Senioritis is real. Of the Class of 2009, only 69.4 percent are taking at least a four-credit load.
In comparison, 96.1 percent of juniors this spring are taking at least four courses, as are 99.1 percent of sophomores and 98.7 percent of first years.
Registrar Christine Cote said that seniors take a three-credit load for a variety of reasons.
"The reasons I tend to hear are, number one, they're working on their honors project, and they need time to do that," said Cote. "Number two, they're looking for a job, or maybe graduate school requires some time, too. Number three, they just have enough credits and don't need to take four."
In the fall semester, 11.7 percent of the Class of 2009 did not take at least four courses (honors projects and independent studies count as courses).
Bowdoin requires 32 credits for graduation. Passing a course is worth one credit, or half of a credit in the case of music, dance, and theater performance courses. Students can count certain Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate credits earned in high school toward their graduation, and thus not need to take four courses in all eight semesters.
According to Bowdoin's course catalog, "All students at Bowdoin are full-time students and, in order to make normal progress toward the degree, are expected to enroll in no fewer than four credits each semester."
Seniors who are taking three classes generally said they felt their time could be better spent than on a fourth class. One senior said he wanted to enjoy his last semester at college without having to spend so much time working.
"Now is one of the last times I'll be together with my best friends," said Arnab Quadry '09.
Increased commitment to athletics is another reason seniors cite for taking three classes.
"The big thing is the sailing team," said Pete Wadden '09, who is a co-captain of the sailing team. "It takes up all my time."
Wadden said he has also used the extra time to study for the Graduate Record Examination, which he took last week.
Some seniors are already looking ahead to after graduation.
"I feel like I'm ready to get into the work world, and although I love my classes, I don't feel like that's where my life is taking me," said Kate Krosschell '09.
Senior Sara Griffin said that she is taking three classes to put extra time into her honors project.
"This semester is really heavy with writing and pulling my ideas together," she said. "I'm doing more work than I did when I had four classes."
Of course, the majority of seniors this semester are taking four classes.
"There were four classes that sounded interesting, so I took four," said Chris Jacob '09.
Seniors taking four classes also cited the importance of making full use of both tuition and Bowdoin's resources.
"You're here," said Tom Cook '09. "Might as well take advantage of it."
Dean of Student Affairs Tim Foster said that he recognized the extra pressure that students must deal with their senior year, but he urged seniors to consider taking four courses if they feel they can handle it.
"I have mixed feelings on the senior fall or spring three-course load," Foster said. "I understand some students use the extra time to prepare for life beyond Bowdoin, and that can be time well spent, but I don't like the fact that so many students see 32 credits as the finish line when in fact this is the minimum standard."