Graduating Early?

[urbanaries]

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I am a first year college student and coming in, I already had 30 credits from high school AP classes which technically makes me a sophomore even though I just graduated high school this year. I know I have the option of graduating with my actual class in 2021, but I would rather just graduate in 3 years because my family is already tight on money and I can't really afford to just "enjoy college" by taking that extra year for no reason when I could save tuition money for an entire year. My question is, what can I do in that extra gap year? When should I take the MCAT? I am especially concerned about my gpa, and since I will only be showing medical schools 3 years of college grades instead of 4, am I at more of a disadvantage if I screw up one semester? I really struggled in chemistry this semester since I was placed into a more advanced class than normal first year students so my gpa isn't as high as I wanted it to be. I am overall just really confused about what a 3-year college situation looks like from a pre-med perspective cause the timing for everything just seems more messed up somehow.

 

[ItsAMeMario007]

If you can maintain above a 3.5 during your 3 years are undergrad, I say go for it. If not, to have better chances MD schools, stay longer, gain more credits and study harder maximize your GPA.
If you graduate early, take the MCAT the summer after graduation (like in August), providing yourself enough full-time studying time to kill that beast. After that, you can work on improving any aspects of your application that you were not able to get to during your undergrad years. You could volunteer with the underserved, volunteer in a hospital/clinic, get a research-related job, shadow doctors, do something completely unrelated, travel and live your life, etc. You can come back near the end of your 3rd year of undergrad with your ECs and SDN members can provide feedback on what you need to improve. If everything is on track, you can apply 1 year after graduation to MD and DO schools while continuing/switching your gap year activities. This would equal 3 years of undergrad and 2 years gap before hopeful medical school matriculation.
If you are able to squeeze a lot of your ECs and kill the MCAT earlier, you could apply the summer when you graduate, but could be risky depending on how much time you need for studying, ECs, etc.
Good luck, it is a long journey.

 

[Catalystik]

I am a first year college student and coming in, I already had 30 credits from high school AP classes which technically makes me a sophomore even though I just graduated high school this year. I know I have the option of graduating with my actual class in 2021, but I would rather just graduate in 3 years because my family is already tight on money and I can't really afford to just "enjoy college" by taking that extra year for no reason when I could save tuition money for an entire year. My question is, what can I do in that extra gap year? When should I take the MCAT? I am especially concerned about my gpa, and since I will only be showing medical schools 3 years of college grades instead of 4, am I at more of a disadvantage if I screw up one semester? I really struggled in chemistry this semester since I was placed into a more advanced class than normal first year students so my gpa isn't as high as I wanted it to be. I am overall just really confused about what a 3-year college situation looks like from a pre-med perspective cause the timing for everything just seems more messed up somehow.

Provided you have a competitive GPA and BCPM GPA after three years (and the usual and customary experiences), your plan is fine. But if it continues to be challenged by mediocre grades, you may need an extra year to improve it before applying. So leave that option open.

 

[fldoctorgirl]

I am graduating in 3 years (this May) and have been accepted to med school. You can PM me if you want any advice!

 

[STcmOCSD]

I am graduating in 3 years (this May) and have been accepted to med school. You can PM me if you want any advice!

I am in the same position. I graduated early and took a gap year. This option won’t work for everyone, and I agree with all of the advice above. However, this gap year has been very good for me in preparing for med school.

 

[CaptainJackSparrow83]

OP I came into undergrad with about 68 credits (Quarter school) it actually affected me negatively when I wanted to apply out of college because some medical schools do not accept AP credit scores.
I personally dont think you should re-do them right away , still apply if you want to but use this extra year you saved wisely to gain some experience, solidify your MCAT score, affirm you actually WANT TO DO medicine in the first place. Volunteer a little.