<p>How does everyone feel about OSU’s transition to the semester schedule beginning fall 2012?</p>
<p>I was just accepted as a transfer and just found out about this. I would much prefer the quarter system because it allows for more co-op/internship opportunities. </p>
<p>I wish we could petition OSU to keep it the way it is lol.</p>
<p>Quarters are great if you like a brisk pace. However, lots of summer internships begin in May so changing to semsters is better for these opportunities.</p>
<p>I agree. All Ohio public universities are changing to the semester system to give all students a fair opportunity for internships & jobs. Most students who were on the quarter system got out of school later than students on the semester system, so by the time they got out a lot of internship & job opportunities were taken. I’ve heard that everyone, including advisors, is working hard to make the transition smoother for students.</p>
<p>My daughter just finished her fourth year in engineering, but is not yet graduating. The bright side of the switch to semesters is that they are dropping some of the classes that have been deemed less useful or necessary, so that more students will finish in four years. </p>
<p>Although it wasn’t difficult for my daughter to GET the internships, starting three weeks later than everyone else made her feel like she was behind. It could be worse, though, and she was lucky to work with companies who wanted her enough to have her start later than everyone else. </p>
<p>There’s another thing that’s a positive about the switch, especially your first or second year. So many students go back to school in August and there you are, just waiting for the end of September to roll around. Now you’ll all be going back at the same time.</p>
<p>There are pros and cons to each system, but since it’s a done deal, it’s good to look at the positives. :)</p>
<p>@joyinthemorning- all schools in Ohio have to make the switch to semesters by the 2012-13 school year or risk losing state funding. Several that were on quarters have already switched. OSU is one of the last.</p>
<p>In my original post, I guess what I meant to say was it eliminates the program that places students in internships during the year to then graduate in 5 years. Essentially, for junior, “pre-senior,” and senior year we would attend school for two of three quarters, and then the third would be spent interning.</p>
<p>The programs typically pay very well and offer job placement (and security) straight out of college, which would be nice. I didn’t mean summer internships, and I should have been clearer in my wording. But, if I was looking for a summer internship, then yes the ‘semester’ system would be much better (for me). I guess I was being selfish in forgetting about the non-engineering students since co-op is usually only engineering, architecture, majors of that sort. Oh well, if OSU gives me enough money, I won’t complain lol</p>
<p>“In my original post, I guess what I meant to say was it eliminates the program that places students in internships during the year to then graduate in 5 years.”</p>
<p>I’m not sure what program you are talking about, but summer internship opportunities in engineering pay well and look great on your resume. As I said before, in the process of re-evaluating their programs as they switch from quarters to semesters, they are ELIMINATING courses in the engineering program. More students should be able to graduate in four years. If it is important to you, it could be worth it to add the co-op and graduate in a little over the four year time span. Summer internships offer the opportunity to make money, as well as the chance to gain experience and make contacts. Don’t rule them out. </p>
<p>Ohio State does a great job bringing companies in for the job expos. Make the most of it, even if it adds a little bit of time to your program. From what I understand, companies highly regard your “real world” experiences.</p>