Taking an extra semester can occur for several different reasons. It can be caused by not passing a class or not taking a course that causes a delay in a student’s graduation date.
Annie Warnimont, edge advisor in the Center for Academic and Professional Success (CAPS), explained the ins and outs of taking an extra semester.
Warnimont went over the pros and cons of having to take an extra semester.
“The cons are definitely the financial implications and possibly the emotional stress delaying a plan. We all have visions for what we want our life to look like…anytime that vision has to shift, it can take an emotional toll. The positive side is that slow and steady wins the race,” said Warnimont
She also stated that if you’re in college a little longer it can be seen as an extension of opportunities.
“The longer you’re in collage, the longer you have opportunities open to college students like internships; some of these opportunities diminish once you are no longer a student,” said Warnimont
When taking an extra semester there is usually a cost associated with the courses. However, the price can vary because of a variety of different factors. Sometimes scholarships only last four years, sometimes summer classes are priced differently than winter and fall classes and not being a full-time student can also influence how much courses may cost.
Warnimont said, “I encourage students to talk to financial aid or visit the One-Stop Shop if they ever have a financial question.”
Though taking an extra semester is sometimes necessary, it can often be avoided with the proper precautions.
“The key to that is to stick to your academic plan, as well as checking in with your advisor once a semester to make sure that everything is looking like how you had planned. I advise majors that have some very particular course frequencies, and if you maybe don’t take a class and that class isn’t offered again until another even year fall, you’re pushed back significantly; your four-year plan carries a lot of weight on when you’ll be graduating,” said Warnimont
Warnimont said that students should check their degree works online, as that is where they can find their four-year plan. The CAPS office also has drop-in hours where students can call or go into the office with general questions.
In addition if you have any questions about academic or career advising you can email the CAPS office at caps@nova.edu.
