Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 26

Thread: Skipping a Semester

  1. #1
    Featured Member MadisonM's Avatar
    Joined
    Oct 2005
    Location
    Wisconsin
    Posts
    1,424
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 10 Times in 8 Posts

    Default Skipping a Semester

    Grrrrr.... So I haven't been making much money lately because winter is our slow season, and I'm supposed to start school again on Tuesday, and I don't have enough money to pay spring tuition, which is due Friday. My parents said they could probably loan me some of the money (but not all of it), but I still don't think I will have enough, and I really don't want to have to borrow money from them and have to worry about paying it back. So I'm thinking about taking off a semester and just working full time and saving up money. I'm already signed up for 2 summer classes, which start the last week in May, so I was thinking about taking off of school until then.
    I'm just upset, because I'm already going to be going to school for 6 years (I'm in my 4th year right now- 2 more to go)because I changed my major so many times, so now I'll be another semester behind. I'm trying to look at it positively though- if I take off a semester and work full time, then I'll be able to save up some money and also be able to pay off the rest of my credit card bills (which I was going to do by working full time in the summer). Sorry I guess I just needed to vent for a minute. I'm just frustrated right now. I talked to my parents about taking a semester off, and they really didn't like that idea- they want me to stay in school and graduate and quit dancing- but I think this might be the best thing for me to do right now.
    Take the road less traveled- just make sure you have a map.

  2. #2
    God/dess Bella21's Avatar
    Joined
    Sep 2003
    Location
    SoCal
    Posts
    7,772
    Thanks
    2
    Thanked 40 Times in 35 Posts

    Default Re: Skipping a Semester

    Well, it seems to make sense... and it's really only four months. Once you graduate, you'll go on and do whatever you planned on next. If you make good use of that time off, I don't see the harm... It seems like it could be a very positive thing.
    If you think school is hard, try being stupid.

  3. #3
    God/dess
    Joined
    May 2004
    Posts
    6,336
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 11 Times in 7 Posts

    Default Re: Skipping a Semester

    Go ahead and take it off. Just make sure you do it the "right" way and apply for a leave of absence which will allow you back within a few semesters. When I took time off I just didn't sign up for classes and when I wanted to I found out I had to reapply for admission. Just a hassle, plus you miss priority registration (classes fill up quick!)

    If you take an extra class every semester you can easily make up the time. (Hell, I'm taking 7 classes this semester!) Don't worry about it. Just work your booty off now and save up for later!

  4. #4
    God/dess
    Joined
    Jul 2005
    Posts
    3,354
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 57 Times in 3 Posts

    Default Re: Skipping a Semester

    Quote Originally Posted by hardkandee View Post
    Go ahead and take it off. Just make sure you do it the "right" way and apply for a leave of absence which will allow you back within a few semesters. When I took time off I just didn't sign up for classes and when I wanted to I found out I had to reapply for admission. Just a hassle, plus you miss priority registration (classes fill up quick!)

    If you take an extra class every semester you can easily make up the time. (Hell, I'm taking 7 classes this semester!) Don't worry about it. Just work your booty off now and save up for later!
    Agreed. I did the same thing as HK, and I had issues with readmission and my loans (from the private school I was at before). Bleh...

  5. #5
    God/dess
    Joined
    May 2004
    Posts
    6,336
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 11 Times in 7 Posts

    Default Re: Skipping a Semester

    Not to mention it made my insurances (car and health) all null and void becuase I'm still covered under my mom and therefore have to be a full time student.

  6. #6
    Lola Rose
    Guest

    Default Re: Skipping a Semester

    ummm, not to help ya'll do fraud, but if you print your schedule, or get an official copy before you drop the classes, no one has to know you're not full time

  7. #7
    God/dess fancygirl's Avatar
    Joined
    Feb 2005
    Location
    California
    Posts
    3,776
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: Skipping a Semester

    don't skip a semester. seriously.

    Three things to consider:
    1. can you do a payment plan? Maybe if you're in financial duress, the school might consider it???
    2. Your payment may be due on Friday, but look at the last day to add classes is for your semester. Go to classes Tuesday onward, and pay later to add-- just let the professor know (as long as there's room in the class) that you'll be officially adding later due to money issues. I looked at my college which also has classes starting tuesday. Final date for adding courses for credit and adding section changes is January 25th. Can you make your tuition in that period? or can you make the remaining amount after your parents loan you money? To find out the dates, search your school's webpage for Academic Calendar 2006-2007.
    3. At least talk to someone in admissions. They'll know the rules, the loopholes, and the paperwork. You can make this work.


    and a fourth-- any possible work that can be done at the community college level? There's also some reputable online colleges that are less expensive and easier on one's schedule.

