A growing number of colleges and universities now offer accelerated degree programs, which are sometimes referred to as “4+1 programs.” These programs allow a student to earn both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in just five years, rather than the usual six or seven.
Even after having been admitted to their college of choice, however, students must still seek admission to these programs separately. The admissions process for such programs typically begins during students’ junior year in college, but individuals who already believe that one of these programs may be right for them would be wise to begin preparing for this application process during their junior and senior years of high school. Here are three reasons that it is beneficial for high school students to start planning for 4+1 admissions now.
[Learn to use all four years of high school to prepare for college.]
1. Ensure your college of choice meets your 4+1 needs: While many colleges and universities offer 4+1 programs, most do not offer them in every field of study. If you are certain that you would like to pursue a 4+1 program while in college, conduct research as a junior or earlier in order to determine which institutions offer which programs.
For instance, if you plan to pursue a master’s degree in sociology, ensure your prospective college has a 4+1 program in that field, or a relationship with a school that does.
Financial matters must also be taken into account. Get an idea of what your fifth year at a given college will cost and if you can afford it. If you will be applying for undergraduate financial aid, ask whether financial aid packages can be applied to the final year of a 4+1 program.
[Get more tips and advice on paying for college.]
2. Cultivate a record of your interests: It is important to remember that admission to 4+1 programs is not guaranteed — even though you will already be attending the host school. Thus, it is highly beneficial to view your time in high school as an opportunity to pursue classes and extracurriculars that display your interest in and commitment to your prospective field.
Just as you should ideally begin thinking about your undergraduate admissions profile as a high school freshman, you should also start thinking about your 4+1 admissions profile several years ahead of time. If you hope to pursue a master’s degree in a science, take an Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate or honors-level class in that subject. If you hope to pursue cultural studies, consider participating in a student exchange initiative. In short, aim to show your intended program that you have had a passion for and success in its subject for a number of years.
[Check out these 10 colleges that lead to graduate school.]
3. Investigate whether it is truly right for your future career goals: Choosing a college or university almost solely for its 4+1 program is a weighty decision, and such a choice assumes that you will not change courses once you begin college. Are you 100 percent certain that a master’s degree in a given program is truly what you want?
Furthermore, not all careers require a master’s degree. Before committing to a school on the basis of its 4+1 program, confirm that a master’s degree is absolutely critical to your future. For example, can you enter the business world without an MBA? Will you need an advanced degree to become a translator?
One of the best ways to gauge the necessity of earning a graduate degree is to speak with individuals who already work in your intended career. Did a graduate degree help them enter and advanced within the field?
If your high school employs a career counselor, you can also meet with this person. He or she may have professional connections or know of resources that can aid you in your research.
Pursuing a 4+1 program is not a step that every high school senior will be willing or able to take, but for those students who are certain that it is the right path for them, the benefits of a 4+1 program can be great. One fewer year of student loans and the opportunity to begin your career one year earlier are tremendous advantages, so be sure you do all you can to increase your chances of admission to the correct 4+1 program for you.
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Start Planning for 4+1 Master’s Program Admissions in High School originally appeared on usnews.com
