express or scenic route?

College Life
1

<p>My daughter is considering majoring in Meteorology and by the time she gets to college she’ll have over a years worth of credits from AP and dual credit courses. Actually she’ll have more but there is a limit as to ow many AP credits can be applied to her degree requirements at her first choice school. I had always figured she’d graduate a year early as this would be the most economical thing to do, however, now that she’s starting to see what college has to offer she’s rethinking that idea.</p>

<p>She is very interested in computers and wants to get a minor in comp sci. The meteorology department offers an “area of concentration” in computer science. I’m not sure exactly what that means but I hope it means that the extra comp sci courses she’ll need will be related to meteorology.</p>

<p>In looking over the course requirements for the meteorology program, I read it was highly recommended that students apply for a minor in math as it’s only one extra class beyond what she would need for the MET program. This seems like a good idea, they also list several other STEM related minors offered. Is there a limit to the number of minors one can apply for? is their any benefit in having multiple minors?</p>

<p>The meteorology program offers a semester abroad in Germany, she is taking German in high school and wants to continue with her study of the language. With her AP credits and the specific language classes required for the study abroad program, she’d only need to take a few more classes for a minor in German. Can she apply for a minor in German even though it isn’t listed as a minor for Meteorology? Would this be of any benefit to her?</p>

<p>She also plays and instrument and would like to continue in college so she adding music minor (requires audition) to the list and she will be applying to the Honors College which will have it’s own requirements, though some overlap.</p>

<p>Should I encourage her to take extra classes and pursue these other interests and go for multiple minors or tell her to just focus on her degree requirements an get through it as soon as possible an move on to her masters? If she takes the scenic route she would have time to get multiple minors but we won’t be able to help as much with grad school because both of her brothers will be in college by then. Thoughts?</p>

2

<p>From the perspective of an incoming transfer student to USC, I can say that I’m really hoping to live the last two years out of my undergraduate life after steamrolling through 70 units in 2 years. </p>

<p>I think in your case perhaps talk to your daughter about it and weigh the pros and cons. Your daughter doesn’t necessarily have to go to graduate school right away does she? And with how many AP credits she has it sounds like she’s a very bright individual who would have no problem getting scholarships to help her out and maybe FA if she qualifies. </p>

<p>The best advice I can give and what I’m trying to apply to my college career is that I’m only young once. Working and preparing for the future are great focuses, but truly most of my memories from the first two years of my CC times were when I was out adventuring instead of when I was cramming to stay in line with my transfer expectations. It’s just finding the right balance of if you want your daughter to rush through such a great time in her life. College is an amazing learning experience and it’d probably be a great experience if she could live it out for the full four years. It gives her a chance to truly try new things and see where her interest lies. Those minors may end up being the sole focus of her career in the future! </p>

<p>But if it may be difficult to help her out with graduate school and money will be a significant issue then perhaps the express route may be best. </p>

<p>Good luck! </p>