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"Thirty credits in one semester -- are you nuts?!" People think I'm insane. So what's the big deal? Why such a heavy load? Well, ask college students what they lack most, and they'll answer "money and time."

I'm a senior English major taking 18 credits at Biola University, La Mirada, CA, three credits at Fullerton College, Fullerton, CA, and nine credits of independent study. Since my annual tuition costs more than a new Honda Civic, the sooner I graduate, the less I'll spend. My journey to  

graduating early

  -- a year early -- has taught me how to commit to goals, manage time, and at the same time, maintain a social life.

What Do You Really Want?
The first two months of my junior year, I changed my major five times. My goals weren't set and I wasn't sure what to do about it. Such confusion will slow you down, so to push things along, I talked with my parents, close friends, mentors, and counselors. With their guidance, I decided that my confidence in teaching and my interest in literature were obvious markers pointing me toward an English major.

From that moment, I planned my semesters and made the decision to motivate myself toward graduating early in order to save money and get a head start on my career.

The first step in graduating early, therefore, is choosing your major. Seek advice from others and pinpoint where you excel. Think about pursuing a career that will bring you satisfaction. Choosing your major is a big decision, so be sure you find something you enjoy.

Next, plan ahead. Meet with advisors to discuss your schedule. Research what classes you need to take and in what order, keeping prerequisites (mandatory classes) in mind. Contact the registrar about transferable junior college classes and deadlines for graduation. Then calculate the possibilities of graduating early.

In short, figure out what you want, plan how you're going to get it, and commit yourself to it 'til it's done.

Mixing Work and Social Life
Juggling classes, homework, friends, and hobbies has taught me how to make use of every minute on the road to graduating early. Time can never be saved, so use it wisely. Here are some ways to do just that:

Organize yourself. Use one calendar to organize assignment due dates, meetings, and activities. Highlight exams and major papers, and stick to your deadlines, since it's easier to keep up than catch up.

Know your limits and priorities. Hang out with friends, volunteer your time, and enjoy your social life. But know when to say "no." Remember that a half-hour phone call to a friend is better than staying out all night when you've got a poli-sci final the next morning.

Rest. Tired college students aren't much fun, and your body needs ample rest and fuel to keep up with your mind. Every once in a while, schedule a night off. You'll feel much better when you've got energy to complete tasks.

Find study buddies. Not only will you get work done, but you can be social, too. Bouncing ideas off others is a great way to learn and retain A+ information.

Graduating early is for the strong at heart. But the secret to working hard, having a social life, and still achieving an "early out" education is to find a healthy balance. Make college life less stressful by learning about yourself and how to set goals. Strive toward goals that bring you joy, and let that drive you to the finish line.

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