising fourth year, it would be a pity to graduate with work done in so many other fields but only with one major? I'm also applying to competitive programmes and I have lower-than-competitive GPA because of my risk-taking, and I'd like to make up for it. Would a fifth year make it worse? </p>

<p>The thing is, my current advisor just got promoted to become Chair of Chemistry, and I have a new advisor who I've never met, so it seems very likely that I'll hit past the add/drop deadline in spring without a Second Writing Requirement course before the Department can recognise anything's wrong. Or would they try to make you graduate in August??</p>

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<p>You would have to go through the school of continuing and professional studies to complete your major. You would not be a member of the College anymore. They would only let you take the course you are missing (swr). This is a stupid plan. You need to take jterm or else just graduate on time. I know a girl who did 20-some credits multiple semesters (yes, she went to TJ) so if you are really needing the 2nd major just do that. Otherwise it is too late. Can’t you just get the minor?? Yes, it will look really bad for future things when you have to go through the school of professional studies when you entered in the typical 4 year track. SCPS is a great resource for students who need to be part time, don’t abuse it (not that it will meet your needs anyways). Think of it this way: minors are usually 5 or 6 classes, and majors are 8-9. So really you should just have a minor as it stands.</p>

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<p>If you want to stay in college another semester, I would take graduate classes. Having a semester of full-time grad classes under your belt will make it much easier to finish a masters degree part-time in the future while you are working. Also, graduate course work will look much better in the job market than a second major.</p>

<p>If you want to stay in Cville and if UVa doesn’t work out for grad school, you might be able to take some classes from another university through distance learning.</p>