Should I take an extra year to finish my degree?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the decision to take an extra year to complete a degree due to course load management. The participant plans to drop a course, resulting in a schedule of four courses per semester for the remainder of their studies. They will complete six required courses and four liberal arts courses by the end of semester eight, leading to a proposed plan of three courses in semesters nine and ten. Participants emphasize that taking an extra year is common and can provide opportunities such as internships.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of academic course structures, including required courses and liberal arts requirements.
  • Familiarity with the concept of general education (GenEd) requirements.
  • Knowledge of time management strategies for balancing coursework.
  • Awareness of internship opportunities available to undergraduates.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the differences between liberal arts courses and core requirements.
  • Explore summer school options for completing general education requirements.
  • Investigate internship opportunities available to undergraduate students.
  • Learn effective time management techniques for handling multiple courses.
USEFUL FOR

Students considering course load adjustments, academic advisors, and anyone navigating degree completion strategies while balancing internships and personal well-being.

InvalidID
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I'm going to be dropping a course and I'm only going to take 4 courses per semester. 5 courses is too much for me. I can do it, but it's very stressful.

Semester 1: 5 courses
Semester 2: 4 courses (going to drop a course tomorrow)
Semester 3: 4 courses
Semester 4: 4 courses
Semester 5: 4 courses
Semester 6: 4 courses
Semester 7: 4 courses
Semester 8: 4 courses

At the end of semester 8, I will have 6 required courses from my degree to complete and 4 liberals. I guess I could do the following:

Semester 9: 3 courses 2 liberals
Semester 10: 3 courses 2 liberals

Is this kind of stupid? I'll need to take an additional year to finish my degree.

How much time is needed for a liberal? Is 1 liberal equivalent to 1 course in calculus or physics?
 
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Is a "liberal" the same thing as a GenEd (general education requirement) or core? If so, have you thought about taking them during summer school? I did this for three summers, taking core courses, because I had a double major going.
 
Nothing wrong with staying an "extra" year (5 years is the average).

I'm glad I did because it allowed me to get an internship only available to current undergrads.

So I say enjoy it while it lasts and don't feel bad.

Some Liberal Arts course can be a bother since they require lots of reading and writing that you may find boring, but they are much easier.
 

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