  8. #8
    Veteran Member jessica_rabbit's Avatar
    Joined
    Feb 2005
    Location
    Va
    Posts
    522
    Thanks
    13
    Thanked 20 Times in 13 Posts

    Default Re: Skipping a Semester

    Can you afford to go part-time for this semester? Even taking one or two classes will help you stay in "school-mode" and keep you focused on finishing your degree. It's not the end of the world if you have to take a semester off, but it's so easy to waste that time and not save money. You have to be extremely disciplined to be able to use your time wisely. If you must go this route and take time off, develop a detailed plan and hold yourself accountable. Is it possible that you could use this semester to do an internship related to your major? That would keep you on track and give you job experience as well.

  9. #9
    God/dess
    Joined
    May 2004
    Posts
    6,336
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 11 Times in 7 Posts

    Default Re: Skipping a Semester

    ^^ At some universities it is not any cheaper to go part-time. I pay the same amount at 6 units as I do at 7-21. So that might not be an option.

    Most schools to offer payment plans (sans interest too), so that is worth looking into if you are worried about skipping one though.

  10. #10
    Featured Member short skirts's Avatar
    Joined
    Dec 2006
    Posts
    1,010
    Thanks
    1
    Thanked 9 Times in 7 Posts

    Default Re: Skipping a Semester

    I'd borrow the money your parents can lend you and use that towrds what you can cover with it. If that means you don't take a full load, then so be it. I wouldn't skip a semester and dance, it's too easy to get used to. Maybe get a job relating to your field to fill up the time you'd be spending in those classes in which you cannot afford. Continue to dance as you're used to. Just a thought.

  11. #11
    God/dess Chrissy68's Avatar
    Joined
    Mar 2004
    Location
    Over the hills and far away
    Posts
    4,902
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 368 Times in 56 Posts

    Default Re: Skipping a Semester

    yea i agree, don't stop school. you can pay your parents back at a lesser rate than any bank.

    Love it!

  12. #12
    Featured Member Hello_Kitty27's Avatar
    Joined
    Apr 2005
    Location
    Chicago
    Posts
    1,818
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts

    Default Re: Skipping a Semester

    If you pay by the credit hour, I'd suggest going part time.

    I'm not suggesting that you'll do the same thing as I did, but I took a semester off once....it ended up lasting about 4 years!! I got so used to not being in school, that I kept making 'valid' excuses for not going.






    (just click to donate FREE food to those in need...REALLY!)

  13. #13
    God/dess sxybrat07's Avatar
    Joined
    Jan 2006
    Location
    in yer bum
    Posts
    3,827
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 12 Times in 11 Posts

    Default Re: Skipping a Semester

    I've taken a few semesters off, for money reasons as well. Is it the end of the world? No. Is it a pain in the ass? Yeah. Do what's good for you. Only you know what will help you the most.
    I believe you Dottie and you have my support

  14. #14
    Yekhefah
    Guest

    Default Re: Skipping a Semester

    I strongly caution you not to skip. Once you quit, it gets really hard to go back. I would do everything possible to stay in, even if you have to work full-time!

  15. #15
    Senior Member Daniela's Avatar
    Joined
    May 2006
    Posts
    145
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: Skipping a Semester

    ^ I agree

    If your parents are willing to loan you the money with NO INTEREST, then take it!!

  16. #16
    God/dess Casual Observer's Avatar
    Joined
    Jun 2004
    Location
    Boston MA
    Posts
    5,670
    Thanks
    35
    Thanked 144 Times in 74 Posts

    Default Re: Skipping a Semester

    I'll just chime in with the others here that have advised against waiting to resume schooling. Part of school for most people is about the process and the mindset required to complete the work and excel, and you can easily lose that.

    Moreover, we all know how life so rudely intrudes upon our plans, and school is no exception--time away from school is an opportunity for procrastination and obligation to interfere with your academic goals.. Suck it up and finish now.
    Idealism is fine, but as it approaches reality, the costs become prohibitive.

    William F. Buckley, Jr.

