11 answers
merissa
Student
Barstow, California
2
Questions
Updated
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How can I graduate early??
How can I graduate early??
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11 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
657
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Many students, who want to graduate early normally take courses that are not during the normal school year.
This means taking classes during the summer term, and accumulating credits, which will eventually allow you to apply for early graduation.
This means taking classes during the summer term, and accumulating credits, which will eventually allow you to apply for early graduation.
Caitlin McCann
18
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Caitlin’s Answer
Hi Merissa!
There are a couple ways that you would be able to do this. One way is by taking classes during the summer. These classes are not as expensive as full time tuition would be because typically you would just pay for the one or two classes. The one downside is typically university scholarships would not be applicable for summer classes.
Another way that you could do this is by taking the maximum amount of credits each semester. This would be good because you would keep university scholarships as long as you stay within the maximum amount of credits. Unfortunately, depending on your program you might not be able to do this.
Hope this helps!
Caitlin
There are a couple ways that you would be able to do this. One way is by taking classes during the summer. These classes are not as expensive as full time tuition would be because typically you would just pay for the one or two classes. The one downside is typically university scholarships would not be applicable for summer classes.
Another way that you could do this is by taking the maximum amount of credits each semester. This would be good because you would keep university scholarships as long as you stay within the maximum amount of credits. Unfortunately, depending on your program you might not be able to do this.
Hope this helps!
Caitlin
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
566
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
To make your dream of early graduation a reality, Merissa, you'll need a well-thought-out plan and a proactive approach. Whether you are trying to graduate high school or college early, here's a step-by-step guide to help you:
1. Start by setting up a meeting with your academic advisor. Discuss your early graduation aim with them. They can provide valuable insights into your academic needs and the school's credit transfer rules, helping you craft a personalized plan.
2. Put together a detailed academic plan. List all the courses you need to graduate. Look for ways to complete your degree faster, such as accelerated programs, summer classes, or online courses.
3. Look into transferring credits from past coursework, AP exams, or relevant experiences. This can significantly cut down the number of credits you need to graduate.
4. Understand your school's rules on taking more courses than usual. If it's possible, consider taking an extra class each semester. Just make sure it won't compromise your academic performance.
5. Look into accelerated degree programs or honors courses at your school. These programs can help you finish your degree faster and provide academic challenges.
6. Make the most of summer and intercession periods. Enroll in extra classes during these times to earn more credits than you would during a regular academic year.
7. Make a timeline for your academic plan and stick to it. Regularly check your progress and make changes if necessary. Maintain a strong work ethic to stay on track with your accelerated timeline.
Remember, achieving early graduation requires balance and dedication. Work closely with your academic advisors, stay focused on your goals, and be flexible with your plan. With determination and strategic planning, Merissa, you can make your dream of early graduation come true.
1. Start by setting up a meeting with your academic advisor. Discuss your early graduation aim with them. They can provide valuable insights into your academic needs and the school's credit transfer rules, helping you craft a personalized plan.
2. Put together a detailed academic plan. List all the courses you need to graduate. Look for ways to complete your degree faster, such as accelerated programs, summer classes, or online courses.
3. Look into transferring credits from past coursework, AP exams, or relevant experiences. This can significantly cut down the number of credits you need to graduate.
4. Understand your school's rules on taking more courses than usual. If it's possible, consider taking an extra class each semester. Just make sure it won't compromise your academic performance.
5. Look into accelerated degree programs or honors courses at your school. These programs can help you finish your degree faster and provide academic challenges.
6. Make the most of summer and intercession periods. Enroll in extra classes during these times to earn more credits than you would during a regular academic year.
7. Make a timeline for your academic plan and stick to it. Regularly check your progress and make changes if necessary. Maintain a strong work ethic to stay on track with your accelerated timeline.
Remember, achieving early graduation requires balance and dedication. Work closely with your academic advisors, stay focused on your goals, and be flexible with your plan. With determination and strategic planning, Merissa, you can make your dream of early graduation come true.
Rich Hornstein
Run several small businesses
5
Answers
Huntington Beach, California
Updated
Rich’s Answer
Marissa:
Very admirable of you and good luck! Very good answers here. I would just add that I still look back with positive memories of some of the Elective classes I took to finish college. You think you could take them at night after you start working but most never do. Now you have time to get special insights in depth. It might even lead you to a different and better career path.
I even took a graduate course pass/ fail but it was very rewarding. So consider this as work will be there for decades but life gets more complex before you know it!
Good luck and always strive to be unique which could matter more than high grades and imother academic measures. Every college wants those type of graduates in their alumnae!
Very admirable of you and good luck! Very good answers here. I would just add that I still look back with positive memories of some of the Elective classes I took to finish college. You think you could take them at night after you start working but most never do. Now you have time to get special insights in depth. It might even lead you to a different and better career path.
I even took a graduate course pass/ fail but it was very rewarding. So consider this as work will be there for decades but life gets more complex before you know it!
Good luck and always strive to be unique which could matter more than high grades and imother academic measures. Every college wants those type of graduates in their alumnae!
Holly Huffine
Sales
18
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Holly’s Answer
Marissa, when it comes to finishing college ahead of schedule, it's certainly achievable - I've seen many people do it! The key question to ponder is, why? Transitioning to college is a significant step for most people. Even the regular credit hours can be quite demanding for the average student. However, if you're confident in your ability to handle an increased credit load to finish early, then that's likely the route to take.
