[lgalletta]

When I entered a 4 year state university, the school encouraged only 4 classes a semester. Because I paid for college myself, I counted every penny twice. I figured out that by going along with the schools reccomendations, I would not graduate in 4 years, but rather 4 1/2. When questioned, the school said it made these reccomendations to ensure student success. In my mind, this was unacceptable because I could not afford the expenses for the extra semester. I took more than the reccomended classes every semester, and even graduated with two degress in four years. Every one of my college roomates, and most of my friends did not graduate with me. They all stayed for the extra semester, while I started my "real job". Over the years, I have learned that this practice is very common in schools around the country. Students should be aware of what courses will be required to graduate on time (or even early).