If you're hoping to graduate in four years, you'll need to do some careful planning. Here are some tips on saving yourself the time and expense of extra semesters.

College is so much fun that you'd like to stay for five or six years, right? Well, probably not. With rising tuition costs, extra semesters can be incredibly costly. To top that off, you're probably eager to get on with your life and join the workforce. Unfortunately, it's become common for undergraduates to become "super seniors"-- that is, seniors who stick around past the four year point.

So how do you spare yourself the super senior experience and graduate in four years? Here are some tips to help you get to graduation day on time.

Get a Good College Advisor

If you're planning to navigate the system and get out on time, you'll probably need a little help. That help comes in the form of an advisor from either your department or the school itself. Tell your advisor upfront that you plan to graduate in four years and want help making that possible. Your advisor will help you plan out the classes you need to graduate on time.

Visit your advisor at least once a semester for help selecting classes, and to discuss any academic problems or questions that arise. Make sure you have a good advisor with whom you feel comfortable. If you don't feel that your advisor is doing a good job, ask to be assigned a different one. A good advisor should:

• be knowledgeable about the classes you need to graduate.
• be knowledgeable about your specific major and its requirements.
• be knowledgeable about internships and campus opportunities related to your major and interests.
• make you feel comfortable.
• be willing to meet with you at least once a semester, and more often if necessary.
• show interest and concern about you as a student.

Know Your Requirements

To graduate from any college or university, there are a set of required classes you need to take. Your advisor can help you choose the classes you need, but that's not enough. Ultimately, it's your responsibility to make sure you have fulfilled all the requirements needed to graduate.

Generally, there are two kinds of required classes. First, your college or university probably has a set of core requirements, which are courses all students must take to graduate. The requirements may include specific classes, such as public speaking or basic composition. In addition, you'll also be required to take courses that meet category requirements, which can be satisfied by taking one of a number of different courses. For example, you might be required to take a World History course, but to fulfill that requirement, you may be able to choose between twenty different classes..

In addition, you'll have to take classes that fulfill major requirements. These are classes you need in order to earn a major in your subject of choice. Many or most of these classes will be courses in the major itself. However, in order to earn a major in your field, you may also have to take specific classes outside of your major.

Choose Your Major in a Timely Manner

The sooner you choose a major, the easier it will be for you to graduate on time. If you switch majors halfway through, you may not have time to complete your major requirements in four years You also may have taken classes for your old major that don't count for the new one, which will slow down your progress.

This doesn't mean you need to choose your major immediately, or that you can't graduate in four years if you change your major. In fact, it's a good idea to be open-minded about different majors for the first two or three semesters. However, try to choose your major by your third or fourth semester. Changing your major multiple times quite often is a ticket to extra time in school.

If you haven't chosen a major, here's an important tip: take classes that fulfill the core requirements until you decide. This will allow you to make progress towards graduation no matter what major you choose.

Do Well in Your Classes

This is an obvious point, but a very important one. If you fail enough classes, you won't graduate on time. You also won't graduate unless you meet the school's minimum GPA. Furthermore, many departments will only count courses towards the major if you earn a certain grade, such as a C.

Consider Double Majors, Minors, and Study Abroad Carefully

It's easier to earn a double major at some schools than at others. If the core requirement load is heavy, it may be difficult to complete a double major on time.

Minors can also slow you down. If your school requires a minor, then you'll have to earn one, but if it doesn't, you might want to skip this option if it could prevent you from graduating on time.

If you plan to study abroad, make sure you can take classes abroad that will transfer back to your home school.

Transfer Credits

If you plan to transfer to a different school, graduating in four years can be quite a challenge. You'll want to take classes that will transfer to your new school, and meet with an advisor to get some good advice. Here's more information about becoming a transfer student.

Summer School

If you need to make up some lost credits, consider summer school. Summer courses are often a little bit cheaper and easier, and more fun because of the smaller class sizes and relaxed atmosphere. If the credits will transfer, you can take summer classes at a different college or university. Here's more information about summer school.

Graduating on time may seem complicated, but with careful planning, you can usually achieve this goal. Best of luck! For more help with study skills, here are some time management tips for college students and some poor study habits to avoid.