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Readers React: Why graduating ‘on time’ doesn’t guarantee success

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To the editor: As someone who is taking more than four years to graduate, I absolutely believe that four-year graduation rates don’t provide a complete picture of success. A student who achieves his or her diploma in 48 months is in no way more likely to achieve at life than someone who takes five or even six years. (“Critics say college graduation rates don’t tell the whole story,” Dec. 17)

One of my classmates in college took time off to expand her own business; another decided to gain work experience and bring her life back into perspective. Although these students will graduate a year later than their peers, who is to say that they are less qualified for a job?

Part-time jobs, family obligations, work-life balance — whatever the reason, taking more than four years to graduate has the potential of better preparing a person for a career, family and overall well-being. Speed is not always the most objective measurement of a person’s ability.

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Meixi Wang, Lawrence, Kansas

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion

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