Reduced status/part time student for final semester - mention on secondaries?

[Lunistrella]

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Quick question. I only took 1 class during my spring semester of senior year, because I had all the credit requirements to graduate at the end of the fall semester and just wanted to finish up a second major. This allowed me to pay a decreased tuition and also freed up time to work two jobs (well and internship and a part time job) during the spring semester. Would it look bad that I only took 1 course that semester if I don't explain the reasoning if given room in a secondary or somewhere else? Thanks in advance!

 

[Catalystik]

Quick question. I only took 1 class during my spring semester of senior year, because I had all the credit requirements to graduate at the end of the fall semester and just wanted to finish up a second major. This allowed me to pay a decreased tuition and also freed up time to work two jobs (well and internship and a part time job) during the spring semester. Would it look bad that I only took 1 course that semester if I don't explain the reasoning if given room in a secondary or somewhere else? Thanks in advance!

Why would you not explain that you're holding down two jobs? If anyone did ask about it, your financial motivation is perfectly reasonable.

 

[Lunistrella]

Why would you not explain that you're holding down two jobs? If anyone did ask about it, your financial motivation is perfectly reasonable.

I worded that fairly poorly - I do come from a fairly well-off family. While the financial benefits were definitely a factor in my decision, for me, going reduced status at my university was more of an opportunity to explore life outside of school, so I continued a research internship and started scribing. I therefore am unsure if the financial aspect of this choice is a great reason to explain why I chose to go reduced status rather than taking a full courseload, but I do see your point that it would be beneficial to explain that I worked an internship and a job instead.

 

[Catalystik]

I do see your point that it would be beneficial to explain that I worked an internship and a job instead.

That you are busy and productive, whether through academics, work, ECs, or whatever, is what you want to convey.

 

[Lunistrella]

That you are busy and productive, whether through academics, work, ECs, or whatever, is what you want to convey.

Sounds good, thank you! So if a secondary doesn't explicitly ask about a deviations in study or abnormal course of study, you would recommend that I should use the "Additional Information" section or the "Are there any other qualifications you want the admissions committee to know" apparent in many secondaries to upload a PDF explaining this?

 

[Catalystik]

You don't need to explain planned activities during the application year unless asked. But both research and clinical employment reflect well, so if given an opportunity, mention them.

As far as your planned academics, it only matters that you will graduate on time. Give specifics if requested.