<p>I don't know your plans for the next year either. So, there is just too much I don't know here. Are you planning to work the following year? Go to graduate school? If it is work, then the situation is not going to be different next year or a half year earlier...the issues will be the same no matter when you graduate as far as finding a job and living situation. As far as an internship that doesn't pay that well.....it would be cheaper for your parents to help you with rent in an apartment where you are now than pay another semester of tuition....so it could be seen as a stepping stone to graduate school or a career, and as an alternative to staying in college just to take more courses even though you can graduate. I don't know where you go to school For instance, some seniors may have an apt. off campus. Let's say you were one of these....first semester you are attending school, second semester, you are interning somewhere....you still have similar social life but rather than pay tuition for courses beyond graduation, you are doing an internship. That's one example of many possibilities for you. But I don't know nearly enough about you or your situation, your field, your plans the year after that, etc. to say much more than this example.</p>
<p>I turned 21, finished college and got my first adult job the same week - one semester early. It was the right choice for me. I didn't really graduate early, since my college didn't have mid-year graudation, so I was still a member of my class. It saved my parents some money, I got some real life experience - first apartment, etc.</p>
<p>Well I plan to take 1-2 years off after college to work and volunteer activities at home. My ultimate goal is to attend graduate school (up to a Ph.D.). I wanted that extra semester to work on senior project and even create a student organized seminar (possibly on African Americans in Higher Education) with another faculty member.</p>
<p>Because our son will be able to graduate a semester early in Dec 07, we talked about this during semester break. His college does have a five year BS/MS degree program which he could complete in 4-1/2 years and the extra semester would almost certainly be tuition free.</p>
<p>But...........</p>
<p>He has always been anxious to move on to the next challenge, adventure or new thing and thought that by senior year he would be prepared to do so again. His plan is to use his senior thesis research as a stepping stone for launching a start-up business. He has several ideas in his head, one of which is so simple that I can't believe it hasn't been patented already, but he is now looking into it. </p>
<p>If he is serious, prepares a business plan suitable for leasing low cost space in the college's small business incubator, and is willing to invest the $50,000 which should be remaining in his college fund, I told him I would invest enough "venture capital" to support him for 3 years minimum. </p>
<p>Our son doesn't seem to be as academically inclined as most students inhabiting this niche of cyberspace. He was excited to be able to move off campus soph year and begin living on his own, albeit with 10 other students. He would rather apply kmlwolege already gained. And he kids me, "Dad you know who a PhD is? Someone who knows more and more about less and less until he knows everything about nothing! Actually I think I told him that, but he enjoys reminding me about it on occasion.</p>
<p>Anyway, the bottom line for us will probably be his graduating in 3-1/2 years if there are good prospects on the near horizon.</p>
<p>It is not always true, but it is common that students graduating early did not take advantage of study abroad opportunities. Many people consider these to be highly desirable, but it is common to not get the number of credits that you would if you stayed full time at your college. I consider travel to be education.</p>
<p>I have no desire to travel abroad.</p>
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<blockquote> <p>What point is it for me to sit at home >></p> </blockquote>
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<p>After you graduate you should NOT be sitting at home doing nothing. You should be actively pursuing jobs. The bottom line is that a Liberal arts education is highly desirable for many employers especially if the prospective employee is highly motivated. Re: job recruitment...current students tell me that MOST of that happens in the winter and early spring. If tenis is planning to be at her school until March, she will likely have been there during recruitment times. Back in the "dark ages" I graduated a quarter early (also in March). I also graduated a quarter early from my master's program. Both were for cost savings. Of course <em>I</em> was paying my own way...and that motivated me to get the coursework done. What did I do...I found myself a job. AND no my first job after graduation was not in my field of study...I waited tables. But I earned a good salary and tips, and was able to bank some money while living at home so when I did get my "real" job in the fall, I would have deposit money. There is no question you can find a job somewhere doing something in March. It may not be your dream job, but many college grads don't find their dream job immediately. Sorry, I can't say that I support you encouraging the university to give you finaid for a quarter that you do not need. Why would they do that??</p>