does taking 5 years to graduate look bad?

[MedicallyEnthused]

I just finished my 2nd year, and have set up all the classes for the remainder of my college career, which will take another 3 years to graduate.

So i'm not trying to overload my classes, so i'm taking 3 classes a semester + 1-2 classes during summers. I am doing this so when i have 3 difficult courses i won't be so bad, as apposed to 3 difficult courses and 1-2 semi-difficult courses. Also it will give me more time during semesters for MCAT prep (once i complete pre reqs of course).

Does it look bad on med school applications to graduate in 5 years versus 4?
What about a possible gap year aswell?

So there is a possibility of 5 years to graduate + 1 year gap.


Any and all input is much appreciated,
Thanks.

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[Noggin]

I just finished my 2nd year, and have set up all the classes for the remainder of my college career, which will take another 3 years to graduate.

So i'm not trying to overload my classes, so i'm taking 3 classes a semester + 1-2 classes during summers. I am doing this so when i have 3 difficult courses i won't be so bad, as apposed to 3 difficult courses and 1-2 semi-difficult courses. Also it will give me more time during semesters for MCAT prep (once i complete pre reqs of course).

Does it look bad on med school applications to graduate in 5 years versus 4?
What about a possible gap year aswell?

So there is a possibility of 5 years to graduate + 1 year gap.


Any and all input is much appreciated,
Thanks.

As long as you are taking a full course load I don't see why it would be a problem. Keep in mind that getting it done in four years will save you a huge amount of money.

 

[MedicallyEnthused]

As long as you are taking a full course load I don't see why it would be a problem. Keep in mind that getting it done in four years will save you a huge amount of money.

Every semester aside from summer semesters are between 12 to 14 credits.
Summer semesters are between 5 and 10 credits.

Do they consider full time 12 credits?

 

[Mavs88]

Every semester aside from summer semesters are between 12 to 14 credits.
Summer semesters are between 5 and 10 credits.

Do they consider full time 12 credits?

Yes, 12 is full time. Make sure that you know whether your school offers a certain course in the semester you want to take it. For example, there are much less upper level courses available in the summer than in the fall or spring. Check your school's previous summer/fall/spring to see if the courses are given then.

 

[Goro]

I don't see it as a problem.

I just finished my 2nd year, and have set up all the classes for the remainder of my college career, which will take another 3 years to graduate.

So i'm not trying to overload my classes, so i'm taking 3 classes a semester + 1-2 classes during summers. I am doing this so when i have 3 difficult courses i won't be so bad, as apposed to 3 difficult courses and 1-2 semi-difficult courses. Also it will give me more time during semesters for MCAT prep (once i complete pre reqs of course).

Does it look bad on med school applications to graduate in 5 years versus 4?
What about a possible gap year aswell?

So there is a possibility of 5 years to graduate + 1 year gap.


Any and all input is much appreciated,
Thanks.

 

[Gauss44]

Northeastern University has majors that normally take 5 years! To graduate in 4 years would mean skipping a year or taking a double load.