I am changing my major so I am thinking I may have to study for another year. I'm concerned graduating late will hurt my chances at graduate school.
2006-07-14 18:11:59 · 10 answers · asked by AnnaK 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
My experience sitting on admissions committees does not suggest that taking a fifth year to complete an undergraduate education would give a negative impression. Particularly if the extended stay in college was due to a change in major.
What an admission committee is trying to find are students who will succeed in graduate school. An extra year as an undergraduate wouldn't necessarily indicate otherwise; particularly if your change in undergraduate major is in service of your desired graduate studies.
Were the extra time several years, either due to bad grades or never completing a particular major, then it could start to have an impact.
Your coursework, grades, letters of recommendation, test scores and essay are going to be what the committee studies.
2006-07-14 18:15:51 · answer #1 · answered by violet 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO NO NO NO!!! :)
It took me 6 years to get a BA and another year to get an MA. I got into a great PhD program. I would say at least half of my friends that I go to school with are older than me, half are younger. Many started their PhD in their thirties, having already been married and had kids. Some just went to work for a few years. Others, like me, changed colleges 4 times (and I changed my major 3 times)! I'm in the 2nd best graduate school for what I do in the nation. Graduating late really doesn't matter-if a school likes you, they want you no matter what!
Bottom line, as long as you're good, you can get in anywhere! Rock on with those grad school aps!
2006-07-14 18:21:17 · answer #2 · answered by clivencheese 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Taking an extra year may be hard on your pocketbook, but it won't keep you out of graduate school. Most people don't graduate from state universities in 4 years anymore.
You can even turn this into a good thing on your grad school apps. You can say "I was an X major, but changed to Y major because I found I loved it so much. Even though it cost me an extra year, I was committed to it. Now I want to get a Ph.D. in Y subject area."
2006-07-14 18:17:15 · answer #3 · answered by sfox1_72 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. I served four years in the Air Force, while simultaneously earning my BS. I graduated at 24, and completed my Master's at 28, while 7 months pregnant. Graduate schools are looking for well balanced individuals with experience under their belts. You are not the first person to change their major. I wish you the best in grad. school.
2006-07-14 18:16:06 · answer #4 · answered by adjoadjo 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you have an incredible factor. My daughter figured this out and went to a no longer very selective undergrad college the place she ought to truly graduate on the precise of the class. Then she utilized for some tier a million and 2 grad faculties. She became into usual at 4 of the 5 and desperate on an incredible tier 2 college the place she has been waiting to maintain a 4.0 GPA. and thanks to that she became into waiting to get a GA which covers all her classes different than for the 1st semester and could pay her a stipend. this autumn, for her 2d 365 days at grad college, via fact of her outstanding grades and a television information visual allure as an authority in her field, she have been given a precise and that i propose precise fellowship in DC. She hobnobs with Senators and Representatives. She were offered totally paid PhDs at 3 precise faculties yet via fact her examine has been deemed significant adequate an institute run via the U. S. government has offered her an entire income to pursue her reseach with them and to earn her doctorate (at no value) utilizing the comparable examine. So sure, you in straightforward terms would desire to circulate to an elite undergrad college if it is all the educational you intend to get. in any different case circulate to a miles less aggressive college and be a tiger between kittens. It seems such as you afflicted to make certain the gadget, to look furthger than the floor. it relatively is what it takes to circulate some distance.
2016-10-07 22:44:46 · answer #5 · answered by laseter 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It looks best if you can finish in 4. I know that if you are applying for a job after college instead, they do question why it took you so long to graduate.
2006-07-14 18:28:20 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Having a late graduation should not make any difference. There are many people who have interuptions in their schooling for many reasons. I would just worry about my marks if I were you.
2006-07-14 18:19:28 · answer #7 · answered by Kenneth H 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes.early bird catches the worm
2006-07-14 18:16:26 · answer #8 · answered by raj 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no problem.
they will care about your grades and your interests, etc.
the dates won't freak them out.
2006-07-14 18:16:00 · answer #9 · answered by nickipettis 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
generally it does harm............but in your case it will not as it is a matter of one year and you are changing it as per your needs....donot worry .....do what interests you
2006-07-14 18:17:40 · answer #10 · answered by BigB 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