When did you CP?

[PrincessAndie]

I am a freshman in my second semester at Kennesaw State University. I was seriously contemplating the Fall '11 CP season. My dad wants me to have another year of school under my belt before doing this.
fI'm just curious, For those of you who are currently or who have been in the college program, when did you go? Was it too early, just right, or do you wish you did it sooner? Why?

 

[disneymegs]

I went after my first semester. I don't think it was too early. It would be the same at any time I think. It all depends on what you have going on.

 

[Tigger1234]

I have applied for Fall Advantage 2011 and im in my second semester of college too. I thought it was the right time for me because im a nursing major and if I get rejected I could always apply for Spring Advantage 2012. I didn't want to wait until I was already in nursing school and then have to stop my clinicals and stuff half way through to do the program. I'm on day 10 of waiting for my letter. The wait is killing me!!! Best of luck to you and which ever you decide to do. The disney program I think would be an excellent opportunity for any college student who is in love with Disney. You would learn so many different things from the program that would help you later in life.

 

[Legaleen]

I'm doing the CP the first semester of my sophomore year. My reason for doing it so... early, I suppose, because I'm debating what I want to do with the rest of my life and how I feel about working for Disney may just make me want to change my major or decide what I want to do with it. I really just think it depends on what you have going on with your life. Are you a part of a club that is going on a huge trip next semester or is there a class that is only offered rarely that you really want to take? As the others have said, I really don't think there is a right or wrong time, it just depends on you.

 

[parkhopmom]

Sorry, this is coming from a mom's point of view-if you're getting financial aid, look into your scholarship requirements. My daughter was accepted for spring advantage 2010 which was her junior year, but she had to decline because of an internship she was already in. She reapplied this year and accepted a merchandise role for spring advantage 2011. She lost her scholarship and cannot get it back because it was dependent on her being enrolled full time for consecutive semesters. Luckily when she gets back in the fall she only has 3 classes to finish and then she graduates. Much easier to handle than having to pay for the 3 full semesters we would have had to pay had she gone in her junior year.

 

[Scully12]

I went second semester sophmore year. It was a good time for me because I was getting sick of school...So I still had the summer after my junior year to make up a few classes to graduate on time. Worked out great!

 

[Tigger1234]

If you have scholarships talk to your financial aid advisor. I'm on scholarships, but with my school you can put it on hold while your in the program.

 

[Legaleen]

I am also on scholarships and as long as I take classes I can keep them. That depends on your school and the way they deal with internships. I also easily got out of my housing contract as long as I get credit while I am away. Once again, it depends on your particular situation.

 

[thisisemily]

I am a second semester freshman right now!

I have to take 3 online classes from Sept-Dec while in FL. By doing this..I won't lose my scholarships!

 

[courtthib]

Sorry, this is coming from a mom's point of view-if you're getting financial aid, look into your scholarship requirements. My daughter was accepted for spring advantage 2010 which was her junior year, but she had to decline because of an internship she was already in. She reapplied this year and accepted a merchandise role for spring advantage 2011. She lost her scholarship and cannot get it back because it was dependent on her being enrolled full time for consecutive semesters. Luckily when she gets back in the fall she only has 3 classes to finish and then she graduates. Much easier to handle than having to pay for the 3 full semesters we would have had to pay had she gone in her junior year.

This stinks!!! I am a freshman in my second semester and before I applied for the CP I met with the lady in charge of internships at our school and that was my first question! I depend on all of the scholarships I have to get through school and losing them would be horrible, but she told me that when I get my acceptance letter they (my school) will team up with Disney to compose a letter stating that I was taking part in an internship that is related to school, etc. and I would be able to keep all of my scholarships!

 

[PrincessAndie]

Sorry, this is coming from a mom's point of view-if you're getting financial aid, look into your scholarship requirements. My daughter was accepted for spring advantage 2010 which was her junior year, but she had to decline because of an internship she was already in. She reapplied this year and accepted a merchandise role for spring advantage 2011. She lost her scholarship and cannot get it back because it was dependent on her being enrolled full time for consecutive semesters. Luckily when she gets back in the fall she only has 3 classes to finish and then she graduates. Much easier to handle than having to pay for the 3 full semesters we would have had to pay had she gone in her junior year.

good to know, thank you. I am actually speaking to my advisor this week about the program and what they suggest/how the school interacts with the program.
Thank you everyone for your responses and feedback. This is some really helpful stuff.

 

[ktrex]

Scholarships and stuff aside, if college (or the CP) is your very first time leaving home, or if you're still pretty dependent on your parents/other people for lots of things, the CP might not quite be right for you yet. I knew one guy who did it his second semester of college, and who had lived at home for that semester, and he was always late, always asking people to drive him to work because he missed the bus, and in general did not know how to handle himself on his own and with a company. A few of my roommates had never lived away from home or in an apartment, and thus had no idea how to deal with roommates or chores in any sort of responsible fashion.

Of course, the CP can always help you learn how to deal with these things while you're there, but if you don't want to annoy anyone, or really want a future with the company, waiting until your junior or senior year is preferable.

 

[Frizzbird]

I did my CP 2nd semester Junior year. I'm not gonna lie, becuase of the CP my class schedule ended up being really wonky and I had to take 19 hours this semester in order to graduate in May. But that isn't entirely becuase of the CP. I personally wouldn't have chosen to go any other time. Once you do one CP you will most likely want to do another or just go back to Disney. I knew that I only had a year left of school so it motivated me to come home and graduate. I am now going back for the Fall 11 program.

As everyone else mentioned it really depends on your degree program. For some people it makes the most sense to do it early on in your program. But for others it is best to wait till after graduation. For me it worked out that I could fit it in in the middle.