Avoid this $15,000 Class Mistake

Could a student be taking the wrong classes or too many? It happens. Sebastian, our graphic designer and a recent graduate is carrying $55,000 in student debt - $15,000 more than necessary... all because he took more classes than required to graduate. If you’re a transfer student, you’ll really want to watch out. But that’s not the only time it matters. Say you’re studying abroad or taking an internship across the country for credit -- you’ll want to be careful there, too.Also, if you enter college speaking a foreign language but learn English – as was the case with Sebastian – then you may be covered for your foreign language requirements. Unfortunately, it wasn’t until later that Sebastian discovered he didn’t need to fulfill the foreign language requirement. What can you do to avoid a costly mistake? Follow these tips:

• Get Required -- Make sure you know what your requirements are for graduation. If in doubt, double check. Talk to another counselor or head to a counselor within your major to be sure you’re making all the right class moves. 
• Watch for Duplication – If you think you may have taken a course or otherwise fulfilled a requirement because of your current knowledge, ask if it can count toward your requirements. Even if it doesn’t count toward a core course, it might count toward an elective. Either way, watching for any duplication between what you’ve taken or have learned in the past and what’s required throughout your four years may mean you can check it off as done.
• Plan ahead – This applies all throughout the high school and college process. But say you want to study abroad. Make sure you know the courses you need to take there and what counts toward your graduation requirements. Planning ahead means taking a long-range look when you’re entering college and checking in each quarter or semester, especially if you’ve had to adjust your plan.
• Watch Packed Classes – This one can also prevent students from graduating on time. So you’d be smart to ask about classes you need to take that are especially tough to get into and get them out of the way early.
• Second Opinion – It never hurts to get a second opinion, especially if you think you want to get credit for a class taken elsewhere and its being questioned. Don’t be afraid to ask about the review process and how you an raise it up the flagpole.

Remember, failing to plan ahead and taking more courses than needed can cost you big-time. Not just in time you’ve spent in school – but also the extra dollars depleted from that bank account. So make your college years super – and start asking the tough questions now.