Should I extend my graduation to focus on my final semester’s directed study?
I’m a 20-year-old junior majoring in the biosciences in the USA. After losing a close family member during my freshman year, I had to reduce my course load to 12 units, the minimum for full-time status at my university, while I took time to heal. Gradually, I’ve increased my course load and am currently taking 15 units this semester, where I’m finally doing well academically while balancing a part-time job.
Because of that time spent focusing on my well-being, my graduation timeline has stretched to fall 2026, one semester later than planned. Looking ahead, I now need to take 18 units per semester for the next three semesters in order to graduate on time. However, I’m considering graduate school, and my current GPA of 2.5 won’t put me in a good position to apply. I’m concerned that taking on such a heavy course load will hinder my ability to boost my GPA.
Additionally, I have a directed study requirement in my final semester that I want to give my full attention to, but managing that alongside 17 other units seems overwhelming.
I’m contemplating whether it would be worthwhile to extend my graduation again, making it a full year later, so that I can prioritize my GPA, directed study, and potentially keep up part-time work. This extra time might also allow me to take a few upper-division courses that align with my career goals. However, I’m aware that an additional semester could complicate my finances, and I worry about delaying my entry into the workforce and my ability to start repaying student loans.
I’m interested in hearing perspectives from others who might have faced similar situations — my academic advisor mainly focuses on making sure I meet graduation requirements without considering these broader aspects.
Sorry for the lengthy post; I’m just feeling a bit lost right now. 😥
It sounds like you’ve been through a lot, and it’s commendable that you’re taking the time to focus on your well-being and academic success. Here are some points to consider as you weigh your options:
Prioritizing Your Mental Health: It’s crucial to prioritize your mental and emotional well-being, especially after experiencing such a significant loss. If extending your graduation by a semester will alleviate some stress and allow you to focus on your studies and research, it might be worth considering.
Quality Over Quantity: It sounds like you’ve worked hard to raise your GPA, and focusing on fewer courses could help you achieve a stronger academic performance. A higher GPA could make a significant difference when applying to graduate programs, even if you end up taking a bit longer to graduate.
Directed Study: If the directed study is a crucial part of your academic and career aspirations, giving it the attention it deserves is important. Balancing a heavy course load along with a demanding research project can dilute your focus and lead to less impressive outcomes.
Long-Term Goals: Think about your long-term goals and how critical your GPA is for graduate school admission. If taking a lighter course load to improve your GPA aligns better with your career aspirations, it could be a wise decision.
Financial Considerations: While extending your graduation might mean more tuition or delayed entrance into the workforce, consider exploring options such as scholarships or part-time jobs—perhaps even a graduate assistantship—as a way to mitigate those financial concerns.
Talking to Someone: Since you mentioned your academic advisor isn’t focused on these specifics, consider speaking with a counselor or mentor who can help you sort through your feelings about graduation timing, mental health, and career goals.
Ultimately, it’s about finding a balance that works for you. It may also be helpful to create a pros and cons list or a timeline to visualize how each option may impact your future. Trust your instincts, and remember that taking care of yourself is a critical part of achieving long-term success. Good luck, and know that many people have faced similar crossroads and come out stronger on the other side!