Is it worth graduating early?

<p>I might have posted this before a long time ago. Is it worth graduating a year early from college?</p>

<p>Most people say no because college is once in a lifetime. Once it's over you have to do stupid stuff like pay rent and bills and health insurance. And you have to work all day. It's a bummer. I just don't see the rush... in 20 years, are you going to look back and think "wow, I'm so glad I graduated at 21 instead of 22! My life is so different because of it!" Probably not. I can't imagine that getting out a year early is really going to be beneficial</p>

<p>Of course, there's always the cost. Some people are spending a ton of $$ or taking on large amounts of debt each year, so if money is an issue than that's a good reason to try to finish early. Otherwise, I vote no, it's not worth it.</p>

<p>Thanks for the response. My main issue is that I'm not enjoying my college experience. I plan to graduate a whole year early to save myself from having to suffer through another stressful year.</p>

<p>Over the past 5 semesters at my current school, I've met many amazing and interesting people, developed some great friendships, studied abroad in a foreign country, made an effort to get involved extracurricularly, and experienced things beyond what I could have imagined. Nevertheless, I've pretty much hated my college experience and hardly a day goes by that I don't fantasize of getting out.</p>

<p>I've tried it all at some point--meeting people, study abroad, Greek life, clubbing and parties, all-nighters at the library--to little avail.</p>

<p>In your case, I don't think it would be an issue. You seem to have done everything that people still try to do in their senior year. Honestly, the college hustle does get boring by the end of its run. I don't think graduating early will be a detriment to you in the future because I don't get that vibe you're one of those people who think college is the pinnacle of one's life.</p>

<p>Why don't you like it?</p>

<p>I considered graduating in three years but decided to stay the forth to get a double major and build on my application to grad school.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

<p>I told my son that he can graduate in 3 years if he wants to or 4 years. But suggested that he take a full-time professional job at any point if offered in the current economy. He can always go back to college.</p>

<p>I know graduating in 3 years isn't the best choice for med school. You really need 4 years to build a good application.</p>

<p>Perhaps you've noticed that unemployment is skyrocketing, far fewer interviewers are planning on coming to campus this year, and many respected economists fear unless strong action is taken we may be entering an encore of the Great Depression? Now is the time to ride it out in school, and if you're graduating to consider getting a grad degree.</p>

<p>"Now is the time to ride it out in school, and if you're graduating to consider getting a grad degree."</p>

<p>If you can get a job in this environment, you get to acquire experience which is just as important as education. Maybe even more important. School will always be there. A job won't be. If you've worked in the real world for a few years in a profession job, college will seem like a cake-walk as the habits required for success in professional life will apply well in college.</p>

<p>Yep. One more year able to make money, probably save a lot of money in the process...</p>

<p>On an unrelated note, a lot of people want to get into UOP dental school because its 3 years instead of 4 years</p>

<p>I went to school for a year, got hired into industry, built a nice professional life and got my degrees later and paid for by companies that I worked for. There are those that came upon good opportunities when they were in undergrad and took advantage of them - not because they had to but because they wanted to and realized that the opportunity might not pass by again.</p>

<p>right now, with the current economic situation, i'd rather stay in school because it'd be soo difficult finding a job</p>

<p>Looking for jobs and going to interviews is a good way to practice a useful life skill.</p>

<p>Yes, it's hard to find a job right now but if a good opportunity fell into your lap, even in these difficult times, some consideration should be given to it.</p>

<p>depends on the person. i spent my freshmen and sophomore year figuring out what i wanted to major in, and decided junior year. it wouldn't be a good idea to graduate that same year, since i just got into the major. but if you feel like you've had enough and aren't really interested in other subjects, then i don't see why you should stay the full 4 years. economy is tough, but who knows how the year later would even play out.</p>

<p>Son had one interview at a defense company several months ago. I'm assuming that they're running a background check on him which can take six months. This is for a summer intern position. If they offer a full-time job with tuition benefits, then that might be a very attractive choice.</p>

<p>There are always opportunities, even in hard economic times. If you get lucky, take advantage of your luck.</p>

<p>i'm graduating early, although just a semester early, but early nonetheless. in my case, the opportunity was there because of transferred college credits. a dean told me i could graduate early if I took an extra class in two semesters. and that's what I did. why am I doing it? i'm fed up with college. i want to save the money, but the reality is i'm just fed up with school. i never liked it and i have no plans of returning to school unless my career dictates i should. hopefully i can extend an internship into a full time job offer and go from there upon graduation. what are you gaining by staying in college longer than you need to? if you can't come up with anything, then there's no point in staying. you know for sure if you graduate early, you're saving money, so that's one incentive.</p>