Working during undergrad

[ziggy1104]

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Just wondering how many of you work while taking pre-reqs. If so, doing what and how many hours? Does this affect your grades and how many credit hours are you taking? Are you ae to fit in clubs, volunteering, shadowing, etc.

If you dont work, how do you pay living expenses if you dont mind sharing? Extra loans, family?

Thank you!

 

[blcopp]

I work during the summer and save up money, then during the school year I cut my spending to last me til next summer. My parent's help with funds also. Living with my parents and commuting to my university (30 min drive) also saves a lot of money. I have off friday and most of monday so that is when I will do volunteer stuff, study, job shadow, or sometimes work for my dad. Only have 13 credits this semester but I had 7 over the summer if that matters.

 

[CleverThought]

Just wondering how many of you work while taking pre-reqs. If so, doing what and how many hours? Does this affect your grades and how many credit hours are you taking? Are you ae to fit in clubs, volunteering, shadowing, etc.

If you dont work, how do you pay living expenses if you dont mind sharing? Extra loans, family?

Thank you!

I work between 25-35 hours a week at one job and about 5 at another and have managed a 3.85 gpa, research, 500+ volunteer hours and holding officer positions in several clubs. I think the key is to be organized and do stuff when you have the opportunity. So although I may not have an assignment due for several days or even a week, I start it as soon as possible. Even if I only get 1-2 problems or paragraphs in a sitting, it lessens my load in the long run. I write everything in a planner and basically do homework and studying at every interval I get.

As far as money, I've managed to go through undergrad debt free, due to a generous contribution and group effort from my parents, spouse, and my job.

It's not always easy, but it's manageable. Plus, I've found the semesters I'm really involved are the ones I do the best grade wise.

 

[salmo99]

I graduated with a 3.4GPA and dean's list recognition during my last semester. I worked, on average 32-40 hours per week, while taking a full course load.

Unless you are absolutely magnificent and gifted, I'd say there is a slim chance that you will break the 3.5-3.7 margin if you decide to work full time during university.

The majority of students that achieve stellar averages above 3.5 live at home with mommy and daddy, or live on campus while mommy and daddy wiretap money weekly. The fact of the matter is that students with the most financial support during university have the greatest potential to score high grades.

My experience was that if did not work at all, my grades were worse. I'd recommend you try 16 hours a week and see how it goes. I would NOT recommend working any more than 24 hours a week if you are taking a full course load. Student loans are your friend.

 

[SE86]

25-40 hrs a week in middle management; I'm married with a newborn at the time and full course load. I have 400+ hours of shadowing and also have published research, VP of pre-dental society among many other clubs and volunteering throughout the community. I graduated with a 3.74.

As to the prior post, its all about maturity time-management, and prioritization of your objectives.

And I don't live with mommy or daddy! lol

 

[ziggy1104]

Thanks for the responses! Just wondering because i will unfortunately have to start working this semester, about 20 hours per week. While finishing my AA i worked and went to school full time and managed straight A's, but those were classes i consider easier (non science courses). Now that im in upper division science courses that take much more study time to make an A, i am concerned about taking precious study time to work. I should mention i also have a 3 month old.

Oh yeah, this semester should be fun! 😱

 

[Papasmurf1234]

If you're determined it's not that difficult to get straight As while working. Many of us worked, researched, volunteered and still managed to get a decent gpa/dat. But more importantly, it's about the quality of what you do and not the quantity. Even if you did 1000 hours of research, if all you did was wash dishes then you will have absolutely nothing to talk about during that portion of your interview...and it will show.

 

[blcopp]

.

 

[Illfavor]

2 years of grad school (music) plus 1.5 years of prereqs (science) working at least 30hrs/week with a 4.0 GPA.