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Senior Survey, 1998

Graduated in four years because...

Q17: Dear CJ: ... I took four years to graduate, because ...

If a major program has 10 or fewer students, then the four-character major code is represented as XXXX to protect the respondent's anonymity. For a translation of the letter codes that represent the themes under which each comment was coded (e.g. WH=worked hard), see the document: "Dear CJ: Time to Graduation--Codes and Themes."

For a translation of the four-character SIS major codes see the Major Translation Table--last retrieved from Information Resource Management's web page on March 23, 2000.

WORKED HARD
--Arts and Sciences

MM  WH   
ANTH  1148  Taking time off was never an issue for me.  I was ready to do it in 
four years and get it over with --motivation to do this was never a problem.  
Also, I pay out of state and my parents couldn't afford to pay for 5 years or 
more.

WH      
BAAH  0093  I'm a hard worker & I'm on the ball -I tied in 2 majors & an honors
degree - It's very possible if you take the time to figure out how.

WH      
BCHM  1034  I am taking four years to graduate because I have been really 
pushing myself every semester to get my double majors.  I could graduate early 
(3-1/2 years), but I really don't want to.  I can't push myself that much.  
Besides, all of my friends will be graduating at the same time.

WH      
COMM  0411  Things just worked out that way.  I was surprised it panned out 
like this because I went to Paris for a semester and changed my major mid-way.  
The key was that in Paris, my credits transferred and I also took two night 
classes  and one correspondence.

WH      
ECON  0188  I switched one of my double majors halfway through and I was double
majoring between two mostly unrelated fields.

WH      
ENGL  1525  I am a non-traditional student and I was paying for college so I 
did not have the luxury of taking my sweet time to finish.

WH      
EPOB  1513  I am a non-traditional, older, working student.  I went back to 
school after my divorce while working full-time.  Since I did not know what I 
wanted to major in, it took me a little bit of "searching" and "trying" 
different classes to find my interests.

WH      
GEOG  1555  It was a goal of mine, which took a lot of work, but I finished.

WH      
GRMN  0291  I took four years, because I was able to complete my double major 
in that time.

WH      
GRMN  0571  I never took time off.  When I started college, I had a goal to 
complete college and get my B.A..  I never gave that goal up.

WH      
HUMN  1367  I loaded up on classes my freshman and sophomore years and took
opportunities to get credit hours through summer school, study abroad and 
internships.

WH      
IAFS  0579  I needed to set up a structure and follow through with set goals.
Graduating in 4 years gave me something to strive for.

WH      
IAFS  0775  I worked hard & wanted to get out of the pressures as soon as 
possible.

WH  SS   
KINE  0985  I made sure to take an average of 15 hours per semester and got my 
core out of the way as soon as possible.

WH      
KINE  1288  4 yrs. - b/c I took summer school in order to finish in a time 
period that was affordable for my parents.

SS  WH   
MCDB  0591  I took four years to graduate, including my semester off from 
school. I was able to do this because I had 13 credit hours upon entering CU 
due to AP exams. I also had many semesters with a 17-18 hour course load.

WH      
PHYS  1422  [four years] because I had only one major, strong motivation, and 
the time-management skills necessary for a successful experience.

WH      
PSCI  0607  I felt it was important to focus on college & my education at this 
point in my life.  Also, my parents & I decided that four years is a sufficient 
amount of time to graduate.

WH      
SOCI  1194  I took only 3 years because I took summer classes, and was able to
complete the requirements for both my majors.  I'm glad I got done early and I 
hope I get a good job.

SS  WH   
SPAN  1175  I started taking major courses during my freshman year.  I passed 
every course I took and always had a full load.

--Business and Administration      

WH      
ACCT  1412  I took 4 years myself because I went to school full-time every 
semester, passed every class and focused on graduating in 4 years.

SS  WH   
FNCE  0282  I came into CU with eleven credits and also took summer school.

WH  SS   
FNCE  1026  less than four - four to get masters - credit from A.P. tests & 
more classes than recommended.

WH      
INFS  0011  I was dedicated to finishing on time.

WH      
INFS  1029  I follow the course outline that had been suggested to me in order 
to graduate in time.

SS  WH   
MKTG  1345  I knew what I wanted & did what it took to get there.  I never got 
below a "C" in any class, and I took some summer classes.  Had I changed my 
major, though it would've taken longer.

--Engineering and Applied Science  

WH      
CHEN  0083  I took 4 years because I took summer school every year.

