I. Introduction
As the cost of college education continues to rise and the job market becomes increasingly competitive, many students are finding themselves spending more time in school than expected. While some students choose to take gap years or transfer to other schools, others opt to extend their college careers by becoming what is commonly known as “super seniors.” In this article, we will examine what defines a super senior, explore the reasons why some students choose to stay in school longer, evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of being a super senior, address common myths surrounding this phenomenon, and discuss potential future developments in regard to super seniors.
II. Unpacking the Definition of a “Super Senior”
A super senior is a college student who has exceeded the typical four years it takes to complete an undergraduate degree. While there is no universal definition, super seniors typically take longer than four years to graduate college due to a variety of reasons, including indecision about their major, academic struggles, taking fewer classes per semester to work or participate in extracurricular activities, or changing majors midway through their college career. Super seniors are different from other college students because they have typically experienced more of the ups and downs that come with the college experience.
What makes super seniors stand out among their peers is their perseverance. They have not given up on obtaining their degree, even when things became challenging. More often than not, super seniors have had to overcome a variety of obstacles in order to stay on track and complete their degree.
III. From Freshman to Super Senior
Many college students do not expect to become super seniors when they first start college. In fact, most students start college with the expectation that they will finish in four years and move on to the next stage of their lives. However, there are several reasons why some college students choose to stay longer and become super seniors.
One reason is that some students encounter academic struggles early on in their college career that derail their original plans. For example, a student may enter college with the expectation of becoming a pre-med major but then realizes that the subject matter is not accessible to them, is not interested in the prerequisite courses, or perhaps had underestimated the demand of the discipline. Similarly, many students become fatigued with their college career. After spending years attending early classes, writing countless papers and essays, and experiencing the general stress of college life, some students simply want a break from the experience. Continually increasing debt from student loans is another factor, working to cover tuition costs may mean fewer classes and additional semesters in college.
IV. The Advantages and Disadvantages of Being a Super Senior
The advantages of being a super senior include having more time to explore major and career goals. Super seniors have had more time to develop their interests and passions, and possibly gain more experience in their area. This can lead to a clearer idea of what they want to pursue after college and a better understanding of how to achieve their career aspirations. Additionally, being a super senior also means being more mature, independent, and knowledgeable than their younger peers.
However, there are also several disadvantages of being a super senior. The most significant disadvantage is the financial burden. College is expensive, and taking more than four years to complete a degree can put a significant strain on a student’s finances. Additionally, being a super senior means being an outlier. Being a few years older than one’s peers and seeing younger, freshman students enjoying university experiences can be frustrating. The consequences of a stagnant career and postponed income can also play a significant factor.
The decision to be a super senior is unique to each individual and requires weighing the pros and cons and considering personal circumstances and factors.
V. Breaking Down the Myths Surrounding Super Seniors
There are several myths surrounding super seniors that need to be addressed. One common myth is that they are undecided or unsure of what they want to do with their lives. In reality, many super seniors have discovered their passions through trial and error while in college and have taken the extra time to pursue careers that they are genuinely enthusiastic about. Another myth is that super seniors are all slackers or unmotivated. This view is most certainly not the case as super seniors are determined and work towards achieving their goals.
VI. The Future of Super Seniors
The trend of super seniors is most likely to become a norm in the future, as it has become in many universities already. The financial struggles of college graduates and the added pressure to have multiple internships and high GPAs to secure job placements are a significant factor. The pursuit of higher education has become more important than ever.
VII. Conclusion
Super seniors, despite their financial struggles and stigmas, are hard-working individuals who have an alternative approach to achieving higher education. Their decisions, although often scrutinized, must be commended for their determination to succeed and accomplish their goals. While super seniors may not be the norm, they are providing valuable insights and guidance to future students who will go through the same experience, encouraging students to pursue what they ultimately desire and believe in.