Graduate C.um Laude or a semester early?

Question

I'm a sophomore Liberal Studies Major. My freshmen year I messed up, I got three C's and the rest were As and Bs.
I can either take a full load for the rest of my time in college and graduate a semester early, or I can take a full load, make up those three GE classes and graduate c.um laude (maybe magna c.um laude).
What's the better option?

I want to be an Elementary School teacher for a few years then later get my Masters

Lol, people always make fun of the major saying its the "easy way out" BUT, I didn't chose the major, I chose the career, and it just so happens that if you want to be a multi subject teacher, you major in liberal studies

Answer 1

Unless you have a pressing reason to graduate early, I'd prefer you to take the time you need, and graduate with the best possible grades. Employers, for example, won't care that you graduated early, but some will certainly care that you graduated with stellar grades. With honors can only help you.

Also, if you can, try to do a co-op or internship, or get a part time job, or do volunteer work in your field, or in a field you think you may want to work in when you graduate. This will help give you the type of experience that employers of entry-level college graduates want.

Are you a full time student? Why are you doing a liberal studies major, rather than majoring in a particular subject area? Have that well thought out, because some employers look down a bit on liberal studies majors. They see this major, rightly or wrongly, as a way for adults and part-time students to get a degree more quickly, because they can't cobble together enough credits in any one area to have a "real" major. Some of them seem to strongly prefer that you major in an actual subject. So if you've chosen liberal studies, have a reason for this that you can articulate, and be aware that, if you have it on your resume, some employers may pass on you.

ETA: Thanks for the addendum! Because one of the fields that does NOT seem to discriminate against liberal studies majors is elementary education. This may be a good choice of major for that field. (I can relax now - :LOL: )

Answer 2

go for the honors. It will make a difference in grad school admissions and it makes a difference with some employers.

Most important, it will make you feel good to know you accomplished the extra step.

One day, when you're teaching, and you're trying to explain the importance of good grades - you'll be asked by little Johnny about your grades. You will really like being able to say to little Johnny and his classmates that "I graduated from college c.um laude, which is like the honor roll for college students..."

Answer 3

That depends on your future plans.

If you are considering grad school, go for c.um laude. If you plan to enter the working world, saving a semester's tuition might be worth more to you.