A bachelor’s in engineering can usually be earned in four years. However, the 4-year graduation rate is not usually over 50%. That stemmed from the fact that Engineering has a heavy curriculum with rigorous classes. Other factors such as how frequently classes are offered play a major role.
Backstory
I started my civil engineering study in Spring 2019, and I will be graduating in May 2022. Since the UNF engineering curriculum is designed for Fall enrollment with classes such as Senior Design I & II being offered respectively in the Fall and the Spring, I started with a disadvantage. However, using the principles below, I managed to graduate in three years and a half.
The process
I think these three principles helped in achieving this.
Defining your why
College is not a race and there is no need to rush through it. However, I wanted to finish as soon as possible because I wanted to start practicing engineering and repay my debts. It will be easier to keep working if you have a good reason.
Making a plan
This is essential. I spent hours planning my classes in advance in order to have all the required prerequisites to take Senior Design I in the Fall of 2021.
– Find the degree requirement for your school
You need to know exactly what classes to take and in what order. Sometimes students make plans for Fall semester saying they will take 5 classes including a major core class without realizing that that class has a pre-requesite that they were planning to take in that same semester. A little research would have helped them plan to take that pre-requisite the summer before so that they would be ready for the core class in the Fall.
– Consult your advisor
There is some value in consulting your advisor because they should be able to help you with planning and figuring out the best plan for you. However, I have taken two unnecessary classes because my advisors didn’t lead me the right way. They are very knowledgeable but it’s always good to cross-check.
Sticking to it
It serves you nothing to know how many classes to take and when to take them if you are not willing to do the work to pass all of them. Here are some tips to help with sticking to your plan:
– Be ready to sacrifice a few summers
I had to take quite a few classes the first two summers because I had to catch up to the people who had started in the regular fall semester.
– Study smarter, not harder
You’ve probably heard that one. Think about the 80/20 rule. Use it with your studies to make your study time more efficient.
– Learn to manage your time
I worked full-time during my third summer and part-time every semester and I have learned how important it is to manage your time well. It requires scheduling, and foresight,
– Use office hours
I probably would have done better in my Fluids class if I had done this simple thing. Professors are here to help you and that is why they have office hours. Use them.
– Create a good note-taking system
Whether you choose to take notes on paper or on a computer, I recommend taking good notes. The principles you’re learning in your prerequisite classes are essential for your future classes. I started using OneNote my second summer and I wish I had started earlier. Digital note-taking system such as OneNote or Notion allows you to take notes on all your devices and you can access them at any time. This is going to be particularly useful when you are getting ready to take the FE.
– Stay healthy
This one is self-explanatory. Eat healthily, sleep well, and exercise.
– It’s okay to slow down
Earning an engineering degree is difficult and it’s okay to take your time with the classes. Graduating in 3, 4, or 5 years doesn’t make you a better engineer; understanding the engineering principles does.
Below are some interesting articles:
How to Learn Faster: An Improved Feynman Technique
Active Recall – The Studying Technique You Should Be Using
How to Stop Wasting Time – 5 Useful Time Management Tips
Suzie Key Tima 
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