Commute last semester?

[Hillo]

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For the year I'm applying, I could either do 15 credits then graduate (no Spring semester) OR 12 credits then 3 credits (a web-based course with in-person exams).

I get approximately the same amount of money either way, so I'm leaning toward the second option.

The question - should I commute and leave the people + extracurriculars to save ~$3,000?

 

[docwei88]

Wow! I was going through this dilemma a while back.
I am not sure what your circumstances are, but here was mine (and maybe it may be the same...or not): I calculated a while back that I would have enough credits to graduate after my junior year. So I was going to go along that route. However, I saw that I would save more money if I stay senior year and take as many AP classes as I possibly can manage since AP replaces some college courses. Also, it is nice to like enjoy all four years of high school. Your last year could be a more relaxed year, getting prepared for college and you would not be so 'hurried' in terms of applying. Also, you get to spend one last summer before college with family, etc.
Anyway, what are your circumstances? Does your school provide any dual credit college courses?

 

[Hillo]

Oops, I was referring to my last semester of college :x

I am able to live FOR FREE with some people who are approximately two hours away (one and a half hours if I drive extremely fast at the right hour) from my university.

 

[Tolbert]

If it were me, I'd probably choose the first option. There's no reason for me to do the second.

If you chose the second option, why wouldn't you just do 3 for fall instead of spring? I mean I've seen people say that the interviews are typically done in the fall-winter so that'd be better to me..

 

[Hillo]

It's because I could only do less than 12 credits my final semester (scholarship rules).

 

[docwei88]

Ooooooh makes a difference. Well, I'd go with the idea of graduating early...but what happens after you graduate?

 

[Hillo]

When you graduate, you don't get any money the following semester.

I want to spend more time studying for an exam and on my hobbies 🙂

 

[docwei88]

When you graduate, you don't get any money the following semester.

I want to spend more time studying for an exam and on my hobbies 🙂

Well..I am assuming you just graduate from high school or something...so maybe wait a while? Is it a must choice?
Also, pertaining to no money...is it no money for med school? If you graduate early from college, that means you have a gap semester in a sense. But how long does the scholarship last? If it is just for undergrad, then do graduate early. But if it is not...

 

[Hillo]

Every semester in undergrad, I'll get money if I'm registered for at least 12 credits (at least 1 credit for my final semester).

I was wondering if I should stay in the college town for another semester OR take the $3,000.

 

[docwei88]

Ooh i see. Okay.
If I were you, I would stay around. During the 3 credit semester, do as much EC as possible. Volunteer. Make yourself a worthwhile candidate for med school. Last semester, finish up.
This way, you would have less stress. Yes it would be cool to grad early. Have a gap semester. But it would be nice to have more ECs under your belt. You know. And no feeling of hurry.
Edit: or something of the like. Pertaining to your schedule.

 

[Tolbert]

It's because I could only do less than 12 credits my final semester (scholarship rules).

yeah i'd just graduate early.