  17. #17
    God/dess RoseWhite's Avatar
    Joined
    Mar 2006
    Location
    On a babymoon.
    Posts
    3,145
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 18 Times in 13 Posts

    Default Re: Skipping a Semester

    Well, I'm clearly in the minority here, but I'll throw my own experience in. I took an entire YEAR off school between my freshman and sophomore years (had all my ducks in a row with the official leave-of-absence, grants and scholarship in place, etc) and I don't regret it for a second.

    I won't bore you with the details, but part of the reason for my decision to take the year off was financial, but part of it was also a sort of crisis of life direction. I wasn't 100% confident with the goals I had chosen, wasn't 100% sure I fit into the school itself, so rather than work myself into the ground to remain somewhere I wasn't sure I wanted to be, I took the time to save money, perform with a hometown company, and take a couple of classes at the modest state college at home to keep my brain active & accrue at least a few credits.

    Within a few months (again, no need to spell out the details of the various epiphanies) I knew I wanted to go back to my chosen school, without a doubt. By the time I finally got back the following fall, I was raring to go. After a sort of lackluster (if not entirely wasted) freshman year, I positively THREW myself into everything my school had to offer, and was as fulfilled as I have ever been in my life. I was there by a much more active choice, and thus felt I owed it to myself to embrace it completely. The entire process was an irreplacable growth experience, including the time off.

    That said, I completely agree with that fat guy above ^^ (uhh, not God, but CO) that a huge part of education is learning structure and discipline and applied process. I would always have regretted not bringing the experience to completion, so returning - and graduating with major rank - was doubly gratifying.
    "Before I conceived you, I wanted you. Before you were born, I loved you. Before you were here an hour, I would die for you. This is the miracle of life." -- Maureen Hawkins

    "I just can't get over how much babies cry. I really had no idea what I was getting into. To tell you the truth, I thought it would be more like getting a cat." -- Anne Lamott

  18. #18
    Featured Member
    Joined
    Feb 2005
    Location
    SoCal (aka the Evil Vortex of Doom)
    Posts
    1,617
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts

    Default Re: Skipping a Semester

    ^I hear you about sometimes needing to take a break to reassess. But in Madison's case, it sounds like the problem is solely financial. She's already changed her major more than once, and I'd argue that it's better to get a degree in SOMETHING--in ANYTHING (even if you end up going in a different direction altogether) than to not get a degree at all...Or to put it off endlessly, as I have done.

    The first time I took a "year off," it took me three and a half years to go back. The second time I took a "semester off," it was a full decade before I got my ass back in school. Now I'm STILL an undergrad and I'm older than some of my teachers and I feel like a total fucking jerk. (Okay, I'm a jerk who has some good stories to tell as a result of straying from the straight-and-narrow...but still.) I started out at a really prestigious school that I was lucky to get into, where I could have gotten an amazing education, and I ended up at a huge, impersonal state university where most people--students and professors alike--are just going through the motions. I'd give my eyeteeth to go back to that first school, but I fucked it up and paid the price. I can't exactly say that I regret dropping out of that fancy school to work as a stripper, because I wouldn't be me if I hadn't done it. BUT, I can't say it was a brilliant move, either.

    SO! My advice is to stay in school this sememster if you possibly can. Even if, like others have said, you have to cut down to just one or two classes. (In my state, anything UNDER 6 credits is part-time, and you do pay less. 6 credits or above counts as full-time.)

    It depends on your character, though. If you really believe that you can take a semester off and maintain your discipline and save a bunch of money and benefit from the whole experience, and then get right back into school mode come next semester, then it probably won't do any harm. If, OTOH, you're not the most disciplined or motivated or focused person in the world...keep your nose to the grindstone and get it over with if you POSSIBLY can!

    p.s. what's your major, Madison? You've probably said it before but I've forgotten...
    "Doc still loved true things, but he knew it was not a general love and it could be a very dangerous mistress." - John Steinbeck, Cannery Row


    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

  19. #19
    Featured Member MadisonM's Avatar
    Joined
    Oct 2005
    Location
    Wisconsin
    Posts
    1,424
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 10 Times in 8 Posts

    Default Re: Skipping a Semester

    Ok my final decision is to take the semester off, work full time, and do some volunteer work. I'm already signed up for summer classes, so I'll be back in school the last week in May. I'm currently a triple major, but I'm dropping my Human Development major down to a minor, since I already have the minor requirements fulfilled. My other 2 majors are Psychology and Bus. Adm. with a double emphasis in management and marketing. I only need 2 more classes to finish the Psych major- and one of those classes I'm taking this summer- and it will take me 4 more semesters to finish the Bus. Adm. major.

