If you are trying to save money or just want to move on to the next step in your professional or academic career, finishing college fast may be an attractive option for you.Signing up for a fast track degree is one way to shorten your time in college.Limit your time spent on other commitments if you want to get through college quicker.
Step 1: A school that offers accelerated degree options is a good place to start.
Fast-track programs are offered by some colleges and universities.You can complete a bachelor's degree in 3 years.The degrees are designed to be completed in a year.You can find colleges and universities that offer accelerated degrees by doing an online search.You won't have a lot of choice in which courses you take because most accelerated degrees are highly structured.Extra guidance and support can be provided by some fast-track programs.
Step 2: You can find out if you qualify for an accelerated degree program.
You may need to meet special requirements in order to get into an accelerated degree program.You should check with the college or university to see what their requirements are.If you want to enroll in an accelerated degree program, you need to maintain a minimum grade point average in high school.Some accelerated programs have strict rules about how much money you can spend on living expenses.If you have to work in order to afford housing, you may be required to live with a parent or guardian.
Step 3: A program that fits your needs is what you should look for.
While many accelerated degree programs are geared toward traditional students, there are also options for students who are older, returning to school, or trying to balance school with work and family.Accelerated programs for traditional students tend to be more flexible than these programs.They may offer short-format courses that last only a few weeks.You can take courses on campus or online in many adult accelerated programs.Search for schools that offer accelerated programs for adults.
Step 4: Consider getting an associate's degree.
The typical associate's degree can be completed in 2 years, while some programs only last a year.The advantage of an associate degree is that it costs less than a bachelor degree.Community colleges and online institutions offer low-cost associate's degrees.60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits are required for most associate's degree programs in the US.An associate's degree can be used as a credit for completing a degree.There are a lot of career options that you can pursue with an associate's degree.You might be able to get a job as a medical technician, a web developer, an occupational therapist assistant, or an engineering technician.To find out if you can get a job with an associate's degree, do some research.
Step 5: Attend college classes when you're in high school.
Students who are still in high school can take courses at colleges and universities.You can sign up for a dual or concurrent enroll program by talking to your high school guidance counselor.You can find dual enroll programs near you through an online search.You have to travel to a college campus to take college courses online in some dual enroll programs.You may be able to take college-level classes at your high school or career center.
Step 6: If you are in college, sign up for summer classes.
You can get through college quicker if you take summer courses.The summer is a great time to get a few required courses out of the way so that you don't have to worry about them during the regular school year.If you are going to a school that charges high tuition rates for summer classes, you need to know if they will accept credits from courses at your local community college.Before you sign up for classes at another institution, talk to your adviser.Summer classes tend to be shorter and more intense than regular term courses, so be prepared for a more fast-paced, intense learning experience.
Step 7: You should take classes while you are working.
You can get some requirements out of the way if you take courses that fit your schedule.You can take evening or weekend classes at your local community college.You can get some credits out of the way before you enroll in a degree program.If you take a few classes part-time, you will be better prepared for going back to school.
Step 8: Discuss taking a course overload with your adviser.
College and university students can sign up for a maximum number of credit hours per term.Permission can be obtained to take more than the maximum course load.It is possible to get your requirements out of the way quicker.Discuss the idea of signing up for extra courses with your adviser if you are considering doing so.Don't take on more than you can handle.Taking too many courses at once can make it hard for you to complete your degree on time.
Step 9: In high school, take Advanced Placement classes and exams.
College credit can be earned by taking AP classes and exams.You can take an exam after you finish an AP class to assess your understanding of the material.A high score on an AP Exam can translate to college credit, meaning you don't have to take as many courses in college.Discuss with your school guidance counselor or AP teacher if AP classes are right for you.Many high schools offer assistance to students who can't pay the fee for an AP Exam.You can apply for a reduced fee if you talk to your school counselor.
Step 10: Get credits from the CLEP.
College credits can be earned for things you already know through the College Level Examination Program.It could be knowledge you picked up from high school, work experience, or studying on your own.You need to take the exam in order to get credits.You can find a test center near you if you talk to your high school counselor.Make sure that the college that you are interested in taking the exam is willing to accept credits from the CLEP program.You can take online courses from the College Board to prepare for the exam.There are 33 different exams that cover a variety of topics, including business, literature, foreign languages, math and science, and history and the social sciences.The fee for taking the exam is $85.
Step 11: If you have work experience, look for schools that give prior learning credit.
You can get credit for the knowledge and experience you gained from working.For non-traditional students who have spent time in the workforce before starting or returning to college, this is a great option.There are different prior learning credit policies at different schools.If you want to find out about credit for prior learning, speak to an admissions officer.In order to get prior learning credit, you may need to take an exam or create a portfolio.
Step 12: Find out if your college offers placement exams.
Many colleges and universities allow you to take some basic general education courses if you pass the placement exams.Your most essential skills are usually assessed by placement tests.You can find out about placement test policies at your college or university by going to the admissions office.If you score well on the math placement test, you can go straight into pre-calculus.
Step 13: Talk to your adviser about what you need to do.
If you can demonstrate sufficient background knowledge, you may be able to convince your adviser, department head, or course instructor to let you skip prerequisite courses even if there is no formal way to test out.Every school has different policies when it comes to challenging prerequisites.Policies may be different from department to department.To find out how it works in your program, talk to your adviser.
Step 14: If you can, don't work during college.
It can slow down your progress through college if you have to balance work and school.There are ways to cut costs while you are in school.If you attend an in-state school or community college, you can pay lower tuition rates.You don't have to worry about paying rent or campus housing fees if you get an online degree.To help cover the costs of tuition and fees, apply for scholarships, grants, or federal student loans.
Step 15: It's a good idea to cut back on extra-curricular activities.
If you want to get through college quickly, you need to devote all of your time and attention to passing your required courses.It could mean missing out on participating in student organizations, social events, service opportunities, and internships.If you decide to take on activities and responsibilities outside of your schoolwork, make sure to focus on opportunities that will help you achieve your career goals.
Step 16: You can choose your major.
College students change their major at least once.There is nothing wrong with wanting to explore your options.Changing your major or starting college without a major can slow you down.If you want to get through college as fast as possible, make a decision on your major a year in advance.This will help you avoid taking courses you don't need.
Step 17: It's a good idea to focus on the required work for your major.
You can slow down your progress if you take courses you don't need.It might be a good idea to skip the medieval weaponry course if it doesn't count towards your degree.Make sure you get the most out of your credits and stay on track to graduate by working with your adviser.
Step 18: You should reach out to your support network.
If you are struggling to balance school and other responsibilities, getting support is important.Ask friends, family, advisers, mentors, and fellow students to lend a helping hand so that you can get through college more efficiently.If you are a working parent trying to get through a college degree, ask a relative, a friend, or a fellow parent to help watch your child sometimes so that you can get homework done.There are support groups for non-traditional students in some schools.Adult learners, working students, and students with families can find student clubs or campus groups.If you are struggling, reach out to your teachers, advisers, and school staff.It is their job to help you succeed.