<p>that I'll be at college a year longer than expected?</p>
<p>No one in my family ever went to college.... none of the parents of my friend's went to college..... so we were all pretty much at a loss at what to do, or how things work..... </p>
<p>I wasn't working so I went into college immediately after high school even though I had no clue what to major in. I tried sticking with the basic classes required of everyone... I even had an adviser agreeing to my class choices. Finally at the end of my first year I decided to major in meteorology. So my second year was pretty much my first year actually taking classes that counted towards that major. When I took a class where we would design our future semester schedules, I discovered that instead of the four years of college I expected to take when I started had now turned into five. There was no possible way I could get them all in, in four years based on prerequisites and by semesters they were offered. And with the way that worked out it gave me some extra credit space so I decided if I have to be there another year, why not add a minor in hydrology.</p>
<p>Anyway.... my mother has at least once brought up interning when I get closer to graduating in "two years", and a few of my other relatives have made comments as to, "only two more years and you'll be done!" My parents are paying for college, and I just don't know when or how to tell them that it's going to be a year longer than anticipated, and explaining why...</p>
<p>Yes, tell your parents now so you all can plan finances. Be patient when explaining why you require an extra year. Make also an effort to contribute financially (working in summers, etc.)</p>
<p>Only after you tell them will you fully know what problems may need to be addressed.</p>
<p>Of course you should tell them. You probably should have told them as soon as your realized that the major you chose would take you longer, but better now than waiting.
Show them the schedule of classes that you made for yourself, and explain it in detail.
And look for some ways to earn some money over the summers, such as a paid internship, so you can help out with that fifth year.
A lot of students at public colleges take longer than four years to graduate. Your story is not uncommon.</p>
<p>You need to understand that this may create a significant financial problem for your family. You might have to take out loans that you weren’t expecting or take a leave of absence to work and earn money toward that fifth year.</p>
<p>If it is a significant hardship for your family, you should see if you can add only one semester vs. a whole year (especially if that double major is just “nice to have”). It would be “nicer to have” retirement money for your parents, for example… Also, can you take a class at a community college in the summer (while still working) to help cut the extra time down to one semester?</p>
<p>I second the idea of taking summer courses. Look for tuition breaks during the summer. The state flagships in Indiana have reduced tuition rates by 25% during the summer to encourage students to attend and help them graduate sooner. Perhaps some other states have done the same. Online classes might help, too. Could you take an additional student job such as being a resident assistant in a dormitory to get free housing or work in the cafeteria to get free meals (and pay) in order to help cover your expenses?</p>
<p>I also agree you should sit down with your adviser and see if you can make it happen with summer classes. For many colleges summer sessions are less expensive than Sept. - May systems. Another good source for help is the registrar’s office or student services or whichever office is responsible for monitoring credits and degree…they should be able to do an audit with you and look at your plan for the remaining time. But absolutely you need to talk to your parents - either way a fifth year of a couple summers is going to cost money.</p>
<p>I would suggest that you discuss this with your parents VERY soon. In my opinion, you should NOT add a second major or a minor to your course of study if it will mean you have to stay additional time (unless your parents say they are very willing to continue to fund your education).</p>
<p>In this house, we agreed to the four year plan…period. If our kids had wanted a five year plan, that fifth year would have been on their dime. </p>
<p>College is expensive…it is critical that you discuss this with your parents NOW. They might be very willing to pay for that extra year…if so…no problem. BUT if they say NO to the financial end of it…you need to know that ASAP.</p>
<p>Sounds to me like your parents are expecting you to be on the 4 year plan. If you stuck with the first year classes, required of everyone, there should not be a lot of deviation in your completing the 4 year plan. </p>
<p>What did you take second year that you feel is going to be a setback in keeping you from graduatng? I can’t gather that you would be "deep into the major yet; some science courses, computer classes, which are transferrable to other degrees. </p>
<p>However, since you will most likely need to attend grad school, you need to finish up this degree as close to 4 years as possible and not take on any additional expenses. You definitely need to tell your parents what the plan is and get buy-in from them especially since they are footing the bill. </p>
<p>What will be your plan should your parents not be in a position to fund year 5?</p>