5 Benefits Of Being A “Super Senior”

In undergrad, I was a “super” senior: it took me 5 instead of 4 years to graduate. This was for several reasons, one of them being my major required several courses that I couldn’t take over the summer, but I wasn’t alone. In fact, most students don’t graduate in four years for many of the reasons I faced (as well as others).

But when I finished a year later, I found benefits to staying in school longer. That path isn’t for everyone, but if you find yourself in a position where you could be a super senior (or already are), don’t see it as a “failure” on your part; see it as a chance to expand your horizons! 

1. You extend your on-campus opportunities. 

Students have so many opportunities unique to them while they’re in school—joining clubs they didn’t think they would like, spending more time at the career center, getting freebies for being a student (I can’t count how many T-shirts I have from my alma mater!), and receiving student discounts at certain stores. I wouldn’t have had those chances if I graduated “on time.” And these opportunities led to me meeting people and adding to my resume—all upsides! 

2. You strengthen relationships and make new ones.

Had I graduated early, I wouldn’t have met some of the best friends I still have today. At the same time, I may not have had the chance to get to know some of my older friends as much as I did when I stayed an extra year in school. This extended to the faculty and staff as well: I got to know them better and many became mentors I still look up to today. It was a blessing in many ways.

3. You feel less rushed.

Yes, knowing I didn’t graduate “on time” was a bummer, and it was a huge blow at times. But the benefits outweighed the downsides, which were stigma and facing an expectation of graduating “on time.” When I no longer felt rushed, I truly enjoyed my senior year. It gave me some much-needed breathing room (not to mention not as many classes to take my last semester!)

4. You get to know yourself.

Your college career is an excellent time to explore your passions and potential career paths. Taking an extra year in school helped me narrow down job fields that interested me and ones that didn’t (and that’s still changing today!). I credit that time to helping me know better what’s important to me and how to incorporate my passions into my future life.

5. You realize graduating “on time” doesn’t matter.

Extending a year gave me a different outlook than if I had if I had stayed for 4 years. I felt like I matured a bit more than I would have if I graduated earlier. Instead of worrying about rushing myself to graduate, I took time to enjoy my classes and live in the moment truly, because I knew even back then that the time would pass by before I knew it. Graduation isn’t a competition, and when you treat it as a passion and a way to grow, you’re better for it—and look more fondly on your student days.

While it’s important to consider things like student loans or financial aid payments, don’t take it as a “failing” on your part if it takes you longer than expected to graduate. At the end of the day, nobody cares how long you went to college or even what grades you got. Being a “super” senior is irrelevant. What matters is that you enjoyed your time there, made connections, and challenged yourself to grow and become a better version of yourself. That’s a win in life at all times.

Originally published on Her Campus

Photo by Felipe Gregate on Unsplash