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Is Starting College in the Spring a Good Idea?

So I moved with my family this past November to another state and might not be eligible for in-state tuition for the colleges here based on specific state statutes. My parents suggested starting college in the spring semester (2017) in order to get in-state classification but I'm not sure if this would work out. I already know that I would have to "catch up" with classes in the summer and would miss prerequisites that were offered in the fall. In addition, I know that it would be more difficult to establish friendships. Being that I have already been to 3 different high schools in my teen years, I was wondering if this would be a good option for me or if I should just start this fall and pay out-of-state tuition just for the first semester. (Just a quick reminder that I am not really interested in a gap year, since I already know what I'd like to do in college and am ready to go!) #college #money-management #tuition

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Jacob’s Answer

You have made some very valid considerations, and the above answer points you in the right direction to move forward with your decision. That being said, if I were in your shoes, I would consider the financial implications of achieving in-state status as opposed to out of state status. Assuming the school allows students to start in the spring, and you are able to take at least some prerequisites that you need, I think it could make sense to wait.

That being said, if you feel that you would need to take summer courses in order to catch up after starting in the spring, you need to consider the cost of those summer course (at my university, summer courses were significantly more expensive than normal semester courses. Would the money you save with in-state tuition starting in the spring outweigh the additional cost you may incur from taking summer courses?

Socially speaking, missing the fall semester will not set you back. College is a wonderful time to constantly meet new people, regardless of when they start the school.

Additionally, I would consider what college credits you may already have (AP courses, or any other credits you have already earned). If this is the case, you may not need to take summer courses to catch up. Hope this helps and best of luck!
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Hilda’s Answer


Your starting college should depend on many factors not just the time of year. If you are ready for the Spring semester it is best to start then.
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Wael’s Answer

Kelly, I am happy to see that you have done your homework and you know what is going to happen. Regarding classes, larger colleges/universities do have perquisites all year around. If I were you I would try to talk to the university to understand their course offering habits. Regarding catching up, spend your freshman year summer taking courses. Some schools offer two summers which enable you to take a whole semester's worth of courses. I have done it! Regarding making friends, you meet new people in every single class you take. I think you are going to be fine. Having said all of that, my first move would be to make sure that the college accepts students in the spring.


Enjoy this fall because this would be the last time you are going to take some time off. If you know what you are doing, which it seems like it, you would be spending every summer interning and have a job lined up before you graduate.
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