I'm an undergraduate student sitting on the cusp of my last semester of adolescent bliss. It may seem like a good idea to get college over and done with, especially seeing as American student loan debt is famously excessive. But short and sweet isn't always the best choice, seeing as I have no idea how to proceed with my (sorry to say) easily-achieved degree.
I was an Advanced Placement (AP) student throughout high school, and I joke that I sacrificed my teenage years for more enjoyable adult ones. Little did I know that excelling in AP would just put me on the fast track to graduation, and as a life-long rollercoaster hater, I was not prepared for that drop into a loopty loop called getting a Big Girl Job. My friends and family are ecstatic that I avoided two years worth of debt, getting caught up in credits, and begrudging all-nighters. But now, as a nineteen year old barista, becoming a serious adult is a major concern that I simply don't have time to prepare for.
That being said, graduating early isn't all bad. Of course, there are those people that have had their lives planned out since the age of six. These kinds of people either tend to rethink, and begin a life of music festivals and night school, or they stick to it and finish college at age 19. Having cut my college experience short by two years, I can tell you exactly what kind of students should aim to do that (here's a hint: it's not me).
1. Medical Students
If you're a med student, chances are you've buckled your proverbial seatbelt and tried to prepare yourself for nearly a decade's worth of schooling. The accelerated programs offered by various universities and colleges shorten that sentence, in the cases I've seen, by almost two years. If you're truly serious about that childhood dream of cardiology, or oncology, or anesthesiology, or any other -ology, take all your college credit as soon as possible. It's possible to graduate high school with an Associate's degree, and you guys are the students that should definitely go for it.
2. Astrophysicists, Chemists, and future Sheldon Coopers
If your intended career path involves anything similar to the work on Big Bang Theory, or may potentially see you employed by NASA, you should probably try to hurry up and get there. Who knows how much longer the funding for the space program will hold out, and I'm guessing you might not be interested in the whole college football, frat party scene anyway. (I absolutely wasn't). Your group would be better off checking out upper classmen STEM hangouts, and getting your undergraduate degree out of the way ASAP.
3. Law Students
As a kid who dreamed of being an attorney for nearly 82% of her life, I get the draw of wanting to start law school right-this-second. The idea of bloodthirsty, ravaging debates and adrenaline-fueled academic competition intoxicated me for years before I realized that wasn't the place for me. Reese Witherspoon may have been 25 when she filmed Legally Blonde, but if you sharks wanted to surpass even the legend herself, get your undergrad over with. You could try cases for your friends' underage drinking charges.
4. Anybody that's not about that life
If college isn't your thing, but the career you want is blocked by that annoying reminder "must have BA or BS," I get it. Do your time, go to a couple events, and file your intent to graduate. The four year haul isn't for everybody, and some of you may not need the time to figure out what to do with that shiny new diploma.
As for me, I'm just going to try and fit another two years of experiences into six months. I've decided to attend at least one football game, one poetry reading, and one fundraising event. Even if I can't get four years out of my undergraduate experience, maybe I can still get a free t-shirt.
