Thursday, August 16, 2007

How to Plan for Graduation at the Begining of the School Year

There's not a better time to think about Graduation than the time when you're going back to school or starting out in college. It is the most exciting time of the year and you can plan so many things -- including your graduation ahead of time. Eastern Oregon University has a check list for most majors. Ask around if your college or university has a checklist for graduation. The best places to ask are at the registrar's office and your department's office. Most likely they will have it if they don't have that you can make one yourself.

Here's a couple of questions to get you started on making your own graduation check list:

  • What is the minimum credit hours required overall?
  • What is the GPA required overall?
  • What is the minimum credit hours required for course work?
  • Are there any university/college writing requirements? What are they? (They can be tests, exams, term papers etc.)
  • What are the required courses for your specific major?
  • Are there any minor courses you're taking? What are they and what are their requirements?
  • What are your major's elective courses? Which ones are you taking?
  • Are there any other major/minor requirements for your degree? Write them down.
  • Are there any other program (BS/BA) requirements?
  • Check if you're qualified for honors. (You can even plan this ahead and make sure you qualify.)
  • Calculate your credit hours and/or mark them as DONE at the end of each semester.
  • When should you file for graduation? What's the deadline? Check in with your registrar.
Once you're done check in with a professor from your department or the best would be to check in with the head of department. They can tell you what you're missing.

Checklists are great when you can do them at the start of your college because you can set your goals and objectives. By the end of each semester or trimester you can check in on which courses you've completed and which courses you still need to do. This way you're geared towards your next enrollment and won't be stressed out with which course to choose. You can even be ahead of the crowd and get into the class you really want.

Have a great time back in school!

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