Hi, I’m a current junior at UNC and was wondering if any ninth semester students or previously ninth semester students had any stories they were willing to share about how they were able to get their ninth semester approved.
I UNC Chapel Hill specifically really prefers if students graduate in 8 semesters, but I want to take a ninth semester if possible.
If anyone has any experience on how they were able to and any tips on the process I would appreciate it a ton, thanks!!
Are you referring to getting financial aid for the ninth semester?
My understanding is that it is very common for students to take 9 or 10 semesters to graduate at most universities. I am not specifically familiar with UNC. The only problem that I have heard of related to this is that financial aid frequently will end after 8 semesters.
Another option is to take courses over the summer if you need extra credit to “catch up”. The cost of this can vary. You might see if you can get permission to get credit for a course over the summer at a community college or public university near home.
Are you going to be short of the classes that you need to graduate, or are you wanting to postpone graduation even though you will have completed your required classes in 8 semesters? Why do you want to take a ninth semester?
I’m trying to postpone my graduation, despite being very close to finishing all of my required classes, truth be told its just to try to give myself more time to try and improve my GPA. I do rely on financial aid, so if that’s an issue I probably would not be able to take further semesters. Thanks for the reply.
That’s not a good reason to delay graduation. Your GPA isn’t going to change much with one extra semester. What are your post-graduation goals? Why do you think you need a higher GPA to achieve them?
UNC CH has a pretty strict 8 semester limit. You can appeal to get an extra semester but would likely be subject to a 50% surcharge for tuition. Check out the links for information.
https://catalog.unc.edu/policies-procedures/registration-enrollment-withdrawal/#text
https://advising.unc.edu/additional-semester-appeal/
Probably best to go to academic advising to see what they have to say. One additional semester won’t change your GPA much at all in either direction.
Honestly, my goals are to be able to get a job that either sustains a comfortable lifestyle or will lead to my a job that will. I’m not particularly picky with what exactly the job is, but it just has to be enough to help me get through life, without relying on my parents as much.
I feel like increasing my time as a student will help me boost my credentials, starting with my GPA. I don’t have many positive experiences right now to put on my resume and I’ve only really recently woken up to the many things I should have been doing, i.e. getting an internship, looking for lab experience, etc. It will at least delay my time before I have to enter the workforce, but the foremost reason is to be able to raise my GPA as I feel that it can recover from where I’m at currently, but it would be easier with more hours to work with. And with a higher GPA at least I’ll be able to qualify for more lower end positions to start off with while I’m a student and then once I’m done I’ll be ready to join the workforce with plenty of qualifications.
I know its not the best reason to take a ninth semester, but I’m really desperate to do anything I can to give myself the best shot at entering the workforce with strength. So if anyone has any tips on getting a ninth semester at UNC Chapel Hill, I’d appreciate it.
Yeah, I’ve checked those links out, jdogNC, I also plan on seeing an adviser once break has ended. Thanks.
@jeemanfellagain I hire people every day (professional and blue collar positions) honestly in all of my 20 years of recruiting and hiring I have never considered someone’s GPA. Employers look to ensure that you have a degree and if you are a fit in the organization. Employers could care less what kind of grades you made. Honestly most employers don’t care where the degree comes from as long as you have one and you are a fit! I stress fit for the organization because beyond any degree if you are not a fit you will not get the job.
After 120 hours, 18 hours of straight A’s will only boost your GPA +.13. If an employer was somehow aware and worried about a 2.5 GPA after 4 years they’re still going to be worried about a 2.63 GPA after 4.5 years.