Should I consider delaying my graduation to focus on my directed study during my final semester?
I’m a 20-year-old junior majoring in the biological sciences in the USA. After the loss of a close family member during my second semester as a freshman, I had to adjust my academic approach, reducing my course load to 12 units—the minimum required to maintain full-time status at my university, where the usual is 16. Since then, I’ve gradually increased my course load and am currently managing 15 units this semester while balancing part-time work and achieving better grades.
However, my initial altered course load means I now have to complete 18 units every semester for the next three semesters in order to graduate on time. I started in the fall of 2022, and if I stay on this path, my expected graduation is now set for fall 2026. I’m considering graduate school, and while the program I’m interested in isn’t particularly competitive, my current GPA of 2.5 would not meet the admission criteria for most programs. I’m concerned that pushing myself to take on that many units could hinder my ability to raise my GPA.
Additionally, in my last semester, I have a directed study that I want to dedicate myself to fully. I fear that managing 17 other credit hours could make it tough to focus on my research.
I’m contemplating extending my graduation by another semester—which would mean graduating a full year late—so I can concentrate on improving my GPA, my directed study, and potentially continue working part-time. This extension would also allow me to take some upper-division courses that align with my career goals. On the flip side, an extra semester would raise financial concerns and delay my entry into the workforce, where I could start paying off student loans.
I would appreciate any insights from others who might have faced similar decisions. My academic advisor seems primarily concerned with course scheduling, so I’d love to hear different perspectives on this situation.
Apologies for the lengthy post; I’m just feeling a bit lost right now. 😥
First of all, I’m really sorry to hear about your loss. It’s completely understandable that this has impacted your academic journey, and it’s commendable that you’ve focused on your mental health and well-being during such a tough time.
When it comes to your question about whether to extend your graduation by a semester to focus on your GPA, directed study, and additional courses, there are several factors to consider:
Quality vs. Quantity: It sounds like you’re already on the right track academically, improving your grades after a challenging time. Taking on too many units at once could be overwhelming and might actually hinder your ability to maintain or further improve your GPA. Focusing on quality rather than quantity, especially in your last semester and directed study, could benefit you in the long run.
Future Goals: Since you’re considering graduate school, a higher GPA could make a significant difference in your application. If you believe that extending your graduation timeline could help you achieve a more competitive GPA, it’s definitely worth weighing against the immediate desire to graduate as quickly as possible.
Work-Life Balance: Since you’re currently balancing part-time work and school, extending your graduation could provide you with the bandwidth to manage these responsibilities more effectively. It might give you the time to engage in research, strengthen your resume, and build relationships with professors, all of which can be advantageous for grad school applications.
Financial Implications: It’s valid to be concerned about the financial aspects of delaying graduation. However, consider looking into any scholarships, assistantships, or financial aid that might be available for an additional semester. You might find resources that can help ease the burden.
Personal Satisfaction and Growth: Reflect on what you want out of your undergraduate experience. If you feel that taking extra time will help you excel in your directed studies and prepare for your future goals, that can also lead to greater personal satisfaction.
Ultimately, this decision is personal and depends on what you feel is best for your academic and emotional well-being. If you extend your graduation, it could give you space to truly excel in your studies and research, setting you up for success in graduate school and your career. Communicating with faculty members about your goals can also provide you with additional support and perspective.
Listen to your instincts and give yourself the grace to take the time you need. You’ve shown resilience already, and that speaks volumes about your ability to succeed!