Georgia Perimeter College, now known as Perimeter College at Georgia State University, offers students a comprehensive education with a wide range of academic programs. For students aiming to graduate faster, there are several strategies and tips that can help achieve this goal. Here are 12 Georgia Perimeter tips to help students graduate more quickly:
Understanding the Academic Landscape
Before diving into the tips, it’s essential to understand the academic landscape of Perimeter College. The college offers associate degree programs, as well as pathways to bachelor’s degrees through its partnership with Georgia State University. Students can choose from a variety of majors, including arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and more.
Academic Advising
One of the most critical tips for graduating faster is to regularly meet with an academic advisor. Advisors can help students create a personalized plan, ensuring they take the right courses, in the right order, to stay on track. This is particularly important for students who are unsure about their major or career path. By seeking guidance, students can avoid taking unnecessary courses, which can add extra time and expense to their academic journey.
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Meet with an advisor regularly | Regular meetings ensure students stay on track with their academic plan |
| 2. Choose a major early | Declaring a major early helps students focus on relevant courses and avoid unnecessary electives |
| 3. Take summer classes | Summer classes can help students get ahead, taking advantage of smaller class sizes and more flexible scheduling |
Credit Hours and Course Load
Understanding credit hours and course load is vital for graduating faster. Students should aim to take a full course load each semester, typically 12-15 credit hours. However, it’s essential to balance academic rigor with other responsibilities, such as work, family, or extracurricular activities. Taking too many courses can lead to burnout, while taking too few can prolong graduation.
Additionally, students can take advantage of online courses, which offer flexibility and convenience. Online courses can be particularly helpful during summer sessions or for students who need to balance academic and professional responsibilities.
Transfer Credits and Prior Learning Assessment
For students who have attended other colleges or universities, transferring credits can be a significant time-saver. Perimeter College has a generous transfer credit policy, allowing students to transfer up to 90 credit hours from other accredited institutions. Students should work closely with their advisor to ensure a smooth transfer process.
Furthermore, students can also take advantage of prior learning assessment (PLA), which allows them to earn credit for knowledge and skills gained through work experience, training, or other non-academic activities. PLA can be a valuable way for students to accelerate their graduation timeline.
Stay Organized and Focused
Finally, staying organized and focused is crucial for graduating faster. Students should create a schedule, set goals, and prioritize tasks to ensure they stay on track. Regularly reviewing progress with an advisor can help students identify areas for improvement and make adjustments as needed.
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| 4. Take online courses | Online courses offer flexibility and convenience, allowing students to balance academic and professional responsibilities |
| 5. Transfer credits from other institutions | Transferring credits can save students time and money, accelerating their graduation timeline |
| 6. Take advantage of prior learning assessment | PLA allows students to earn credit for knowledge and skills gained through non-academic activities |
| 7. Stay organized and focused | Creating a schedule, setting goals, and prioritizing tasks helps students stay on track and graduate faster |
| 8. Use campus resources | Perimeter College offers a range of resources, including tutoring, academic support, and career counseling, to help students succeed |
| 9. Join a study group or club | Joining a study group or club can help students connect with peers, stay motivated, and learn from others |
| 10. Seek help when needed | Don't hesitate to ask for help when struggling with coursework or personal issues – Perimeter College offers a range of support services |
| 11. Stay informed about academic policies | Understanding academic policies, such as grading, attendance, and withdrawal procedures, can help students navigate the college system |
| 12. Celebrate milestones and progress | Celebrating milestones and progress can help students stay motivated and engaged throughout their academic journey |
What is the average time to graduate from Perimeter College?
+The average time to graduate from Perimeter College varies depending on the program and student circumstances. However, with careful planning and academic advising, students can complete their associate degree in two years or less.
Can I transfer credits from other colleges or universities to Perimeter College?
+Yes, Perimeter College has a generous transfer credit policy, allowing students to transfer up to 90 credit hours from other accredited institutions. Students should work closely with their advisor to ensure a smooth transfer process.
What resources are available to help students graduate faster?
+Perimeter College offers a range of resources to help students graduate faster, including academic advising, online courses, prior learning assessment, and campus resources such as tutoring and career counseling. Students can also join study groups or clubs to connect with peers and stay motivated.
