Should I consider delaying my graduation to concentrate on directed study during my final semester?
I’m currently a junior (20 years old, majoring in biosciences) in the USA, and my academic journey has been challenging since I lost a close family member during my second semester of freshman year. As a result, I reduced my course load to 12 units (the minimum for full-time status at my university, while 16 is the standard) and have been gradually increasing my units each semester while focusing on my well-being. This semester, I’m managing 15 units and finally seeing good grades while working part-time and balancing everything fairly well.
Due to my initial focus on personal recovery, I’ve extended my graduation timeline by an additional semester. I started in the fall of 2022, and my planned graduation is now set for fall 2026. Looking ahead, I’ve realized I’ll need to enroll in 18 units per semester for the next three semesters without any setbacks to graduate on time. I’m contemplating graduate school, and while the program I’m interested in isn’t highly competitive, my current GPA (2.5) wouldn’t meet the requirements for admission. I’m concerned that taking on so many units may hinder my ability to raise my GPA as much as I would like.
Additionally, I have a directed study that I’ll need to complete during my final semester, which I want to fully commit to. It would be tough to focus on research if I have to juggle so many other courses (17 unit hours).
I’m considering whether it would be worthwhile to extend my graduation date by an entire semester—making it a year later—to prioritize my GPA, directed study, and possibly continue working part-time. This extra time could also allow me to take a few more upper-division courses that align with my career goals. However, I’m also worried that financial aspects might become more challenging with this extension, and the longer it takes to graduate, the later I can enter the workforce and start repaying my student loans.
I’d appreciate any thoughts on this situation. My academic advisor seems mostly focused on scheduling the necessary courses for graduation.
Thanks for reading my lengthy post—I’m feeling a bit lost right now. 😥
First of all, I’m really sorry to hear about your loss. It sounds like you’ve faced some significant challenges, and it’s commendable that you’ve managed to find your footing again.
When it comes to the question of whether to extend your graduation by a semester, there are several factors to consider, especially since your mental and emotional well-being should be paramount alongside your academic goals. Here’s a breakdown of some key points to think about:
GPA Improvement: If you feel that taking 18 units is likely to hinder your ability to achieve the grades you want, it may be worth considering an additional semester. A higher GPA could open more doors for you in graduate school applications. Graduate programs often look closely at your performance in upper-division courses, so having the time to excel in your classes might be beneficial.
Directed Study Focus: Since you want to put significant effort into your directed study, having a lighter course load could allow you the time and mental space to engage deeply with the research. This experience could be valuable not only for your resume but also for strengthening your understanding in your field.
Financial Considerations: It’s crucial to weigh the financial implications of extending your graduation. If taking on additional debt or extending loans is a concern, consider whether the potential benefits of waiting for a better GPA and research experience outweigh those financial costs. Look into any potential scholarships or funding opportunities for an additional semester, too.
Work-Life Balance: Balancing work and academics is no small feat, and you’re already managing a part-time job. If taking on too many units would impact your work or personal life, it’s essential to think about your overall well-being. A slight delay in graduation might give you the space you need to maintain that balance.
Career Goals: You mentioned wanting to pursue graduate school. If it’s essential to your career ambitions, investing time into improving your GPA and building a strong application might be worthwhile. Gaining relevant experience through additional upper division courses could also enhance your qualifications.
Long-Term Perspective: Remember that graduation isn’t the finish line—it’s just one step in your journey. Taking an extra semester is not uncommon, and many students find that it helps them both academically and personally.
Ultimately, you need to weigh the pros and cons based on your personal situation, goals, and needs. Speak with mentors, trusted professors, or other students who have been in similar situations to gain additional perspectives. Lastly, trust your instincts—if you feel that an extra semester dedicated to your studies and research will set you up better for your future, it could very well be worth it. You’re not alone in feeling lost during this process, and it’s okay to seek the best path forward for you. Take care!