13 answers
Chelsea
Student
Crown Heights, NY
3
Questions
Asked
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How stressful is the accounting major? Do you suggest to be a full time student or part time
Do you suggest to be a full time student or part time? As people know college can be extremely stressful how should i manage my freshman year of college.
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13 answers
Ann Gianoglio Burk, MBA
Student/Customer Care Manager | Operations Handywoman | People Developer | Lvl 62 Elf Lore Master LOTRO
151
Answers
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
Ann’s Answer
Hi Chelsea,
These are great questions, and I am glad you are beginning to mentally prepare for college. The answers to these questions depend on you. Every student is unique and should approach course work and schedule based on their specific needs.
Accounting is a math intensive major, so the difficulty level will depend on several factors.
1. What college you go to. Different schools have different curriculum. Some are known for being more difficult than others. For example, accounting at Harvard will be much more difficult than at a community college.
2. How strong you are in math. If you're the kind of student that sleeps through math and still gets As then Accounting will be easier. If you need extra help or tutoring in math, then Accounting will likely be difficult for you.
3. Going full time is ideal for most students, because the cost per course is usually less for full time students. You will also finish much more quickly. Full time students usually graduate in 4 years. Part time can take 6 to 8 years. With that said, some students cannot manage a full-time schedule. And that's OK. Part time is better than not going. Many students start out part-time and then work their way up to full-time.
No matter what anyone says, you can do college in a way that works best for you. There are pros and cons to each decision you make. I recommend weighing those pros and cons and deciding what you believe is best for you. I hope this helps. Good luck!
These are great questions, and I am glad you are beginning to mentally prepare for college. The answers to these questions depend on you. Every student is unique and should approach course work and schedule based on their specific needs.
Accounting is a math intensive major, so the difficulty level will depend on several factors.
1. What college you go to. Different schools have different curriculum. Some are known for being more difficult than others. For example, accounting at Harvard will be much more difficult than at a community college.
2. How strong you are in math. If you're the kind of student that sleeps through math and still gets As then Accounting will be easier. If you need extra help or tutoring in math, then Accounting will likely be difficult for you.
3. Going full time is ideal for most students, because the cost per course is usually less for full time students. You will also finish much more quickly. Full time students usually graduate in 4 years. Part time can take 6 to 8 years. With that said, some students cannot manage a full-time schedule. And that's OK. Part time is better than not going. Many students start out part-time and then work their way up to full-time.
No matter what anyone says, you can do college in a way that works best for you. There are pros and cons to each decision you make. I recommend weighing those pros and cons and deciding what you believe is best for you. I hope this helps. Good luck!
Jed Lee, MBA
Financial Auditor
3
Answers
Westfield, Indiana
Updated
Jed’s Answer
Chelsea, it is awesome that you have some interest in majoring in accounting degree.
I know everyone has different stories with different family/cultural backgrounds and life circumstances. If you are in a position where you can pursue the degree full time, that would be the absolute best choice. That way, you can focus on your academics with undivided attention. Personally, I found my college classes very helpful for the CPA prep. However, while it may be the best option for those who do not have any strings/responsibilities attached to them, pursuing a degree part-time with working at a job (preferably at an accounting or finance company) should work great too. It may require extra time management.
Good luck! :)
I know everyone has different stories with different family/cultural backgrounds and life circumstances. If you are in a position where you can pursue the degree full time, that would be the absolute best choice. That way, you can focus on your academics with undivided attention. Personally, I found my college classes very helpful for the CPA prep. However, while it may be the best option for those who do not have any strings/responsibilities attached to them, pursuing a degree part-time with working at a job (preferably at an accounting or finance company) should work great too. It may require extra time management.
Good luck! :)
Chris Krol
Finance and Accounting
8
Answers
Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Updated
Chris’s Answer
Hi Chelsea,
The longer your schooling takes, the longer it will take for you to make a full time income. Accounting is difficult but you can do it!
Best of luck!
Chris
The longer your schooling takes, the longer it will take for you to make a full time income. Accounting is difficult but you can do it!
