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Graduating Early
Started by marquito
I guess it depends on your current standings. If you have a good GPA, then its okay... If your going to do post-bacc to raise GPA, its probably best you hold off on the early graduation
I finished undergrad in 3 years with no AP class credit or anything from high school while double majoring in biology and chemistry. I did take class year round meaning I had to sacrifice my summer for school.............But, It does mean I get to earn a living 1 year earlier than my initial cohort.
DO NOT let graduating early sacrifice your grades! I had to take 18+ Credits every semester and ~12-16 each summer. For many people, that is just too much! Or if you are just some kind of F-ed up, like me, and enjoy taking Advanced Organic Chemistry and Advanced Inorganic Chemistry as your senior 'electives' than go for it.
I'm not the smartest cookie in the jar, but I do have a good work ethic and great time management - which allowed me to keep an above average GPA (graduated Magna Cum Laude).
When it came around to interviews, I had 2 schools tell me they dont interview the 3 year non degree students. . . After I explained to them I actually had my degree in 3 years, they were impressed and I got an interview. At IU, all three of my interviewers were very impressed that I was able to graduate early, keep a high GPA, and maintain strong leadership roles in various campus clubs and honor societies.
Basically, what I am trying to say is that it is difficult but as long as you keep your GPA high and maintain a good time management system it will greatly benefit you.
Hope I could help you with my previous experience!
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Yep, I did. It was great because I had a lot of time to write my personal statement and get my application ready, not to mention the money you save from not having to pay another quarter's tuition 👍 I highly recommend it IF you have decent enough grades to start with.
Yes, I do have the grades to do it. I'm planning to enter dental school right after undergrad so I'll be applying at the end of my junior year. I can graduate a quarter early so if I do, what should I do? Part of me says to relax for the hell that I will have gone through for 4 years of college, while the other part of me says to go work as a dental assistant.
Chyeah! plus I worked a myriad of jobs: Taekwondo Instructor, orgo lab aid, campus manager for a t-shirt company, Dental assistant. . . .
Since it seems that most people here managed to finish school in 4 years or less, I thought I'd give you the other side of the coin.
I did my undergrad in 5 years...and for two of those years I only took 3 courses a semester. I didn't do it this way because I was lazy, I just had a ton of other things going on (ski patrol, training for an Ironman, working, TAing). I actually really enjoyed being around the school, and I didn't really have a stressful undergrad at all. I know that dental school is a seriously intense program, and I know they say that a full-course load in undergrad is meant to show the admissions committee that you can handle the intensity, but in my opinion if you're serious about dental school you will find a way to deal with the craziness.
On top of all this, I took a full year off before applying to D-school, and got in everywhere I applied, so I am biased when I say that for the most part, I can't see graduating early as a major advantage. If you're really into getting into the working field full force, then be my guest, but my best advice is take some time to enjoy your youth before giving your life to the dental profession.
I did my undergrad in 5 years...and for two of those years I only took 3 courses a semester. I didn't do it this way because I was lazy, I just had a ton of other things going on (ski patrol, training for an Ironman, working, TAing). I actually really enjoyed being around the school, and I didn't really have a stressful undergrad at all. I know that dental school is a seriously intense program, and I know they say that a full-course load in undergrad is meant to show the admissions committee that you can handle the intensity, but in my opinion if you're serious about dental school you will find a way to deal with the craziness.
On top of all this, I took a full year off before applying to D-school, and got in everywhere I applied, so I am biased when I say that for the most part, I can't see graduating early as a major advantage. If you're really into getting into the working field full force, then be my guest, but my best advice is take some time to enjoy your youth before giving your life to the dental profession.
