Due to a massive amount of AP credit and community college credit I racked up during high school, I’m way ahead of schedule in terms of graduating. I’m double majoring in Accounting and Finance (with a minor in history), and I’m still going to be able to graduate a semester early in December 2016. The thing is, I’m in my 2nd year at college and I love it. I want to use all 4 years since my parents are willing to pay for it and I only get one shot at college.
I can’t really justify adding another minor or another business major. My idea is to just take 12 credit hours a semester for the next two years so I’ll “use up” a semester. It’ll lighten up my course load, and probably help a bit with my GPA. (I’m still unsure if I will be going to grad school to get my masters since I will graduate with the 150 hours needed to get the CPA certification).
Does this plan seem like a bad idea/complete waste of money? Will it look bad (taking a lighter course load) if I decide to go to grad school?
It’s fine, provided it’s not a huge financial burden to stay the extra semester.
I do think you should spend the extra time you have doing productive things. Work, get an internship, do research, etc. Take elective classes that interest you or take extra classes that will help you get useful skills or will help round out your transcript.
Taking a lighter course load only makes sense if you use the extra time to do something interesting or productive, like undergraduate research, an on or off campus job (preferably relating to your interests), or a relevant extracurricular activity.
Another option if you want to take the full number of semesters is to fill the free space with any electives in any subject that you are interested in. This may include additional courses in your major or minor, or courses outside of these subjects that you find interesting. Additional math and statistics courses may be helpful if you have interest in more quantitative finance.
How about doing a semester abroad?
^^I like it. My dd did a semester abroad Sr year.
I agree…see if you can enhance your experience…Do research, do an internship, do a coop, do a semester abroad
On the other hand, remember second semester senior year in HS? Were you super motivated? No? College will be the same. If you didn’ thave to do that, then woudl you?
Unfortunately, I can’t study abroad because that’s too far out of my family’s budget. I do like the idea of a co-op or internship. If I do a co-op, will I be able to remain a full time student during that semester (for the sake of federal financial aid & keeping my scholarship)?
I don’t see why not. Someone correct me if I’m wrong, but as long as you have the appropriate amount of credit hours to be full-time, anything you fit around that is your prerogative.
Your study abroad might be covered by the financial aid at your college - it may end up being the same price as a semester at your school. Check it out first.
Anyway, yes you can take 12 credits a semester - but it may make more sense to just take some electives in some other areas that you’re interested in.
Co-op is typically a paid job while you are off school. No financial aid, but you won’t need it since the pay from the job should be enough and you won’t pay tuition.
Scholarship rules depend on the scholarship.
Talk to your adviser to get more info.