3 years premed + 1 year or 4 years premed?

[Nav2020]

I am sophomore at state university
Weighing options to graduate in 3 years and research 4th year
I'm biochem major
Please share your thoughts


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[Kingsmen2018]

If you are pre med I forbid you from doing so. In order to graduate early u will need a high course load. IT will be hard to do that + mcat

 

[Nav2020]

Kingsmen2018: thanks for the response
Load is manageable to me and I am spending 700+ hours of lab research

My concern: am i going to turn down by top md schools for holding 3 yrs BS degree in biochemistry

My goal MD-PhD @ top 5 schools



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[Doctor-S]

B.S. degree in Biochemistry is fine.

What type of professional career do you plan to pursue in the future?

If you ultimately plan to pursue two degrees (i.e., as an MD/PhD student), you should show a serious interest in research from a four-year institution. You can also conduct research at a business entity (e.g., pharmaceutical company).

It's advisable to have a minimum of at least 2 or more semesters (or at least 6 quarters or more) of serious research experience (10-15 hours/week in a lab), preferably much longer. Many students work summers and/or take gap years for the same reason. You must "know" your research well because you will be asked serious questions about your research in the MD/PhD interview, as well as in your MD/PhD essays.

 

[Nav2020]

B.S. degree in Biochemistry is fine.

What type of professional career do you plan to pursue in the future?

If you ultimately plan to pursue two degrees (i.e., as an MD/PhD student), you should show a serious interest in research from a four-year institution. You can also conduct research at a business entity (e.g., pharmaceutical company).

It's advisable to have a minimum of at least 2 or more semesters (or at least 6 quarters or more) of serious research experience (10-15 hours/week in a lab), preferably much longer. Many students work summers and/or take gap years for the same reason. You must "know" your research well because you will be asked serious questions about your research in the MD/PhD interview, as well as in your MD/PhD essays.

Thank you Doctor-S,
This is very helpful

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