Final year in college, should I complete it in 1 or 2 years ?

[alexandra123]

Hello,

Looking for some advice here.

I am on a 4 year part time degree in IT with my last year being next year. I was really hoping to complete it in 1 year but I am afraid that my grades will not be that great if the pressure is too much.

I was thinking of starting my final year project in the Summer and then completing it the following summer and handing it in - in September. This gives me roughly 6 months to work at it.

I was hoping that maybe if I put the head down during the semesters and if I continously revise during the weekends - that I should be prepped enough to get a good result. My problem is that some of the assignments are very time consuming and their is not much room for manouevre when you are working full time plus supporting college.

Currently my grades are >50 & <85

I am dreading having to complete this over 5 years. I have had no life in the last 3 years and dread another 2 on top of it. Some of the lectures have advised that most people that complete the final year over 2 years do alot better than those that complete it in 1 year. Most of my colleagues are going to do it over 2 years.

I really need to make sure that I get =>80 in all my grades as I dont want to walk away with a generic pass. I also don't want my grades to effect me when and if I ever go for another job.


I have also moved to a new role where I will be continously learning but it will benefit me as it relates to my course but on the other hand - it gives me more pressure as I have to learn new stuff both in work and college.

Has anyone done this before and found it not to be a bother ? I am not a nerd in any way - I have to study hard for what I learn. My problem is that most of what I learn is stored in short term memory and I am continously having to re-learn stuff to keep it in my head.

 

[pinkyBear]

Hi there,

I am afraid only you can answer that question! Are you working in IT? Or are you looking to change careers and doing so via a degree? Do you have the option of taking a year out from work???

I went back to collage about 14 years ago, and I was offered a job in my last year and I was going to complete my degree part time. I was advised against this as grades are really important for a graduate starting out. I took that advise.

If you are not working in IT, or a related field and you feel that the pressure of the course would be too much, then you should look at splitting the last year into 2 years. As you do need a life... However if you feel you can keep going do so....

I can remember, hitting what I call "the wall" heading into my 4th year, and I just felt I cannot keep going!!! Just keep the head down and try and keep on top of the cource work and you'll be OK...
P..

 

[Bronte]

I really need to make sure that I get =>80 in all my grades as I dont want to walk away with a generic pass. I also don't want my grades to effect me when and if I ever go for another job.


.

Do it over the two years. Be positive. You've done 3 years and only 2 to go. Well done on the job and education at the same time, it will be worth it in the end. From what you've posted you're under enough pressure without subjecting yourself on a 1 year final. The lecturers who are the experts have told you the grades will be better if you do it over the 2 years. Listen to them.

 

[Firefly]

Do it over the two years. Be positive. You've done 3 years and only 2 to go. Well done on the job and education at the same time, it will be worth it in the end. From what you've posted you're under enough pressure without subjecting yourself on a 1 year final. The lecturers who are the experts have told you the grades will be better if you do it over the 2 years. Listen to them.

+1 to this. Whether you do it in 4 years or 5 you are still more than half way there. If you are thinking of moving jobs at some stage it won't matter to the next employer...actually you could easily turn this into a +ve during the interview if asked why it took 5 years by saying that you chose this so that you could do it right. It's generally better in IT if your work is done right first time (even if it takes a bit longer). Best of luck fellow nerd!