WH      
CHEN  0336  I took four years myself, because I'm in a practical major that 
provides the education I need in four years.  Unlike some other majors, there 
aren't a lot of irrelevant courses.  Graduating in four years is not a 
guarantee, though.  You must work hard to survive the rigorous ChemE curriculum.  
Nobody slides through ChemE.  It takes serious dedication.  But if you put your 
mind to it, you can do it.

WH      
CHEN  1114  You have to work hard.

WH      
EEEN  0956  Hard work, dedication.

--Architecture and Planning        

SS  WH   
PLAN  0339  I graduated high school w/12 college credits and I have taken full 
credit loads every semester!

--Journalism and Mass Communication

SS  WH   
BCNS  0856  I got transfer credits from AP courses and from 2 summer programs.  
I did my work.

WH      
BCNS  1333  I took summer school (12 credits).

--Music                            

SS  WH   
MUSA  0558  I took four years to complete a five year double degree program 
because I came to CU with 26 hours of Advanced Placement and CSU Calculus 
credit.  I also worked hard during a few  semesters with 18 credits.

SS  WH   
MUSC  0491  I didn't change my major and I took a lot of classes.

WH      
MUSC  0603   

1998 Senior Survey Opens -- by Most Often-Mentioned THEME, College and Major

STARTED STRONG (eg, AP CREDIT) 
--Arts and Sciences                

PL  SS   
ENGL  0482  I was able to plan my schedule out from my freshman year, & my 
classes I took in high school helped.

SS  MO   
ENVS  1394  I took four years because I felt that my undergraduate work wasn't 
instrumental for what I want to do in the future.  I was fairly quick to 
declare a major and so I didn't waste any time. Also I made sure that I only 
had to take classes one time instead of failing the first time through.  Any 
more than four years for my would have been a waste of time and money.  I took 
enough useless classes as it was.  I am ready to move on and specialize in a 
career or in a graduate program more geared to specific needs.

SS      
EPOB  0247  I took four years because I came into college with credits and I 
was able to stay ahead.  If I hadn't gotten credit in high school  I'd probably 
be here an extra year.

SS      
EPOB  0555  Dear CJ: I know that some of our high school classmates graduated 
from college in four years, and some took longer. I took four years, because I 
knew my major before I began school so I was able to start the major program my 
freshman year rather than wasting time on electives.

SS      
HIST  0209  I was able to accomplish all of my core courses, classes for both an
Anthro & History major, & study abroad for a semester.

SS      
HIST  0937  I found out what I wanted to major in my first semester.  I didn't 
"waste" time searching for a major.  I got lucky I guess.

SS      
KINE  0690  I knew what I wanted to major in from the beginning so all of my 
classes were either to count core or for my major.

SS      
PSYC  0652  I managed to hold everything together freshman year, & fortunately 
chose a major by 2nd semester.  I didn't stress over that decision, I simply 
chose what I was most interested in.  I also didn't take any electives until 
senior year, but instead got all my core out of the way early.  I think you 
become less tolerant of core classes and the busy work, so it's better to make 
a big dent early.  I'm getting a minor in BioChem & only taking 9 units this
semester so graduating in 4 years is quite possible, &, although I love CU,  
I'm ready for a change.

--Engineering and Applied Science  

PL  SS   
MCEN  0001  I chose to stay the course stay the course & not be lazy.  In 
addition, I knew what I wanted to study when I enrolled.

--Architecture and Planning        

SS      
ARCH  1546  I earned 22 college credits in high school.

--Journalism and Mass Communication

SS      
ADVT  0879  I took the core classes all right away.

1998 Senior Survey Opens -- by Most Often-Mentioned THEME, College and Major

MOTIVATED BY COST OF ATTENDING 
--Arts and Sciences                

MM      
ANTH  0066  I didn't want to pay for five.

MM  MO   
BCHM  1505  I tried not to be indebted heavily. Besides, I want to explore the 
world as soon as possible.  I can't wait any longer.

MM      
BCHM  1528  I took four years myself, because CU tries to soak you for as much 
money as they can get.  Paying tuition here is not worth the money because of 
all of run around that they give you.  For the out-of-state tuition charged, 
the education should be a lot better starting with the professors caring about 
the students instead of themselves.

MM      
ECON  0453  Because my parents didn't want to pay for me to go to school for 
more than four years.

MM      
ENVS  0522  College is expensive and I wanted to get through it as efficiently 
as possible.

MM      
EPOB  0998  I took four years because  my dad said that he would only pay for 4 
years then it was up to me to finace the rest of my education.  So, I decised 
that since I have no money that I needed  to finish in four years.

