6 Ways to Accelerate Your Degree
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| 6 Ways to Accelerate Your Degree |
Many individuals choose distance learning because of its ease and quickness. Online students may work at their speed and generally complete their studies quicker than conventional students. However, with all of the responsibilities of everyday life, many students look for methods to finish their degrees in even less time. Obtaining a degree sooner may result in a higher wage, better professional prospects, and more time to pursue what you want. If speed is important to you, consider these six recommendations for completing your degree as swiftly as possible.
1. Make a work plan. Implement your strategy
Most students take at least one course that is not required for graduation. Taking courses that are unrelated to your primary topic of study might be a great way to broaden your views. However, if you want to go quickly, avoid choosing subjects that aren't necessary for graduation. Check your needed courses and create a customized study plan. Maintaining touch with your academic adviser throughout the semester might assist you in sticking to your plan and staying on track.
2. Demand Transfer Equivalencies
Don't let your previous college work go to waste; instead, ask your present institution for transfer equivalencies. Even after your institution has selected which courses to credit you for, see whether any of the classes you've previously taken may be used to fulfill another graduation requirement. Your school's administration will most likely assess transfer credit requests every week. Request that the department's transfer credit policies and prepare a petition. Include a detailed description of the class you took and why it should be considered an equivalence. You're more likely to acquire the credits if you include course descriptions from your former and current institutions' course handbooks as proof.
3. Testing, testing, testing
By demonstrating your knowledge via testing, you may earn fast credits and shorten your timeline. Many universities allow students to earn college credit by taking the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests in a variety of subjects. Furthermore, schools often administer their tests in disciplines such as foreign languages. Testing costs may be expensive, but they are nearly always much less expensive than the tuition for the courses they replace.
4. Avoid the minor
Not all colleges require students to declare a minor, and, to be honest, most individuals will not make much of a fuss over their minor throughout their careers. Dropping all of your minor courses might save you a semester (or more) of effort. So, unless your minor is vital to your area of study or would provide you with immediate advantages, consider dropping these courses from your plan of action.
5. Assemble a portfolio
You may be able to obtain credit for your life experience, depending on your school. Some institutions may award students restricted credit if they provide a portfolio demonstrating certain knowledge and abilities. Previous occupations, volunteering, leadership activities, community engagement, successes, and so on are all possible sources of life experience.
6. Perform double duty
If you have to work, why not be paid for it? Many colleges provide college credits to students who complete an internship or work-study experience related to their degree, even if it is paid employment. Earning credits for what you currently do may allow you to complete your degree quickly. Consult your school counselor to learn about the possibilities available to you.