If you’re looking for a dose of realism and want to explore the less glamorous side of pursuing a dual degree, you’ve come to the right place. While the pros of studying two degrees have their merits, this post is dedicated to shedding light on the cons of this academic journey. The original title of this post was “Double the Knowledge, Double the Success,” but let’s face it, sometimes it feels more like “Double the Knowledge, Double the Pain.” Here, I present to you all the challenges and drawbacks of taking on two degrees at once.
1. You Can Rarely Give Your 100% and Might Lose Depth
In the previous article, I emphasized how having a heavy workload can teach you self-forgiveness and an understanding of your limitations. While this holds, it’s important to acknowledge that consistently underperforming can make you frustrated, annoyed, and disappointed. And these are the feelings that you might get too friendly with at times.
2. You Don’t Have Free Time
Oh, and did I mention that you’ll be busy? I’m speaking of “more than your friends” busy or “I again can’t go out” busy. It’s undeniable, and you might even contemplate quitting at times. However, it’s worth noting that it’s a bit of a myth that you will have no free time. Occasional social events and movie nights will still find their place in your schedule.
3. Dual Degree Might Cause Missing Classes
It’s just impossible to attend all classes with such a tight schedule, as will find yourself having a lot of overlaps. Make attending labs a priority if they’re part of your curriculum. If you’re in a university that mandates class attendance, then you’re probably in trouble and I’d suggest contacting your study advisor as soon as possible.
4. You Will Start Looking at Subjects As “Is It Easy to Pass?” Instead of “Do I Find It Interesting?”
I know you are ambitious, and I know your degree is fascinating, but having 10+ exams to pass during each examination period can shift your perspective, whether you like it or not. That’s my main issue with the double degree, sometimes it feels like you’re seeking the degree itself, not the knowledge that stands behind it.
5. Dual Degree Might Delay Your Graduation
Due to pursuing a dual degree my graduation was delayed, not because it took me longer to complete each degree (thank God), but because I started the second one when I was a year into the first one. I had the luxury of studying two related fields, but if that wasn’t the case, I could see myself extending my studies even more.
6. Others Don’t Always Wish You the Best
This is the harsh reality that I had to face. The fact is that you will most likely encounter individuals who don’t empathize with your struggles and might even add to them. Nevertheless, facing such challenges can make you stronger in the long run. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, right?
The end was a bit bitter, but the whole point of this post, and the blog in general, is to give some real advice backed by experience. And my experience of pursuing a dual degree, while rewarding, was also extremely challenging and draining. Most of the articles that I found online regarding this topic seem to lack the firsthand experience perspective, and therefore, in my opinion, are quite unreliable.
You might want to check out my other article about the pros of double degrees and if you’re contemplating pursuing such an educational path or have questions and doubts, please feel free to share them in the comment section. I’m here to provide answers and guidance. 😊
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Until next time,
A.