    While the main reason I want to skip a semester is financial, another is that I'm undecided about my educational goals. I'm torn between getting my B.B.A. and just getting my B.S. in psych and going on for an MBA right away. My advisor said that I really could do either one, but I'm not sure what I want to do yet. It will take me 2 more years to get the BBA, and then 2 years after that to get an MBA (which I want to do eventually), but if I go for the MBA without the BBA it will take me one year to finish my BS in psych and take intro business courses required before you can go for your MBA, and then 2 years for the MBA. So taking this semester off will give me time to decide what I want to do right now, and I'll talk to my advisor some more about it.

    I really love school, and I'm a very determined person, and I know I won't have a problem going back after this semester- I just want to save up money and get my bills paid off, as well as decide which route I want to take and which degree to go for right now.
    Take the road less traveled- just make sure you have a map.

  20. #20
    Featured Member
    Joined
    Feb 2005
    Location
    SoCal (aka the Evil Vortex of Doom)
    Posts
    1,617
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts

    Default Re: Skipping a Semester

    Hm...If I were you (and obviously I'm not) I'd do the B.S. in psych and then go for the MBA. Because if you're planning to work mostly in business administration, I think that an MBA is the most important degree; they won't really care what you did your undergrad in (will they?). If you later decide to go further in psychology (an M.S. or Ph.D.), it will be important that you have the undergraduate foundation in that discipline. What do you think you will gain by doing the B.B.A.?
    "Doc still loved true things, but he knew it was not a general love and it could be a very dangerous mistress." - John Steinbeck, Cannery Row


    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

  21. #21
    Featured Member MadisonM's Avatar
    Joined
    Oct 2005
    Location
    Wisconsin
    Posts
    1,424
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 10 Times in 8 Posts

    Default Re: Skipping a Semester

    ^^^ The only thing I'm really worried about in going for the MBA without getting the BBA first is that I won't have as much education in business and won't know as much starting out as others going for their MBA. I will have to take certain intro and supporting business courses before I can go for my MBA, but I'm just worried that I won't know as much as others, and will be unprepared. That's why I was going to do the BBA first, but if my counselor says I don't need to, I guess I should trust her- she should know better than anyone if I'll be prepared enough.
    Take the road less traveled- just make sure you have a map.

  22. #22
    Veteran Member Smokeless's Avatar
    Joined
    Jun 2006
    Location
    Colorado
    Posts
    557
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 27 Times in 26 Posts

    Default Re: Skipping a Semester

    Quote Originally Posted by MadisonM View Post
    ^^^ The only thing I'm really worried about in going for the MBA without getting the BBA first is that I won't have as much education in business and won't know as much starting out as others going for their MBA. I will have to take certain intro and supporting business courses before I can go for my MBA, but I'm just worried that I won't know as much as others, and will be unprepared. That's why I was going to do the BBA first, but if my counselor says I don't need to, I guess I should trust her- she should know better than anyone if I'll be prepared enough.
    It sounds like decisiveness and uncertainty is as much a motivation to take time off as financial concerns....

    Some 25+ years ago, I asked my parents if I could take off college a year. I proposed a number of scenarios to ensure that I'd finish, they wouldn't suffer financially, and my sister (4 years younger) wouldn't be affected by the change in my schedule. "No, Absolutely No!" they exclaimed, claiming I wouldn't finish if I didn't continue. I wanted to take the time off, not because of financial reasons, but because I was uncertain as to my direction. I had started in the physical sciences, but ended up with a love affair with cognitive and developmental psychology. Almost too great a gulf to bridge.

    What happened? I tried to continue, but my heart wasn't in it. I picked a "compromise" major (math) from which presumably I could pursue any subject area after graduation. However, I accumulated a bunch of incompletes. I left after my senior year without my BS or BA, dangling those incompletes behind me for the next 15 years! Then suddenly, after 2 careers, I found myself re-interested in the cognitive, developmental, and psycholinguistic issues which had caused me to change course and request time off. And I needed a PhD to pursue my new (or renewed) interests. But what about those incompletes? They were out of the way in 9 months, the BA was finished, and the PhD was underway in 12 months.

    What are the lessons?

