<p>I've been thinking that if I had an extra semester, I could do so much more. I feel like I'm just studying all the time and forcing myself to take only the classes I need to. If I had an extra semester, I would take some classes for interest and maybe have time to join some clubs and maybe actually have time to practice guitar again.</p>
<p>BUT, I hear a lot of negative talk about how 1. it's a waste of money and 2. grad schools and companies don't like it.</p>
<p>I'll take care of #1 so my question is mainly about #2. Is this really true? Will I look bad on the resume with an extra semester?</p>
<p>The funny thing is, summer school (which sorta does the same thing as an extra semester except to a lesser degree) doesn't look bad. It actually looks good. Summer school is a vying option for me though. I'm still just a sophomore with 2 good summers still ahead of me.</p>
<p>FYI, I'm not behind. I just want a more flexible lifestyle. It's really as demanding. physically/intellectually exhausting here as the rumors say.</p>
<p>there are many companies who don't look at your transcript at least for the resume preselection and 1st round interview.... </p>
<p>Well, there are also many others who does look at your transcript along with your resume (most petroleum engineering companies such as Exxon, Chevron, Conocophiips)... in those cases, i don't know how much you would be at disadvantage...</p>
<p>well, people at MIT in the EECS dept. are thinking that 4 years of college turns out to be not enough, and thus they invite about 80% of their students to stay for a 5th year and get a master's degree, for the reason that 4 years of study isn't enough, which makes your desire to stay for an extra semester totally ok and acceptable. I'm also thinking of staying for another year and getting a master's degree, and learning what i'm interested in at the same time</p>
<p>I think it's totaly acceptable to take as much time as you want (with in reason) to get your degree. Keep you grades up and don't "waste" time though. If you want to take extra time to persue other interests and make sure that engineering is really right for you, do so. However, don't take the time to hang out and play guitar in the quad for the ladies, that won't fly. If you want to take another year to learn guitar, take some classes at school so that your transcripts will show this. If your transcripts don't show it, make sure your resume does.</p>
<p>I was in the orchestra and took enough courses in music to get a music minor. I took an extra year, and if anyone looks at my transcripts they'll see why. No one said you are suppose to study engineering, love it, and do nothing else. Admissions people and bosses love well round individuals who are engineers because the love doing it, not because it is all they have done.</p>
<p>
[quote]
well, people at MIT in the EECS dept. are thinking that 4 years of college turns out to be not enough, and thus they invite about 80% of their students to stay for a 5th year and get a master's degree, for the reason that 4 years of study isn't enough, which makes your desire to stay for an extra semester totally ok and acceptable.
[/quote]
I think the situation is a bit different here. Taking an extra semester and not receive anything extra vs staying an extra year for a master's degree is not a fair comparison.</p>
<p>^^ you're right, but the point that I was trying to make is that 4 years aren't enough, so it's not unreasonable to stay for an extra summer or semester</p>
<p>i have never heard anything about being shamful for taking longer than 4 years. In my school's curriculum, we are supposed to take 18 credits for the first sem of Jr year, then 17 credits in the spring, which includes dynamics, thermo, and fluid. That is a heavy course load. Plus some people work their way through college. If you work, your not able to take as many classes, which results in graduating later.</p>
<p>Don't feel bad about graduating a year later, there are MANY people getting their degrees years and years after they were supposed to from retaking courses. </p>
<p>"If two wrongs dosn't make it right, try a thrid"</p>
<p>To quickly answer your question: You will not look bad on the resume.</p>
<p>By the looks of it, I think that you should take an extra semester. Do whatever you feel is right. Taking an extra semester has the benefit of catching up to your hobbies, taking classes you want to take, and you could even receive better grades : )</p>