The “Finish in Four” poster tells us how to get through college in four years. Will it work for every student?
If you’re a student who knows your major right away, if you don’t have too many expenses so workstudy is enough for you every two weeks, if you have good time management, then the advice of finish in four will work for you.
You could be a student who started school late or could not figure out the major you want. “I started a semester late. Changed my major sophomore year and now have to come back in the fall,” senior Terri Allen said.
Going past the four years could possibly happen.
To finish in four years requires students to take at least 15 to 16 credits a semester. Declare your major early so you will be able to graduate on time.
“I am graduating on time since I’m down six credits because of the 19 credits I’ve been taking each semester,” Allen said.
What if you want to change your major because you are not happy with the one you have? Is it possible to still finish in four?
Picking a major right away is good but students change their mind often because of what they learn along the way. The major you have chosen in the beginning might not be the major you end with.
“We’re young. Experiement with what you like and don’t like. Then you’ll find it. Even if it takes you five years. At least you’ll come out with the degree you want,” social work major Allen said
As a college student we work and have extracurricular activities. So what can we do with our busy schedules? Schedule your time around your academic requirements instead of work or activities.
Making your academics a priority is important. The problem is having a job to survive while away from home is important too. Balancing school and work is a challenge but most students have to go through it.
“School work, classes, job and social life. It’s hard. Set schedules don’t work for everyone,” sophomore Jordan Floyd said.
Giving yourself a deadline for the day or week works. But an overall set schedule could possibly fall apart. Time management is key so a day-by-day personal schedule is beneficial.
It is possible to graduate on time. It’s also possible to graduate early but between major requirements and core classes it is not going to be easy.
Do not let core classes be your downfall. Balance out your core and major courses. Also do not let those non credit courses hold you back from taking on another class to keep up with your credits.
“Picking your major by your junior year you are stuck with it unless you don’t want to graduate on time. That’s a scary situation to have to start over,” social work major Floyd said.
Some students have a set plan for their future so finishing school on time is their goal. Fortunately Floyd has a beautiful future set for herself.
If any student finds it hard to figure out their major or career go to the Center for Career and Professional Development0. If you are stressed or overwhelmed go to Counseling Services, Health Services or even Campus Ministry.
Don’t be discouraged if you don’t work on the same pace as others. Students can also go to the disability resource center.
Yes, graduating on time is ideal. So many situations will result in you to go over those four years. Taking on another semester or year could possibly be worth it in the long run.
