<p>When I was originally transferring from CC to UF to finish my last “2 years,” I figured it would probably take 2.5, realistically. When I actually sat down with my engineering adviser, I was told it would probably take 3 more full years to graduate. This is because not only are internships highly advised (which eat up your summers), but a low course load was also highly advised. I was originally advised to take a 10 credit semester, but that wouldn’t cut it for me as I’d be left out of financial aid. He then recommended I take as close to 12 credits as possible. Better to succeed and get your degree with a little more time spent than to push yourself hard and fail.</p>
<p>I’m told by engineering advisers that internships pay engineering students very well ($15 to $30 an hour, 40 hours a week, for 12 weeks in summer). The extra financial cost of taking longer to graduate may not be so bad if you factor that in.</p>