<p>My decision for undergraduate education is leaning towards UC Santa Cruz. I am majoring in biology. However, Merced was my backup choice as Merced having a definite smaller undergraduate population, it would be easier to get classes. My general question is, if I wanted to graduate in four years am I "in control" of that? Meaning can i choose to load up on courses if I wanted to or is graduating on time out of my control meaning I could be held back a semester or two because certain classes were impacted and I could not get those classes in time and would have to wait an additional year. The statistics on the website stated that only 54% graduated in four years or less and 74% graduated in 5-6 years which I personally find unnerving.</p>
<p>Graduating on time is always within your control. Usually a delay in graduation is caused by changing majors during your 3rd year, not attending classes, and not staying on top of things like having a good relationship with your counselor or making sure you get the classes you want. Usually if you have a lot of AP credits you get priority registration for your classes, anyway.</p>