But remember, it's crucial not to upset your balance between school and life. You might also have a job outside of school, so it's important to maintain a healthy school-work-life equilibrium. Always prioritize your physical and mental wellbeing! If you feel that taking on additional credits will lead to sleep deprivation and heightened stress levels, it may not be the best choice.
There's a lot to think about when considering taking on more responsibilities. Therefore, it's highly recommended to consult a professional, like your school counselor. They can help you evaluate all the factors and steer you towards the best decision. Best of luck!
But remember, it's crucial not to upset your balance between school and life. You might also have a job outside of school, so it's important to maintain a healthy school-work-life equilibrium. Always prioritize your physical and mental wellbeing! If you feel that taking on additional credits will lead to sleep deprivation and heightened stress levels, it may not be the best choice.
There's a lot to think about when considering taking on more responsibilities. Therefore, it's highly recommended to consult a professional, like your school counselor. They can help you evaluate all the factors and steer you towards the best decision. Best of luck!
Aisha Taylor
Mortgage Closing Specialist
364
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Aisha’s Answer
If you're a student eager to finish high school ahead of schedule, you'll likely aim to wrap up in under four years, often targeting three or three and a half years. But remember, unless you're part of a homeschooling program or enrolled in a non-traditional school, it can be challenging, if not impossible, to graduate if you've been studying for less than three years.
Raluca Iordan
Economist
3
Answers
Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain
Updated
Raluca’s Answer
For sure it's an admirable goal, nevertheless studies take time to finish so I would recommend taking the time in this unique period of your time and not be in a hurry. Just enjoy the journey of taking small steps at a time, learning, building yourself as a future professional and don't run to get into "real life". Unless you need to and if this is the case maybe best answer would be to both work and study. It can be hard and tiring, but it's worth the effort.
Tiffany Holmes
Entertainment Production Logistics Coordinator - Universal Orlando Resort
11
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Tiffany’s Answer
Hi Merissa!
I did a full 4 years of college, but I was able to take a lot of amazing elective classes because I got my GenEd classes out of the way early. One of my best recommendations for that would be the CLEP test. "The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) is a credit-by-examination program that measures a student's level of comprehension of introductory college-level material and consecutively earn college credit." Basically, I was able to "CLEP-out" of some of the Gen Ed classes that I was required to take. They cost about $100 to take, so I would recommend studying beforehand. But, $100 is less expensive than a lot of college level classes. This allowed me to focus more on my major. It could allow you to graduate early, but it could also give you the opportunity to fill your class schedule with new opportunities to learn in your desired field of interest!
Good luck!
I did a full 4 years of college, but I was able to take a lot of amazing elective classes because I got my GenEd classes out of the way early. One of my best recommendations for that would be the CLEP test. "The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) is a credit-by-examination program that measures a student's level of comprehension of introductory college-level material and consecutively earn college credit." Basically, I was able to "CLEP-out" of some of the Gen Ed classes that I was required to take. They cost about $100 to take, so I would recommend studying beforehand. But, $100 is less expensive than a lot of college level classes. This allowed me to focus more on my major. It could allow you to graduate early, but it could also give you the opportunity to fill your class schedule with new opportunities to learn in your desired field of interest!
Good luck!
Wesly Jeanty
Teacher
2
Answers
Port-au-Prince, Ouest Department, Haiti
Updated
Wesly’s Answer
I understand how stressful studying and doing homework can be especially when it is about subjects that you really don't like but I would like to tell you that no matter how long it takes, it is better to not rushing.
It’s true that some people tent to make learning a competition. But it is not. Let’s take it as an opportunity to learn from ourselves and the world better instead. And I think learning process will be our friends. We will be happy learning because it’s something that we’re doing to help us becoming useful to ourselves and our societies.
I am happy that you want to come to helping us professionals out there early. We can’t wait to have you with us too. But please, avoid hurting yourself because every OVER in life can be matter.
Thank you!
It’s true that some people tent to make learning a competition. But it is not. Let’s take it as an opportunity to learn from ourselves and the world better instead. And I think learning process will be our friends. We will be happy learning because it’s something that we’re doing to help us becoming useful to ourselves and our societies.
I am happy that you want to come to helping us professionals out there early. We can’t wait to have you with us too. But please, avoid hurting yourself because every OVER in life can be matter.
Thank you!
Emily Pepper
Financial Analyst
4
Answers
Hopkinton, Massachusetts
Updated
Emily’s Answer
Hi! If you are still in high school, I would take Advanced Placement classes exams or dual enrollment classes. If you're in college, you could max out the amount of credits you take each semester. You could take online and/or summer courses. Work with an academic advisor to create a course roadmap and see what is required of you. You can plan out your next few years based off of this.
Joshua Gonsalves
Senior Manager, Portfolio and Product Strategy
3
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Joshua’s Answer
A few options exist for you. They'll save you a ton of money in tuition as well, so great idea.
1. CLEP Exams. They cost around $100~ and it's an exam to test your knowledge based on what a college course would consist of. These are generally for entry level courses.
2. If you're in high school, take AP classes to get College Credits.
3. Take more than the recommended classes per semester or take summer classes. Although this won't be cheaper, it will help you boost your credits per semester.
1. CLEP Exams. They cost around $100~ and it's an exam to test your knowledge based on what a college course would consist of. These are generally for entry level courses.
2. If you're in high school, take AP classes to get College Credits.
3. Take more than the recommended classes per semester or take summer classes. Although this won't be cheaper, it will help you boost your credits per semester.