Best of luck!
Chris
Wendy Wells, PhD
Credit Risk Analayst
2
Answers
Irving, Texas
Updated
Wendy’s Answer
I recommend being a full-time student if you have the opportunity and financial means to support being a full-time student. Being a full time student can certainly be stressful, however I recommend finding some good study tools and stress management practices (exercise, take study breaks, extra curricular activities, calling friends or family, changing study locations etc). Keep striving to be your best self!!
Kendra Colberg
Audit Manager
3
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Kendra’s Answer
Hi Chelsea,
I would suggest going full time. That way you will have an immersive experience and knowledge learned in related courses can play off on one another. Yes college in general can be stressful and you know your time management skills and what you are able to handle.
I would suggest going full time. That way you will have an immersive experience and knowledge learned in related courses can play off on one another. Yes college in general can be stressful and you know your time management skills and what you are able to handle.
Hanmou Sun
Assurance Associate
1
Answer
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Hanmou’s Answer
Hi Chelsea, I'm glad to know that you are interested in pursuing accounting as your major in college.
Being a recent graduate, my answer would be becoming a full-time student instead of part-time if you have the opportunity to do so. I met some of my best friends through college, and I believe it can really be an open place where you can forge new friendships and meet all kinds of people from different walks of life.
While I agree that college can be stressful, I was able to alleviate much of my stress just by being around friends and study with them in the university library. And generally, I believe major-specific classes won't be available until you become a third or fourth year. And hopefully, by then you'll get a hang of the college routine, and it won't be as stressful.
Being a recent graduate, my answer would be becoming a full-time student instead of part-time if you have the opportunity to do so. I met some of my best friends through college, and I believe it can really be an open place where you can forge new friendships and meet all kinds of people from different walks of life.
While I agree that college can be stressful, I was able to alleviate much of my stress just by being around friends and study with them in the university library. And generally, I believe major-specific classes won't be available until you become a third or fourth year. And hopefully, by then you'll get a hang of the college routine, and it won't be as stressful.
Gailene Gumbs, CPA, CFE
Consultant
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Gailene’s Answer
Hello Chelsea!
Accounting is a very challenging career and it's your education is going to require a huge investment in your time, but with that being said, it can also be extremely rewarding and there are many areas you can branch off into. If you had the option to go full time, I would say go for it. I went to school full time and worked full time, but it worked for me because not only did I want to be done, I didn't have any other personal obligations like kids for example. Here are some additional tips I can offer you whether you choose to go full or part time.
1) Time management is going to be your best friend. Learn the four quadrants of time management. It will help you with organizing and prioritizing tasks so you can maximize your productivity.
2) Set boundaries and stick to them. You'll find that there will be many distractions and competing priorities in your life and its important to remain focused and know what's important to you.
3) Pace yourself - One semester you may be able to take on an extra class, and another semester you may want to take 1 difficult class with 2 easy ones so you don't become overwhelmed while you are still learning.
Hope this helps some!
Gailene
Accounting is a very challenging career and it's your education is going to require a huge investment in your time, but with that being said, it can also be extremely rewarding and there are many areas you can branch off into. If you had the option to go full time, I would say go for it. I went to school full time and worked full time, but it worked for me because not only did I want to be done, I didn't have any other personal obligations like kids for example. Here are some additional tips I can offer you whether you choose to go full or part time.
1) Time management is going to be your best friend. Learn the four quadrants of time management. It will help you with organizing and prioritizing tasks so you can maximize your productivity.
2) Set boundaries and stick to them. You'll find that there will be many distractions and competing priorities in your life and its important to remain focused and know what's important to you.
3) Pace yourself - One semester you may be able to take on an extra class, and another semester you may want to take 1 difficult class with 2 easy ones so you don't become overwhelmed while you are still learning.
Hope this helps some!
