Graduating early from college

[Brain123]

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I am currently in my third year of college, yet after meeting with my major advisor, I learned that I will be finished with all of my requirements at the end of next Spring, meaning i could graduate one year early.

Throughout my years in college, I have continually participating in research, taken upper level biology classes, volunteered weekly, and work two jobs while keeping a 3.9 GPA. I also spent my summer as an intern at Vanderbilt University where I shadowed doctors and did clinical research, which has solidified my decision to become a physician.

Graduating early would help me tremendously financially, yet I am worried that the decision to graduate early will negatively impact my chances to admission to medical school. I intend on taking the MCAT next Spring or summer, and I was thinking that I would like to spend the year after graduation participating in something like City Year or Teach for America.

I was hoping that someone could help shed some light on this matter so that I can better understand how this decision might impact my admission to medical school.

Thanks!

 

[Tippyboat]

That's exactly what I did and I think it's the best decision ever. I had everything ready to go for applications by June of my 3rd year (so you should get started on preparing stuff NOW, and try to take the MCAT by March of April), and graduated 2 weeks after submitting my AMCAS. Some obvious benefits:
- you don't have to take off school for interviews! Find a flexible job that will let you travel. I have 6 interviews right now, and I can't imagine doing that while worrying about midterms and reading.
- you make money to pay for applying and traveling, enough said.
- the extra out-of-school experience is very positive, and I have been asked about it at interviews. So you get the benefit of the non-traditional route (having life experiences outside of school) while not postponing your education plans. And btw, teach for America or a program like that would be GREAT for your app.
- it is NICE to take a break from school


From your brief profile, it looks like you have done enough to go for this. I also went all out the first three years and did as much, if not more, than most people do in 4 years, and I think that's also important for going this route. You should be golden, so graduate and go for it!

 

[Forthegood]

Teach for America is a 2 year commitment.

Graduating early won't hurt your application. Do well on your MCAT, you sound like you have a solid SCIENCE background. Now spend the next year showing how you are as a HUMAN. Do something interesting, fun, or out of the ordinary. Give them something to remember you by. Remember, next year might be your last year of freedom till you retire. Make it count.

 

[juliedi]

Do something interesting, fun, or out of the ordinary. Give them something to remember you by. Remember, next year might be your last year of freedom till you retire. Make it count.

This, absolutely.

 

[Catalystik]

I agree with the above posters. You will not be at a disadvantage in the application process, considering the strength of your activities thus far.

Americorps is another option which is a one-year progrm. And I understand they are flexible about attending interviews.

 

[BigRedBeta]

Because you're already out for this application cycle and would be applying at your regularly scheduled time anyways, this shouldn't be a problem. Using your "gap" year to your advantage by doing something to further separate you from the crowd is important. If this (graduating) is really going to happen, then you need to start planning for next year NOW, so that everything is in a row and ready to go out on your AMCAS next summer.

For anyone else considering graduating in 3 years, this is the only example in which doing so is beneficial. Inevitably some one is going to come on to this thread and ask about graduating in 3 years and applying for med school during that last year which will hurt their application. The difference is the "gap" year. People who apply prior to their junior year have only 2 years to accumulate post-secondary experiences compared to everyone elses 3 years. That's a 50% advantage to the the overwhelming majority of applicants compared to the early entrant. Not a good place to put yourself. Meanwhile those early grads like the OP, maintain that 3 years for post secondary experiences AND get the advantage of doing something impressive while everyone else is still worrying abut mid-terms and the like.

Of note, personally, despite what I've said above, I'd honestly advise you to stay in school. I certainly understand that finances are a huge issue, but I doubt that you'd ever regret staying in undergrad for an extra year.

 

[jellybean13]

I made the decision to graduate after only 3 years and it ended up being an amazing decision. I saved ~$47,000 in tuition, not to mention living expenses and did something I loved.

I say do it 👍

 

[nadinex]

wow, that is impressive, id like to finish in three years too, ive always wanted to finish in three years, im a freshman now, mind giving some advice? lol
and i think you should go for it, ace those MCATs and graduate early! =]

 

[StephBee]

Jsut to give you another idea, here's what I did.

I very easily could have graduated early. I came in with 26 credit hours from AP so I was automatically considered a sophomore and I got out of a lot of my intro pre-requisits. Every advisor I talked to told me not to graduate early... "you've got the rest of your life, why graduate early." My arguement was I'm looking at at least another 6 years of school after undergrad, why not save myself the 45 thousand dollars.

What I ended up doing was a pseudocompromise. I'm graduating in December, a semester early.I took the extra time to get a minor I love (creative writing) and a light, fun courseload that's given me the time to really work on applications and actually enjoy the college experience.

Something to consider: graduate a semester early, take some classes you really enjoy and take the 8 months you have off after graduating to enjoy not being in school!