Thoughts - suspending edu for now

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by BlueMason, Nov 15, 2007.

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  1. BlueMason

    BlueMason Audaces fortuna juvat

    Folks I'm looking for some input...

    Life is very busy and I've been a full-time student for the past 2 1/2 years and, frankly, I'm getting burned out ( 4 courses / semester, including summers ). I've not been keeping up my studies this semester, again, mostly contributed to being burned out and some other reasons.

    My current major at FHSU is Computer Networking and Telecoms, and only have GenEd courses left to take ( about 30 credits worth ), but I am thinking about dropping out, as FHSU does not permit an international student to take less than 4 courses ( have to be a full-time student ), and I'm in dire need of a mental break from being a full-time student to perhaps only taking 1 course...

    That being said, I want take a single course at LSU and do some prep work for some CLEP exams in the Spring...perhaps even switch schools once I get re-energized and get a CS degree, rather than the major I am pursuing now as ultimately, I want to get a MS in MIS, and CS may be a better precursor to that.

    Thanks for reading and I'm looking forward to your input and thoughts :)
     
  2. nobycane

    nobycane New Member

    Well......all I can say is you are/were doing too much - too soon, which resulted in a "burn-out".
    If FHSU is requiring an international student to take 4 courses...which is really odd IMO, then research the option of taking your courses after this semester and transferring them into a similar program at an alternate college... such as Excelsior, Thomas Edision or Charter Oak.

    Believe me I know the burnt out feeling...been there - done that twice!!!
    Only you know what is healthy, personally, mentally and physically. I am sure that you do not want your academic portfolio to suffer...if that is the case as well... stop now - take a semester's break, chill out and gather your throughts. This minimum of 4 courses through FHSU seems really odd to me, not too sure why they would require that, unless it is program requirement - even then it seems strange.

    On the other hand, you could ride out this semester and next (which would be a stretch - I know), and then take summer off! I cannot see how and why FHSU would mandate you to take courses over the summer as a requirement to fulfill a degree! Look at this way this semester is about over... if you can ride out Spring and think you can succeed academically - then do it. Then by all means, take summer off! Then start fresh again in Fall and finish this thing up.

    My advice, I know you want to pursue a Masters'.... wonderful, however, before you get in over your head - take a semester or two off, and tackle it a fresh, relaxed mind. The Master's (usually 30 hrs) is a breeze compared to the rigorous undergrad anyways...IMO.

    Good luck
     
  3. Dave Wagner

    Dave Wagner Active Member

    As someone who has earned 329 semester units, 200 of those while working full time, I say add 30 minutes of exercise and a good night's sleep to your regimen, and... get it done! Don't take a break from your studies at FHSU; that's a mistake.

    Dave
     
  4. cookderosa

    cookderosa Resident Chef

    Don't take a break from your studies at FHSU; that's a mistake.

    Dave[/QUOTE]



    I agree with Dave.
    Now, you need to work smarter not harder. You only have Gen Ed, and you need to find out ASAP everything there is to know about CLEP exams. Spend an afternoon this week figuring out all of the technical stuff- where you can test, which tests you can use at your school, restrictions, how much it's going to cost, etc. There is a test takers forum called Instantcert you can google for the address.

    Honestly, someone who has been full time in college for the past 2 1/2 years won't need much more than a few more hours per week to get in the CLEPs. So...don't slow down....speed up and finish sooner!!! You can potentially take 5 CLEPs and be done!! One per week or 10 days is reasonable- so why not finish up before the start of the new year?? Don't stop now!!
     
  5. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    If all you have left are general education requirements, can you CLEP them?

    -=Steve=-
     
  6. Randell1234

    Randell1234 Moderator


    You got me beat - I have about 280 and all but 15 were earned while working full time. I could not agree more about the exercise. I started running 30 minutes a day / 4 times a week and feel better then ever.

    Bottom line - I would not drop out. Explore the CLEP option.
     
  7. sentinel

    sentinel New Member

    The fact you are not keeping up to date with your studies is a definite sign you are burning out mentally. You are burning out at this point. Have you noticed any changes in your behaviour and/or ability to sleep?

     
  8. cklapka

    cklapka Member

    Don't do it, jump from your studies at FHSU, it will only prolong your undergraduate education unnecessarily. I think nobycane has the right idea: recharge over the coming intermission, ride out the spring, then take the summer off and finish next fall.

    If you wish to study MIS somewhere for your graduate education that is fine but I would not jump disciplines for it. Most schools have prerequisites for certain but, they also have bridge course if necessary, finish your degree then worry about the entrance requirements at a given school. Do not let what might be needed deter you from finishing you current degree.
     
  9. dlady

    dlady Active Member

    I’ve been in this boat a lot. I have just over 240 credits, and am enrolled in 2 doctorate programs. I have found without question two things to be true. #1, don’t stop, because once you stop the motivation required to restart can take years. #2, transfer into a program that has flexible deliverables and a flexible work schedule. I find having to have work done on a schedule when you are working full time is too much of an added burden. There are many programs that provide you 8 to 16 weeks, a course syllabus, and independent access to the instructor. With this type of structure, you can work fast when you are motivated and have the time, and literally take weeks at a time off when you burn out.
     

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