Psychology Faculty Publications

Driven and No Regrets: A Qualitative Analysis of Students Earning Baccalaureate Degrees in Three Years

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-2007

Journal Title

Educational Research Quarterly

Volume

31

Issue

2

First Page

30

Last Page

43

Abstract

Using rigorous qualitative research methodology, twenty-four college students receiving their undergraduate degrees in three years were interviewed. Following analysis of the semi-structured interview transcripts and coding, themes emerged, indicating that these students possessed self-discipline, self-motivation, and drive. Overall, the results indicate that students are driven by their future plans, external influences, and their own personality. Thoughts to quit the program sometimes occurred, but students in our sample did not dwell on them. Additionally, they expressed few regrets regarding their decisions, despite the costs paid, the sacrifices made, the health endured, and the social experiences missed. Finally, these students discussed how graduating early affected their grades, changes they would make if they could do it all over again, and advice they would give to future students contemplating early college graduation.

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