benefits to graduating a semester early?

[sixpence]

so i think i can graduate after next fall semester and so i would be saving in range of $16000. i am currently a junior and i was planning on applying spring of senior year, which i would be out of school then. so is this something advisable, or should i just take more classes?

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[Bacchus]

$16000 is a lot of money. Take it and run.

 

[aebvd97]

so i think i can graduate after next fall semester and so i would be saving in range of $16000. i am currently a junior and i was planning on applying spring of senior year, which i would be out of school then. so is this something advisable, or should i just take more classes?

Well if you find something "meaningful" to do with your time, I'd say go for it. Med schools are going to want to see that you spent time doing something medically related-ish..like research, tons of volunteering, spent time volunteering abroad, what have you. I think just working any old job isn't going to hurt either...so save the money and make some money if you can!

If you plan on only being a vegetable for the rest of the year...not so good. Is there a reason you aren't applying this coming spring/summer?

 

[Chemist0157]

$16000 is a lot of money. Take it and run.

/end of thread

 

[SN2ed]

For me, I really enjoyed college because of all of my friends and professors. The fun, memorable times that can be had with those people is worth a semester's tuition to me. Additionally, it is unlikely that you'll be able to see some of those people again. Hence, I say take a light course load of courses you've always wanted to take and enjoy your time at college. If you hate college and want to get out, by all means finish. Also, if you don't want to pay that much, graduate.

 

[sixpence]

so if i go through with this, i'm still going to be living near campus, and probably working in a lab, and doing everything I normally would be doing, except taking classes (probably studying for the mcat instead). I'm definitely not ready to apply to schools as of now, in terms of maturity and requirements which is why I am waiting. If the only things I do during this off semester is work in a lab and volunteer, would it look bad if I don't do anything significant in the lab, like getting published?

 

[shemarty]

I finished my classes 2 quarters early, so I stayed on campus and did other stuff (research, teaching, volunteering, etc). I still graduated in June with my classmates, but I saved 2 quarters of tuition.

It was great, I recommend it 🙂

 

[biophysicianai]

i'm actually doing the same thing as you are (f***ing financial crisis)!


I think it'll be alright, man. do something cool!

 

[katarina90]

Lol same here, planning to graduate in fall 2010 (bio major with minor in psychology), echoing the other posts i think as long as you keep active, it shouldn't be an issue (may even be a plus if you have some good experiences to talk about?). I plan on substitute teaching for a semester, I'm working on getting licensed soon and there's a shortage of teachers anyways : )

 

[biophysicianai]

hey katarina, how do you become a substitute teacher? that sounds pretty cool!

 

[aznb0y129]

so i think i can graduate after next fall semester and so i would be saving in range of $16000. i am currently a junior and i was planning on applying spring of senior year, which i would be out of school then. so is this something advisable, or should i just take more classes?

I did exactly what you did. I had a half scholarship during my first 3 years, but because I was going to exceed the number of credits needed to graduate after the first semester of my senior year, I decided to graduate early and save the tuition that would have been roughly $16000 also. I'd say you can probably get a leg up on the competition in terms of finding a job because there's less people applying after the fall as opposed to the spring.

 

[biophysicianai]

the job market ain't so hot these days, tho 😡

if you're willing to pipette, you'll find something easily, but that's not a fun spot to be in

 

[katarina90]

hey katarina, how do you become a substitute teacher? that sounds pretty cool!

It probably depends on the district, but here in NV the requirements are 62 college credits (6 must be education or social science related--mine are filled by PSY 101 and SOC 101) and passing a few tests (Praxis I, which isn't too daunting--mainly a general knowledge math/reading exam; and a NV Law/Constitution test--they sell comprehensive study guides at most college bookstores here).

I'm hoping to get my license early next year : )

 

[n3opologist]

OP

I would definitely do it, and am doing it for myself. I just enrolled in my final quarter, which will end in March. I'm taking the spring off.

Whenever I talk to current practicing physicians about medicine and going to medical school, they always tell me, "Take a year off! Life happens too fast just to run through everything. Not taking a year off is one of my biggest regrets."
Now, while there is no way I want to take a year off, I think that graduating a quarter/semester early can give a taste of time off.
By the time med school starts next summer, I will be refreshed and ready to go.
You never play the Superbowl/World Series/The Finals the day after the playoffs end. It's in our nature to regroup and refresh ourselves before we take on the next challenge.
Do it!