Graduation Day May Come Sooner

Photo by Kylee Weber

Graduation: the day we prepare ourselves for for years. We officially grow up.

However, for some, that day comes sooner. The possibility of graduating early is in the back of every college student’s mind. The only thing holding them back is playing their final season of a sport they love and have cherished for a majority of their life.

Many students over the years have graduated early, but many have also stopped themselves from doing so with the fear of regretting it. However, going into the decision-making process, many don’t know the true facts behind graduating early. When someone chooses this option, they have the decision of graduating in the winter or in the spring. Very few students are able to graduate a year early, but it is possible. I have had the decision of graduating early come to the table when deciding courses for the next semester. I have been told I can graduate a semester early, and I am a few credits shy of possibly graduating a year early.

I have looked into the possibility of graduating early, although I am a freshman, because a student has to plan ahead with courses. A major question that people ask when going through the decision-making process is: Do you keep your scholarship? The answer depends on the coach, however, a majority of coaches on campus are understanding with graduating early. For example, my coach is understanding with some of my teammate’s decisions to graduate early. They maintain the scholarship and continue their last semester of college.

Another question people may ask is how do you graduate early? The answer to that varies. Many come in with college credit out of high school and already are ahead with their courses. Others take online or summer classes offered here at Ottawa or local community colleges. Another way is to load up on courses each semester. Although ... I wouldn’t recommend loading up on courses and causing yourself to stress daily about 18 credits-worth of homework every night.

Any of these can be possibilities to graduate early. It can be difficult to accomplish this in some majors due to classes only being held during a specific semester.

Here are some tips if you are wanting to graduate early:

1. Talk to your advisor to see if it is a possibility to graduate a semester, or even a year, early. More than likely, it could be a possibility, and the advisor can talk you through the decision-making process.

2. When planning your courses, take note on which ones are offered in the fall or spring. Attempt to plan ahead with your advisor and look at the list provided by Ottawa to see what courses you must pass to graduate.

3. Talk with your coaches; the sooner your coaches know that you are thinking about graduating early, the better. They will also help you through this, especially through the scholarship process.

4. Look into local community colleges or online courses to see if they can transfer into Ottawa University. This is the easiest way to jump ahead in your major. Talk to your Adawe advisor to see if some classes are offered online. Talk to the Registrar’s office as well to ensure the credits transfer.

5. Take a deep breath; if you are wanting to graduate early then do so. However, don’t stress yourself out with loading a bunch of courses in one semester to try to graduate early. Remember, it’s only five more months extra.

Graduating early can be stressful to many students, myself included. But we just have to sit back and enjoy the ride. If graduating early is not something you are excited about or interested in, then don’t do it. Stay young as long as you can, but if you feel prepared to go into the real world a little early, then go for it.