The standard amount of time for a student to complete college has been and still seems to be four years. Graduating in a shorter amount of time than that is quite an accomplishment, and who wouldn’t want to graduate in three or three-and-half years? The sooner students graduate, the sooner they can start chasing their dreams in the real world. The “Think 30” campaign prevalent at the recent Registration Carnival at Washburn promoted taking 30 credit hours a year so that, with just a couple summer classes, students can graduate in four years or less.

While many students look forward to graduating as soon as possible and landing that first job, it’s important to remember that the quality of education and college experience is more important than the quantity of students graduating each year. It is much better to graduate in five years with good grades, lots of experience in co-cirrucular activities and organizations and perhaps even an internship or two completed than to graduate in three and a half years with mediocre grades and having completely missed out on what Washburn and college life in general have to offer.

Some students are able to do both – experience much, earn good grades and graduate early – but for a lot of students, that isn’t the case, and those students need to remember they are in college for their benefit. They should take college at whatever pace best fits their lifestyles, job demands and abilities.

Students should always aim for the best, but they shouldn’t feel pressured to get through college quicker than they are comfortable with, or at a pace that would be detrimental to their grades.