3 answers
Ashley
Student
Hemet, California
2
Questions
Asked
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Can I still graduate in Four years even though my classes are not college level?
I was accepted into University of California San Diego but my classes are not college level and I feel like I won't be able to gradate in those four years. As a first generation college student I feel like all the pressure is on me and I have a feeling I am not ready for UC's. I want to become a general Pediatrician but with all theses classes that I am behind it may affect if I can even be a doctor or not. #firstgeneration #medicine #life
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3 answers
Jaclyn Salem
Graphic Designer
5
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jaclyn’s Answer
Hi Ashley!
I was a first generation college student, so I totally understand that pressure. A lot of what's going to help you is to research about your degree program and the course list for graduation. Here's what I suggest you do:
• Make a list of all the courses you need for your degree (make sure you note any pre-requisite courses that some may require)
• Then make a list of the courses you are in right now. If graduating in four years is a requirement, make sure that you are not enrolled in any courses not relevant for your degree.
• Then schedule a meeting with a counselor *within* the college of your degree (You mentioned you want to be a general pediatrician , so just make sure you schedule a meeting with a counselor within the college of medicine or whatever your specific college is within the University of Calif. because they will be the most qualified to answer your questions)
• Work with the counsellor to come up with your course list for each semester you are in college.
If you cannot graduate in four years, do not despair! <3 There are other options out there, although they may require taking on additional student loans. If you find after talking with a counselor that you can't graduate in four years, the next step will be to go to schedule a meeting with the bursar's office to see what your options are for financial aid. You got this!
I was a first generation college student, so I totally understand that pressure. A lot of what's going to help you is to research about your degree program and the course list for graduation. Here's what I suggest you do:
• Make a list of all the courses you need for your degree (make sure you note any pre-requisite courses that some may require)
• Then make a list of the courses you are in right now. If graduating in four years is a requirement, make sure that you are not enrolled in any courses not relevant for your degree.
• Then schedule a meeting with a counselor *within* the college of your degree (You mentioned you want to be a general pediatrician , so just make sure you schedule a meeting with a counselor within the college of medicine or whatever your specific college is within the University of Calif. because they will be the most qualified to answer your questions)
• Work with the counsellor to come up with your course list for each semester you are in college.
If you cannot graduate in four years, do not despair! <3 There are other options out there, although they may require taking on additional student loans. If you find after talking with a counselor that you can't graduate in four years, the next step will be to go to schedule a meeting with the bursar's office to see what your options are for financial aid. You got this!
Jiewen Li
Software Engineering
1
Answer
Elk Grove, California
Updated
Jiewen’s Answer
Hi Ashley!
Echo-ing everything Jaclyn said above, do not stress on not graduating within four years. Everyone is on their own timeline and come from different backgrounds.
I am a first generation college student. I also went into college thinking the same, will I finish within 4 years given the lack of prerequisites I have. It took me about 4 and half years to complete my bachelors in Computer Engineer and I do not regret on taking my time and not stressing myself out with 3-4 major courses each quarter/semester. I have met other students who are also first generation and needed the time to learn and grow. You are definitely NOT alone if you do not complete within 4 years.
If you receive financial aid, definitely speak to them. In my case, they were able to support me throughout my 5 years.
If you do want to finish within 4 years, try to see if there are summer courses at UCSD or any community colleges that you could transfer back to UCSD.
There will be counselors and advisors that would advice and make you more anxious for not having a "relax" schedule. Do not get that discourage you, find the one that will understand your situation and help you on your journey. Don't also be shy to reach out to classmates or upper classmates for help on your schedule and plans! You could also reach out to alumni, there could be some alumni that were on the same boat as you! Asking here for advice shows that you care and will try your best. Do not stop looking for resources and help. You got this and you will do amazing.
Echo-ing everything Jaclyn said above, do not stress on not graduating within four years. Everyone is on their own timeline and come from different backgrounds.
I am a first generation college student. I also went into college thinking the same, will I finish within 4 years given the lack of prerequisites I have. It took me about 4 and half years to complete my bachelors in Computer Engineer and I do not regret on taking my time and not stressing myself out with 3-4 major courses each quarter/semester. I have met other students who are also first generation and needed the time to learn and grow. You are definitely NOT alone if you do not complete within 4 years.
If you receive financial aid, definitely speak to them. In my case, they were able to support me throughout my 5 years.
If you do want to finish within 4 years, try to see if there are summer courses at UCSD or any community colleges that you could transfer back to UCSD.
There will be counselors and advisors that would advice and make you more anxious for not having a "relax" schedule. Do not get that discourage you, find the one that will understand your situation and help you on your journey. Don't also be shy to reach out to classmates or upper classmates for help on your schedule and plans! You could also reach out to alumni, there could be some alumni that were on the same boat as you! Asking here for advice shows that you care and will try your best. Do not stop looking for resources and help. You got this and you will do amazing.
Mauro Serrano
Cloud Engineering
5
Answers
Anaheim, California
Updated
Mauro’s Answer
Hi Ashley! First of all, congrats on UCSD. For anyone in this situation I would recommend making an appointment with your schools academic counseling office so that they can give you tailored advice around your specific case. I was also a 1st Gen student and was undecided/undeclared for my first 2 yrs so I understand your situation. Once I knew Computer Science was what I wanted, I had a lot of courses I needed to make-up and ultimately had to go into a 5th year at UCI but I don't regret that decision. I took summer courses to add additional courses and only had to do an extra quarter so maybe that's an option!