Gailene
Madi Dunlap
Forensic Consultant
193
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Madi’s Answer
Hi Chelsea,
I was an accounting major in undergraduate school. Personally, I did not find accounting to be a particularly stressful major. There were definitely difficult classes and challenging concepts but I felt like time management, proper study tips and asking professors for help really eased the load. If you want to major in accounting, I would suggest you also try to manage your time well and study hard so that classes won't be stressful for you.
As for whether you should be a part time or full time student, that depends on your circumstances. If you have a demanding job, family members to take care of, etc. then you may find it beneficial to be a part time student. If being a student is your main priority, then you'd probably benefit by going to college full time.
I was an accounting major in undergraduate school. Personally, I did not find accounting to be a particularly stressful major. There were definitely difficult classes and challenging concepts but I felt like time management, proper study tips and asking professors for help really eased the load. If you want to major in accounting, I would suggest you also try to manage your time well and study hard so that classes won't be stressful for you.
As for whether you should be a part time or full time student, that depends on your circumstances. If you have a demanding job, family members to take care of, etc. then you may find it beneficial to be a part time student. If being a student is your main priority, then you'd probably benefit by going to college full time.
I will use this advice as I prepare for my career.
Chelsea
James Keay
Auditor
3
Answers
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
James’s Answer
Hi Chelsea,
Accounting is not the easiest major in the world. But, it is definitely attainable to get a degree in accounting. I suggest going to college full-time to get your degree in accounting. I say this because you will have a lot of work to do and being a part time student with the workload seems difficult to me. Also, I would suggest going to a college/university with a good reputation. I went to Penn State in Pennsylvania, which is one of the best schools in the state. So, coming out of Penn State with an accounting degree helped me a lot. Overall, I think that a degree in accounting is definitely doable and you should not let the workload discourage you. Good luck with your degree/career search, and I hope you find my answer helpful.
Accounting is not the easiest major in the world. But, it is definitely attainable to get a degree in accounting. I suggest going to college full-time to get your degree in accounting. I say this because you will have a lot of work to do and being a part time student with the workload seems difficult to me. Also, I would suggest going to a college/university with a good reputation. I went to Penn State in Pennsylvania, which is one of the best schools in the state. So, coming out of Penn State with an accounting degree helped me a lot. Overall, I think that a degree in accounting is definitely doable and you should not let the workload discourage you. Good luck with your degree/career search, and I hope you find my answer helpful.
Alea Vidal
2
Answers
Updated
Alea’s Answer
Hi Chelsea,
I would definitely say that accounting can be a challenging field to study. But if you show dedication and work hard, it is most definitely worth it. Salary varies between where you are in your career as well as any other credentials you have like your CPA, etc. Full time would be better since some people take over 150 credit hours to sit for the CPA, but everyone's educational path can look different! Do what works best for you.
Best of luck!
I would definitely say that accounting can be a challenging field to study. But if you show dedication and work hard, it is most definitely worth it. Salary varies between where you are in your career as well as any other credentials you have like your CPA, etc. Full time would be better since some people take over 150 credit hours to sit for the CPA, but everyone's educational path can look different! Do what works best for you.
Best of luck!
Sarah Skirvin
Payroll Tax Admin
6
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Sarah’s Answer
I would suggest full time. Just don't overschedule yourself. Don't try to double major. Your undergrad classes won't be as difficult. The more difficult accounting classes is when you start working on your masters if you chose to go that far.
Thank you i really appreciate it !!!
Chelsea
Jelani Coleman
Forensic Technician
10
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jelani’s Answer
I would suggest full time! It's best to get your coursework started and complete it while all knowledge is fresh by being continuous. The program can be challenging but the skills that you acquire are indeed worth it.
Thank you, Jelani for the advice.
Chelsea
Marissa Muth
Audit Associate
3
Answers
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
Marissa’s Answer
Hi Chelsea! Great question - I think accounting is definitely a challenging major but nothing to be scared of! For me, personally, I was a full time student and majored in accounting and finance. I think being full time gave me the opportunity to focus on my accounting classes, which were challenging in and of itself. I think if you were to choose to be part-time I would make sure you dedicate enough time for you to complete all of your classes.