The choice to begin as a sophomore

Colleges and Universities A-Z Ohio State University
1

<p>Just as many have done, I enrolled in dual-credit, post-secondary courses in high school, and have earned a number of college credits (~33). I just took the most advanced courses, not really paying attention to the credit.</p>

<p>Now, it seems stupid to not use those to “skip” a grade in college, and I know three years is still a long time. However, I would hate to miss out on something if I was hasty.</p>

<p>I will still use the credits so I don’t have to redo the courses, but I could always spread them out (per semester: 12 credit min, 16 credit max., 4 credit difference.
4 current credits used per semester, 8 per year.
4 years of 8 credits is 32. 1 credit can be dropped).</p>

<p>If I spread out the credits, I am not sure if that’d look better on resumes as I could be more involved and have more time to take up internships/ co-ops, events, etc. With a lesser workload, I definitely could do more. Plus, “college is the best part of your life.” Not so sure if I want to rush that “best part.”</p>

<p>So I am putting most of my decision-making to a bunch of strangers, what should I do? Please explain, and thanks in advance.</p>

2

<p>Ask an OSU advisor.</p>

3

<p>A lot of college students come in with a lot of credits, often from AP or IB course in high school. </p>

<p>You probably won’t finish a full year early even if you have all those credits completed because, depending on what you took, not all will actually count towards the requirements for your degree. You may also want to double major, have a minor, or just take classes in subjects that interest you outside of your major requirements. </p>

<p>You should definitely plan out a 4-year schedule sometime your freshman year that includes all the courses you have to take (in the order that they’re supposed to be in), and then check with your academic advisor to make sure your proposed schedule meets your requirements. After you have done this you will have a good idea of whether or not you’ll be full-time for four years, and whether or not you have space in your schedule for a second major or other elective classes.</p>