is graduating in five years worth it?

Career Opportunities & Internships
1

<p>My advisors basically trust me to handle my affairs properly, but I'm thinking of omitting required item (Second Writing Requirement) in my last year before graduating, and before they can force me to do anything, I'll be in for another year.</p>

<p>Other than general ed requirements, there's 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>

2

<p>I would be careful about not communicating with your advisor about such a major decision. Depending on your school, there may be academic or financial sanctions for not completing your degree within a certain time limit. For instance, some universities near where I live restrict institutional financial aid to those taking more than 8, full-time semesters to graduate. I know one that will not allow you to graduate with more than one major if you take more than 8 semesters.</p>

<p>Also, an additional major or degree, in and of itself, is unlikely to make up for an uninspiring academic performance.</p>

3

<p>Do not do it. Think of the financial cost of taking another year to graduate. </p>

<p>Say you pay 35k in tuition and could make 45k if you worked. That is a 80k net gain. Are you willing to spend this for some extra majors tacked onto your degree? Seriously - how much have you made in your live this far. Do you have any idea of how much that is? People care if you finished college, not whether you had 1 major or 4.</p>

<p>To be fair - I have a biased opinion. I finished college in 2 years by taking advantage of AP credits, then got a masters the year after. I saved a ton of money and could not be happier with my choice.</p>