Graduating in 3 years?

[glass-animal]

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If someone has a high GPA (3.95+), is it looked upon negatively if they graduated in 3 years rather than 4? Looking at my schedule for the next 4 years it seems as though I can comfortably graduate a year early doing 15 credits a semester. I don't see the point in taking classes I don't need, so I was wondering if this would be okay. In this case I would of course take a gap year and apply in what would be my senior year. Would it be better to do this or to spread out my classes more and take 12 credits a semester to graduate in 4 years?

 

[eteshoe]

If it won't affect your GPA, then why not? College tuition these days is not a joke. It didn't hurt my chances, and I didn't finish with a super high GPA (3.8+) but whatever.

 

[tarheelpenner]

I did exactly as you described. My interviewers seemed to think it was a strength, and were impressed that I got out that early. That being said, I would seriously think about your decision to graduate early. I graduated to live at home and work, and I regretted it a lot. I missed out on senior year with my friends. It was v depressing. But there are definitely pros and cons, and it depends on your personality. feel free to PM me for more details/advice.

 

[Endoxifen]

If someone has a high GPA (3.95+), is it looked upon negatively if they graduated in 3 years rather than 4? Looking at my schedule for the next 4 years it seems as though I can comfortably graduate a year early doing 15 credits a semester. I don't see the point in taking classes I don't need, so I was wondering if this would be okay. In this case I would of course take a gap year and apply in what would be my senior year. Would it be better to do this or to spread out my classes more and take 12 credits a semester to graduate in 4 years?

I was in the exact same situation as you. I ultimately decided to take a semester off in the middle, so I would have a higher chance at publication and be able to write my thesis on the topic. There are two things I would caution against. First, don't jam all of your volunteering and ECs to the end. You may be tempted to focus on academics now and do the rest later, but his is a poor decision. Secondly, be careful with how many AP credits you use. You can get away with a few if your record is strong enough, but too many may be a problem. Good luck.

 

[softball2344]

.

 

[tarheelpenner]

If your school has a combined master's program that you can get funded for, you should look into that- you could still stay at school but won't have to pay

Too late, already accepted to med school. but OP, maybe look into that?

 

[Catalystik]

If someone has a high GPA (3.95+), is it looked upon negatively if they graduated in 3 years rather than 4? Looking at my schedule for the next 4 years it seems as though I can comfortably graduate a year early doing 15 credits a semester. I don't see the point in taking classes I don't need, so I was wondering if this would be okay. In this case I would of course take a gap year and apply in what would be my senior year. Would it be better to do this or to spread out my classes more and take 12 credits a semester to graduate in 4 years?

Graduating in three years wouldn't hurt you. Applying with ECs that aren't competitive with those who spent four or more years in college will. Your plan to take a gap year negates your risk, assuming you can find comparable off-campus activities.

 

[ServiceFirst]

I went the 3 year route primarily because of financial reasons, but very much came out of it personally more skilled at things like time management and organizing priorities. To clarify, you will be taking a full year off of school before applying (this would hypothetically mean 2 full years off academics)? I will be applying this cycle as a 3rd year, but will still have a full academic year off to continue EC's.

 

[Spr1ngrolls]

I also graduated early, as mentioned above, think hard about what it means for you. Personally my undergrad years were jam packed with extracurriculars, work, research, etc that I rarely had the chance to take a breath. Sleep was certainly limited (as I often times chose going out over sleep whenever I had free time). BUT, after graduating early it really does slow down really quickly and I must admit that it's easy to fall in to the trap of being "comfortable" with a slower pace. As long as you can maintain your resources in a post-grad world and utilize them without wasting an entire year, then go for it. I know for me, personally, I kind of regret graduating earlier. I kinda enjoy the demands and study-work-party-repeat cycles (however unhealthy they may have been) of an undergrad life.