The Disadvantages of Graduating Early

Have you ever heard anyone say, "College is the best three years of your life?" Probably not. College is, however, the best four years of your life. Although most students start college on a four-year plan, things change, money gets tight, and the desire to enter the job market may set in a little earlier than expected. Those who graduate college early may save some money and get a head start on their job search, but there are also many important experiences and opportunities that they won’t be around to have. Before you decide to rush out of college, consider these five disadvantages of graduating early.
Miss out on your senior year:
Sure, your junior year could technically be your senior year, but it’s just not the same as the fourth and final year of college. A lot can happen in that last year. There are more friends to make, fun classes to take, and new lessons to be learned during this crucial year. If you leave college before senior year, you could be missing out on some important experiences and memories that you’ll never be able to do again.
You have to find a job:
Once you graduate college, you either have to find a job, go back to school, or do something productive with your free time. Those who rush to graduate early, but don’t have a job lined up or even a plan in mind, could be in for a rude awakening. Most companies hire during the spring when most students are graduating. Even with a degree and impressive credentials, many students have trouble securing a job in this tough economic climate.
Double your course load:
If you want to graduate early, you’re going to have to put in double the work. If you don’t space out your hours over summer school and mini-mesters, you will have to add more hours to your regular academic semesters. When all your friends are taking the normal 12 to 15 hours per semester, you’ll be taking upwards of 18 hours. Either way you look at it, you’re adding more to your plate than the normal college student who finished school over the course of four years.
Less room for extracurricular involvement:
As mentioned above, graduating early means you’ll have more course work than the average student, which leaves very little room for extracurricular involvement. When school becomes your life, you won’t have much time to boost your resume with student organizations and service groups. Although it may seem more important to focus on your grades and get the highest GPA you can, there are many benefits to getting involved on campus. Without these activities, it may be harder for you to develop connections and network when you need it most, like after graduation when you’re searching for a job.
Leave behind friends:
Graduating early means you’ll be leaving behind all the friends you’ve made in college, including the ones you would have graduated with if you had just stayed one more year. Not graduating with your best buds can make it hard to connect post-college. While you’re out in the real world, they will still be partying and having a great time in college. Although you will probably stay close to your best friends and keep in contact, it may be difficult to relate during this transitional period.