A senior spring schedule is unlike any other semester’s schedule. If you are planning on graduating on time, it is the final semester to ensure all of the credits needed to walk across the stage are completed. There are different types of seniors in various situations at the start of spring.
Some seniors have no choice in the courses they have to complete. ISIS tells them how many credits are remaining, and it equals a full course load.
The seniors who have planned out each semester and have gotten ahead with mandated courses probably only have one or two left for graduation. This allows them to take a lesser course load if they choose to.
Depending on the category the senior falls under, dictates what kind of semester they will have. There is often a combination of general education classes and upper level classes for a major or a minor left to complete for a degree.
I fall under the category of only needing six credits to graduate. I decided to still take a full schedule of 12 credits because I felt my brain wouldn’t be challenged enough with only two classes. This decision allowed me to take a class I was interested in but couldn’t necessarily fit into my schedule when I was following my specific degree audit track.
Some seniors take on a part-time job or internship to take up some of the free time they have picked up by a lesser course load. Other seniors use that extra time to study for the GRE, take the LSAT again or apply for jobs. The stereotypical second semester senior spends the time sleeping in late after going out.
Being a second semester senior in college is similar to being a second semester senior in high school. The back of your mind tells you to finish strong with grades and involvement, but if you already have an acceptance to a program or job, the senioritis kicks in. I remember feeling this way in high school. I knew I couldn’t allow my grades to drop significantly, but I already had my UF acceptance.
It is important to remember not to slack too much because just as colleges check your final semester grades so do master’s programs or employers. It isn’t too late to get involved in an organization or continue to stay involved in clubs you have contributed to over your college career. Don’t let opportunities pass by because you feel lazy or because you only have a few months left. Challenge yourself to start something new whether it is taking a leisure course offered by the Reitz Union or regularly attending a yoga class you never had the time to go to before.
Balance the extra time in your schedule between keeping up with school work, drink specials at midtown and involvement.
