Recently I did some back-of-the-napkin math in an attempt to determine how early I can graduate from college. After tallying credit hours and factoring in internship requirements, I came to a conclusion that was exhilarating, terrifying, and seemingly impossible. I went back and double checked my math--same answer. According to my calculations, I'd be able to graduate in the spring of 2018--a full year earlier than I had expected.

Whoa.

That leaves me only a year and a half to prepare myself for the real world. In that span of time I'll have to schedule job interviews (the adult kind), buy a car, and make living arrangements. And here I thought the transition from high school to college was overwhelming!

Part of me is tempted to extend my stay here at BGSU. To take on a double minor and a study-abroad trip to Spain. After all, the college years are supposed to be the best ones of your life--why cut them short? On a more serious note, that same part of me is scared to death that when the time comes to leave the college bubble and enter back into society, I won't be ready. I'll be too under-prepared to be successful, and I'll never forgive myself for graduating college so early.

On the other hand...

There's another part of me that is thrilled at the prospect of getting a head start on my life as a self-sufficient adult. That part of me is full of confidence, itching to show the world what I'm capable of. It's also the part of me that can't wait to move to a big city, purchase my first apartment, and begin my career as a journalist. Yes, that scenario would be risky, high-stress, and would require extensive planning, but imagine the satisfaction of pulling it off! (Not to mention the satisfaction of graduating a year ahead of most of my peers!)

Bottom line: I'm generally a fairly responsible person, and I have a feeling that I'll be okay no matter which path I choose. But this is a big decision, and being successful as a student does not necessarily guarantee being successful out there on my own. Time is running out, and I need to make up my mind now so that I can begin planning out what my next steps are.

Normally my articles are intended to give advice, but this time I'm hoping to receive some from you guys. What do you think: Should I stay in college longer or should I graduate as soon as I can? Have you ever had to ask yourself this same question, and if so, what did you decide? Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions!