Most students plan to finish their education in four years, but what if you were to graduate ahead of your class and do so in as little as three years? That’s possible if you employ the following strategies to make your exit from academia an early one — save money and begin your career sooner.
Take College Classes in High School
If you are still in high school, then take a few college classes before you graduate. Many colleges will accept these credits and count them toward your graduation. Ascertain what courses you can take and then enroll accordingly.
Some high school students attend early college, what allows them to obtain an associate degree while pursuing their high school diploma. This option fuses secondary and post-secondary learning, making it possible for students to begin their higher education pursuit as a college junior.
Get CLEP
The College Level Examination Program or CLEP is administered by the College Board. What this program allows is for you to take exams for select courses in a bid to complete your education faster.
CLEP exams are offered in five subject areas: composition and literature, science and mathematics, history and social sciences, business and world languages. Visit the College Board site to view exam details, to try sample questions and to explore additional study resources.
Take Summer Courses
Finish your coursework in May and your thoughts may turn to languishing on the beach for the next few months or at least holding down a part-time opportunity until school resumes. Downtime can be beneficial, but do you need a 15 week respite to help you recharge? That is entirely doubtful.
Since you will have much time on your hands, why not devote at least six or eight weeks of your summer to taking one or two classes? In doing so you can accomplish your educational goals sooner, rather than later. Consequently, you will graduate earlier.
Cultivate a Full Load
Most colleges advise full-time students to carry a full load. That’s usually 15 or 16 credits and what will enable you to matriculate. If possible, get approved to take an extra class once per year. That extra class plus summer classes can make it possible for you to graduate college within three years.
You can also carry a greater load by taking one class online. The advantage here is that you can take that class on your own time — providing more flexibility for you and your schedule. Ensure that your cyberspace connection is a secure one prior to enrolling for online study.
Stick With Your Major
What keeps people from graduating on time? A number of things, but especially switching their majors. Only declare a major when you are absolutely certain that it provides the educational path that you will take. To switch later can mean losing credits or being required to take other courses to ensure that your graduation requirements are discharged.
Beyond declaring your major, accomplish the college’s core courses at the outset. These courses comprise the curriculum all students must accomplish toward their degree. By the time you are ready to begin your junior year, you should have your college major in mind.
College Considerations
If you endeavor to finish college early, enlist the support of your parents, your high school guidance counselor and your college advisor to make it so. In like manner you must ensure that a stepped-up academic workload is one burden you not only can handle, but thrive in.
See Also — Initial CLEP Exams Are Free For Military Personnel
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
end of post idea
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
view home improvement ideas at our Photo Remodeling center
Helpful article? Leave us a quick comment below.
And please share this article within your social networks.