MM      
IAFS  0986  I took four years, because out-of-state tuition is incredibly 
expensive.  I would  recommend that you stay in-state, because Indiana 
University is probably a better school than CU, although lacks some of the 
recreational activities.  Use graduate school as a time to leave your  
home-state, but don't burden yourself with the outrageous cost of out-of-state 
tuition.  You'll be financially able to enjoy the experience more.

MM      
IAFS  1017  I took four years because unless you are loaded or money grows on 
trees, there is no reason to stay any longer!!

MM      
MCDB  1272  I saw no reason in spending more time than necessary not making 
money but spending money.

MM  MO   
PSYC  0895  1. It's too expensive.  2. 4 years is long enough to be a student 
(consequentially)

MM  MO   
SOCI  1445  I wanted to complete college in the amount of time suggested.  It's 
also expensive to go on longer (depending on the number of course hours).  Of
course, I also wanted to move on to grad school, and/or "real life" after 
getting my degree.  Still, I feel like I would have liked to take a number of 
other courses if I'd had more time.

--Business and Administration      

MM      
ACCT  0368  It's way too damn expensive for out-of-state tuition!!!!!  It's 
also too hard to get in-state residency!!!!!  QID0533

MO  MM   
ACCT  0728  I took less than four years because I really didn't want to spend 
the extra time or money on something that you can condense into 3 1/2 years.

MM      
ACCT  0967  I was under a financial burden and needed to complete my education 
in a timely manner.

NA  MM   
FNCE  1266  4 yrs because i cant afford any more ,and because i figured out on 
my own (not with counselors) what I needed to do to graduate.

MM      
MKTG  0116  Pressure from parents,  high rent!

MM      
MKTG  0842  My parents said that they would not pay for more than 4 yrs. of  
out-of-state tuition!

MM      
MKTG  0908  It is very expensive and although scholarships are available they 
are difficult to get & time consuming to apply for.

MM      
MKTG  1311  I was going to have to pay for all of it after four.

--Engineering and Applied Science  

MM      
CVEN  0852  of my financial restraints, if you have the time and money and are
pursuing engineering I would suggest taking 5 years.

MM      
MCEN  0183  I wanted to finish in four years, also because I can't afford to 
pay for more semesters.

MM      
MCEN  1466  I'm not the kind of person to keep my parents paying exorbitant 
tuition costs simply because I'm too lazy to finish in the nominal time.

--Architecture and Planning        

MM      
ARCH  0854  four years, because I had a full-ride scholarship and 8 semesters 
were paid for

--Journalism and Mass Communication

MM      
ADVT  0912  I made sure that I remembered that was the reason I was here.  It's 
fine to enjoy yourself while your, and time for plenty of enjoyment in 4 years.
But never lose sight of the degree.  Money doesn't grow on trees - you don't 
have to rush - but 4 years is plenty of time.

--Music                            

MM      
MUSE  1066  Scholarships from the university are only good for 4 years.

1998 Senior Survey Opens -- by Most Often-Mentioned THEME, College and Major

MOTIVATED TO ATTEND GRAD SCHOOL
--Arts and Sciences                

MO      
ENGL  1242  felt that I wanted to be financially independent sooner, I also 
felt that the culture of CU Boulder was drastically different from my own 
primarily because students here prioritize partying to studying, and also 
because students here are so openly wealthy.  I don't know if I'll miss this 
place or just be relieved to leave.

MO      
HIST  0754  I took four years because I wanted to get the heck out of here and 
accomplish something!

MO      
KINE  0972  Four years is plenty of time to complete your studies, and you'll 
feel ready to move on to another chapter of your life after 4 years.

MO      
KINE  1211  I wanted to get school over and have a break.  If you want to 
graduate in 4 yrs., it's a lot easier if you have a direction & start taking 
required  courses right away.

MO      
PSCI  0488  I took 3-1/2 years.  I wanted to be out actually doing what I enjoy-
politics.  I didn't want to be in school any longer than necessary for money
reasons.  School is hard, and it takes away time that could be spent doing
politics.  (I would feel this way going to any school - I just am excited to 
start my career).

MO      
PSCI  0730  I took four years because I was eager to move on from Boulder, CU, 
and my undergraduate experience.  I was ready to enter a different stage in my 
life and begin on my career.

MO      
SOCI  1370  I don't want to be in school forever.  I want to get out from 
behind books & experience the world first hand.

--Business and Administration      

MO      
FNCE  0695  I took four years because I wanted to finish in 4 years and see 
what the world has to offer. It is not hard to finish college in 4 years, if 
you set your mind from the beginning it will  happen

--Engineering and Applied Science  

MO      
AREN  0612  I wanted to prove to myself that a 5th yr. engineer is not 
necessary.  I want to be an architect, not a student.  So the sooner the 
better!  Plus, after earning my way through college, I am looking forward to 
the rewards as  soon as possible.

MO      
ASEN  0748  four years because I wanted to get out as soon as possible and get 
on to the real world

MO      
MCEN  0099  I did not wish to spend any more time in school.

--Journalism and Mass Communication

MO      
ADVT  1368  I sure was sick of going to school after 16 years, and wanted to 
get out.

1998 Senior Survey Opens -- by Most Often-Mentioned THEME, College and Major


MADE AND STUCK TO A PLAN
--Arts and Sciences

PL      
ANTH  0881  I planned my tentative schedule my freshman year and learned about 
the graduation requirements, especially the core curriculum required, so I 
could finish in four years.

PL      
ENGL  1146  It was not that hard as long as one keeps the requirements in mind.

PL      
ENVS  1558  I paid close attention to classes that satisfied core requirements 
and my major requirements at the same time, and I took those classes

PL      
IAFS  0594  Because my classes worked out with each semester and that's why I 
graduated in four years

PL      
IAFS  1032  I set out all the courses I would take from my first semester for 
my entire university career.  I never deviated from the plan except where the  
courses available were changed.

PL      
PSCI  1045  It's all it took, and it was easy.  I also had some direction.

PL      
SOCI  0185  I will be graduating in four years, but it is only because I spent
countless hours researching and finding out for myself the best classes to
take in terms of filling both core & my major.  The other reason for graduating 
on time is because I chose a major with few requirements.  If I had taken any 
other major I seriously question whether or not I would be  graduating on time.

--Business and Administration      

PL      
INFS  0675  I had planned on only taking 4 years.

--Architecture and Planning        

PL      
DSGN  0076  I planned ahead.  Even though I changed majors 3 times, by the time 
I was a Sophomore, I stayed put in the program I was in.

--Journalism and Mass Communication

PL      
MDST  0232  I always knew what I needed to take, I dealt with wait lists & any 
other complications that arose.  I transferred & I was still able to graduate.  
I  took 2 summer classes.

1998 Senior Survey Opens -- by Most Often-Mentioned THEME, College and Major

OTHER
--Arts and Sciences

OT      
BCHM  0924  I was basically done in three years, but I felt that it would be 
foolish to leave so early.  I took the opportunity to further broaden the 
boundaries of my education, by finally paying attention to my interests in 
literature, education, and Japanese culture, instead of taking too many science 
classes as I always seem to do...

OT      
COMM  0436  Challenging and practical fun to ponder and to practice.

OT      
ENGL  0813  I found it was easy to complete all my requirements in four years, 
even thought I declared my major during my sophomore year.

OT      
EPOB  0654  I'm brilliant!

OT      
LING  0832  I love school.

OT      
MATH  0765  I took four years because for various reasons I had to withdraw 
during the fall of my sophomore year.  Otherwise, I would have  graduated in three.

OT      
SPAN  1586  I lament the diversity of thought, experiences, and an expansive 
approach to perspectival living.  The students from the front range area 
typically associate w/high school friends and commute home fairly often.  They 
often exhibit a subtle sort of cockiness based on their ignorance of other 
modes of living and existing for their geographical scope has been so limited.
Out-of-state students come from the same 7-8 states.  In sum, the entire CU
experience for one has seemed like a warped 13th grade, wherein 90% of the 
students look, think, talk, behave, and just about everything else in a  
numbingly monotonous fashion.

--Business and Administration      

OT      
ACCT  0274  I completed the undergraduate requirements in four years.  My 
masters degree will take one more year, or five years for both degrees.

OT      
XXXX  0568  I'm a smart guy.

OT      
MKTG  0557  I found there was no reason not to graduate within that time frame!

--Engineering and Applied Science  

OT      
EEEN  BBB1  The school doesn't care about how much material a real human being 
can absorb, they just pump because you paid 

OT      
MCEN  0290  It was pretty easy to do.  Not much studying and a great social 
life!  It was not even as hard as high school.  Remember all those office 
hours, guided studies we did junior and senior year?  They were right, college 
was a breeze after 2 SMSA!

--Journalism and Mass Communication

OT      
ADVT  0721  That's how it worked out.

Last revision 07/30/03