While college can be a great experience, every extra semester you spend taking classes will cost quite a bit of money as you get your degree. This has left many people wondering what they can do to complete their courses and graduate as quickly as possible.
Take One or Two Extra Courses Each Semester
Even though graduation rates are up, many students now take college classes for six or more years. One of the most straightforward ways to reduce the amount of time you spend in college is to add one or two classes to your schedule every semester. Some colleges require students to sign waivers or maintain a certain GPA before taking additional classes.
Test Out of Your Basic Classes
Depending on what institution you have been accepted to, you might have the option of testing out of basic classes. This is especially popular among students who have recently taken advanced classes in high school. Those who complete difficult classes in high school should be able to bypass various college courses by taking a handful of competency tests that will count toward a degree.
Start an Online Program
Trying to complete college as quickly as possible can be very stressful when taking traditional courses. An online degree program could save you hours every week by cutting back on how much time you must spend driving to and from class. The work that must be done for these classes can also be completed around your own schedule instead of a rigid schedule set by the school. There are online programs for pretty much any degree out there. There are some for education-related careers, engineering, and science. There are even accelerated msn programs that you can participate in online if you’re wanting to go the healthcare route.
Take Classes Throughout the Year
Summer school used to be something that students dreaded, but off-season classes are an absolute necessity for many college students. The vast majority of colleges and universes offer ongoing courses with as many as six full semesters throughout the year. While it can be stressful, taking classes nonstop could halve your total time spent in school.
Obsessively Organize Your Study Area
With so much work to be done in the next few years, you must become obsessed with organization. Every student needs a very organized study area where they can relax, take a deep breath, and then focus on the task in front of them. This area should be free from distractions and exclusively used to get work done.
In addition to these few tips, you can also speak with your counselor about earning credits with your job. Many companies now offer internship and externship programs to students in exchange for course credits. This could potentially save you thousands over the course of your college career.
Hannah Whittenly is a freelance writer and mother of two from Sacramento, CA. She enjoys kayaking and reading books by the lake. You can follow her on twitter and LinkedIn.
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