    - If you are uncertain, undecided, or your heart is not in it, no amount of effort will ensure your completion.
    - If you are healthy and lucky -- and you might as well play as if you are -- there is plenty of time. I've now had at least 4 careers. Environmental activist, database programmer, PhD student, and computational linguist. (Hopefully none of my friends are reading, they'll recognize me immediately!)
    - Specifics of a degree don't really matter in the long run. (Good) employers are looking for a little bit of subject matter training, but they are mostly looking for ability to think, solve problems, get work accomplished, etc.
    - If you are still undecided after your "break", just choose something. But make sure you choose something that motivates you. Your motivation may change later in your career, but whatever you do gives you more foundation to build on later.

    With regard to BBA before MBA. It's irrelevant. Only thing that's relevant is the quality of your undergraduate work. Psychology and/or human development is perfectly acceptable basis for MBA. I got a PhD in Computer Science without a single undergraduate course in it! A minor or a selection of courses may give you a good upperhand in MBA admissions, testing, or course work, but not any more so than a complete BBA. Quantity of course work is no substitute for good quality and greater selectivity.

    Good luck.

  23. #23
    Featured Member MadisonM's Avatar
    Joined
    Oct 2005
    Location
    Wisconsin
    Posts
    1,424
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 10 Times in 8 Posts

    Default Re: Skipping a Semester

    ^^^ Thank you so much. I really love learning about psychology, but it's not something I want to get a job in. I really want to get into marketing and advertising, so I want to get a degree in business. I know that if I get a BBA, I will still eventually want to get an MBA, so I'm thinking maybe I should just go for the MBA right away- that will save me time and money.
    Take the road less traveled- just make sure you have a map.

  24. #24
    Featured Member tampadancer's Avatar
    Joined
    Nov 2004
    Location
    tampa
    Posts
    1,582
    Thanks
    178
    Thanked 394 Times in 179 Posts

    Default Re: Skipping a Semester

    Madison, I think this is something only you can really answer. Two years ago, when I was finishing up my junior year of college, I dropped my classes and took a semester off. The difference is, I had to still pay for them! Personally, I had just been pushing myself too hard. I needed a breather. I felt burned out and my heart wasn't into classses which I would have normally done cartwheels over. So I took the time off, re-enrolled the next semester, got all A's, and felt back on track.

    Some people are capable of taking a little time off without letting life sidetrack them. Only you know if you are one of those people. THe majority, OTOH, let life get in the way and easily lose sight of their goals.

    It was good for me to take off a semester and just concentrate on working and saving some money. Then the next semester I wasn't so distracted with financial stress. I'm sure you know how tough it can be balancing a full time school schedule with nights that end between three and five in the morning.

    Best of luck to you

  25. #25
    Veteran Member Smokeless's Avatar
    Joined
    Jun 2006
    Location
    Colorado
    Posts
    557
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 27 Times in 26 Posts

    Default Re: Skipping a Semester

    Quote Originally Posted by MadisonM View Post
    ^^^ Thank you so much. I really love learning about psychology, but it's not something I want to get a job in. I really want to get into marketing and advertising, so I want to get a degree in business. I know that if I get a BBA, I will still eventually want to get an MBA, so I'm thinking maybe I should just go for the MBA right away- that will save me time and money.
    If that is a real option, go for it. But remember that an MBA is really a technician's degree. (My opinion, anyways.) It helps to have as broad a liberal education, plus some world knowledge (hmmm, I think you might be getting that as a dancer!) before committing to an MBA. Yes, I've got a PhD. And yes, I use much of what I learned there every day in my job. But I use more of what I learned in my (much delayed) college education even more, and much more deeply. Both content, ways of thinking, ways of asking questions, etc. The PhD gave me a practitioner's technical knowledge, plus a practitioner's methods of work and problem solving. The problem solving itself is native, but the methods used in it are from the PhD. My guess is that BS/BA vs. MBA is the same. You might pose the question to someone in business who left school at least 10 years ago.

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Similar Threads

  1. How about skipping?
    By Deini in forum Body Business
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 10-08-2009, 08:17 PM
  2. Anyone doing genetics this semester?
    By scarlett_vancouver in forum The Lounge
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 04-03-2008, 12:00 PM
  3. Replies: 20
    Last Post: 01-14-2008, 09:01 AM
  4. Spring Semester Grade Roundup
    By sunnie in forum The Lounge
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 05-08-2007, 12:08 PM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •