Don't worry about rushing.

[ashkir]

Hey y'all! I noticed a few people are getting worried and feeling bad about themselves seeing all the "need to finish ASAP" or "so-and-so finished ASAP" posts. If you can accelerate, all power to you! But, please be supportive of those who don't have the luxury of extra time, or past-experience.

This is Your Path, this is YourPace. 

Education is not a competition. In the fast-paced world we live in, there's often a rush to reach the finish line, especially when it comes to education. It's crucial to keep in mind, though, that education is a journey rather than a sprint. Recall that taking your time is not only acceptable but also advantageous for anyone navigating their educational journey. 

It's Okay to be Unsure

Take a deep breath if you're having trouble deciding which degree to pursue or if you're feeling pressed for time. It's acceptable to explore and, if necessary, take further terms or semesters. You can go further into your hobbies during this period, which will help you make better judgments for the future.

Maximize your Opportunities

Pacing your education might have extra advantages for people receiving financial aid, such as the Pell Grant. Extending your education to include more terms, like winter and spring, may enable you to file for sizable annual tax credits. Financial strains can be reduced and your educational experience can be improved with this calculated approach. For Americans, this could be about $4,000 extra for your first BA! 

This is Your Journey

Learning at your own speed is a wise tactic, not a drawback. It guarantees that you're genuinely acquiring, comprehending, and using your knowledge successfully rather than merely getting your schooling done quickly. In the end, what matters are your abilities and competency.

Thus, keep in mind that your pace is valid whether you're thinking about a competency-based program or any other kind of schooling. It's a sensible decision if you need to take things more slowly in order to maximize your experience or better manage your financial aid.

[bjcheung77]

Great post, that's really sound advice! This actually applies to both Competency Based Education and the non-competency, online options being it exclusively online or those who are taking online classes for transfer into a butt-in-seat program.  I really like it when people plan ahead, get their spreadsheets created and update/use it for reference/tracking purposes, manage their time wisely, and have max out their transfer credit with alternative options for credit if at all possible.

Variables are at play and not everyone does things the same way, learning is a part of life, soaking in all that information or knowledge does take energy, repetition of info, time, etc to actually grasp the study material properly, thus, rushing things will only allow you to get the minimum gains.  Especially when some classes are graded, you want to make sure that these grades are beneficial for your GPA in case you're planning to get into a more selective program in the near future.

Expectations, you want to try and get things done in an orderly fashion, but just because someone is able to complete X classes in X days, doesn't mean everyone can do that.  You gauge your own speed to finish by gauging your pace, make it comfy, set your schedule and time, dedicate to your studies, don't slack off unless it's all said and done.  Persistence is also key to getting things done, start working and don't stop until you've got it in the bag.  Good luck, have fun, don't stress...

[natshar]

Yeah I always find it interesting those posts of people in their 20s I need to finish ASAP. Like why? Whats the rush?? No kids, not married, no promotion on the line. Finishing your degree in 1 vs 2 yrs or even 3 won't change things much.

Another benefit if you took time rather than getting a generic liberal arts degree you could get a better degree. Or maybe add a minor or something. (Like BSBA vs BLS with mngmt minor)

Plus from my personal observation, I know a few people who got their bachelors young (19, 20, etc.) they all basically got generic bachelors. They ended up going back to school for another degree in the subject they wanted. And remember a second bachelors gets no aid usually. Also it doesn't seem like they are in further in ahead in life than then their peers taking the long route.

Spending time and thinking about you WHY can be good and getting the RIGHT degree too.

Also, actually LEARNING the stuff. For ex, rushing through a comp sci degree and then graduating not knowing how to program or have any hard skills. (because you "NEED" a CS degree ASAP) VS taking multiple terms and slower pace and actually knowing how to program and code when you graduate, having more skills and actual applied knowledge.

[Vle045]

I fell for the CBE allure at one point. But I learned that I need the structure of firm due dates. I also need free time. So now, I am going the very SLOW route because that is what works for me.