When to Expect Most College Graduations

Hey people, I've got a slightly advanced question here. My graduation seems a bit far off as a high school junior but I'd like to know when most colleges host their graduation ceremonies? Just trying to stay ahead with my planning. Thanks for your help!

Hello! It's totally fine to think ahead; it can actually be pretty helpful. Graduation ceremonies, also known as commencement ceremonies, usually take place in late spring, most often in May, but they can also happen in early June. The exact timing varies by college, and it might also depend on the program of study or department.

Traditionally, ceremonies are held at the end of the academic year to celebrate the completion of a course of study. Some schools that run on semester schedules might also have a smaller commencement ceremony in December for students who complete their degrees at the end of the fall semester.

It's best to check the academic calendar of the specific institution you're interested in for definitive information. It's also good to keep in mind that the actual date can change from year to year, so it's not something that can be perfectly planned out in advance. However, it's safe to assume it'll be late spring for most schools.

Also, bear in mind that your graduation requirement completion date (i.e., when all your credits and course requirements are officially complete) might not align perfectly with the commencement ceremony date. But don't worry—those details will become clearer as you get closer to your college years. Keep up the forward-thinking!