Tips for Getting that Bachelor's Degree in Four Years - or Less

Achieving a bachelor's degree in four years used to be a given. Not anymore. More and more, college students are finding that it takes more than four years to get their bachelor's degree. This is not only costing them time, it is also costing them money.

If you want to be sure to get that bachelor's degree in four years, first of all take all of your core courses - the courses that are required for any and all degrees - during your first two years. This way, even if you are unsure of your major, or change your mind about what you want to major in, the classes that you have paid for and taken will still be counted towards your degree.

It is a good idea to have picked your major by your sophomore year, and then to stick with it. Of course, if in your junior year it becomes apparent that this particular major is not for you, you will be much better to change it - even if it means taking longer to graduate - than to continue to focus on a major that you know you will not enjoy.

Good time-management skills are a must. First of all, you have to be sure to take the right amount of classes each semester to be sure that you will graduate on time. If your college requires 120 credits to graduate, this means taking 15 credits per semester. Take summer classes - at least one or two - if you can. This will give you some breathing room if any requirements change, or it will help you to actually graduate early. Managing your study time is essential. Having to drop a class, or failing a class, will do nothing to enhance your quest for a timely graduation.

Keep in close touch with your advisor so that not only are you timing your classes appropriately, but also so that you are taking all of the courses that you need for your major and do not accidentally miss one and extend the time that you must attend college before getting that bachelor's degree.