Graduating undergrad in three years and applying to medical school????

[Hello678]

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I came in to college with about 30 AP credits which allows me to graduate a year early. I have a 4.0 GPA with a Biology BS plan, 200+ hours of shadowing/internship/volunteering hours, tutoring, volunteering abroad, and I will be doing research this summer. Would I be at a disadvantage by applying to medical school after two years of college (this summer), or would I be better off just staying in college for 4 years? I would rather graduate early and apply, but not if it puts me at a disadvantage. Also, I am planning on taking the MCATs in June. Would taking the MCATs in June be too late, and would taking them in May be better? I feel like I would be more prepared for taking them in June, but I'm not sure what the best choice would be. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Catalystik]

Yes, you'll be at a disadvantage compared with applicants who have an additional year of pertinent experiences to include on their application. Go ahead and graduate early if you need to save the money, but spend the extra time making your application stronger with the choices you make for the glide year: research job, Americorps-like experience, clinical job, nonmedical volunteering, etc.

 

[Forthegood]

June is not that late so long as you don't screw up the first time. Don't screw up and you'll be just fine. Make sure you get your app in early, do not wait to get your score back before applying. Submit, then when your scores come in, they will go to the schools and you can follow up accordingly.

If you want to go ahead and rush into it, then I'd say go for it. You WILL be at a disadvantage, of course, but that doesn't mean you won't get in. Do what you think will make you happiest.

On a different note, I would strongly encourage you to reconsider. Once you start the path of medicine, you will quickly find there is no stopping. I love what I do, and I am glad that I chose to do it, but in hindsight there was no need to rush. It will be here when you are ready for it. Make sure you are ready. Besides, you have obviously worked hard, take some time and do something that interests you. Whatever that is, even if it is not medically related, I doubt you will regret it. You are building an education remember, not just an application.

Medicine was here long before you, and it will be here long after you are gone. No need to rush into it. Good luck with your decision.

 

[IDreamtIChased]

As someone who will be graduating undergrad in 3 years, took the MCAT in August, and has a 4.0 gpa lik u..... apply this summer!!!!!!! Look at my mdapps to see how my cycle went. I kno another guy on sdn who did his undergrad in 3 years.. and he has acceptances to 4 ivy leagues...

if i was able to get into gtown wit my crappy extracurriculars.. thn ull be fine

lik others said.. u do hav a slight disadvantage (note tht i hd a sht load of rejections).. so tak the may mcat.. and apply EARLY!!!!!!!

 

[mvenus929]

As someone who did graduate in 3 years and ended up applying twice (and has much better spelling and grammar than the person above me), I say go ahead and graduate as planned, but take a year off and do something. It was the best thing that ever happened to me.

 

[phnerd1105]

Here's my take:

I've had a lot of friends who have done this, and they have personally struggled. One thing that Adcoms look for is that you took time to pursue all of your interests before you decided on medicine. How are you supposed to show that in 2 years of college? The average age of applicants is 24-25. You're competing with people who have had 4 years of college experience, as well as at least two years of experience outside college to pursue other passions.

You would also probably take your MCAT late, which would lead you to be complete late and also hinder your chances.


I would suggest you pick up an extra major/minor in that extra year, or so some sort of grad program first.

 

[Perrotfish]

I think the take home message here is that yes, you will be at a disadvantage, but not necessarily such a disadvantage that it's not worth applying with good ECs and a 4.0.

May is better for the MCAT if you're prepared to take it in May. How do you know you're prepared? If you're getting the score you want on practice tests. June is not an application killer, however.

 

[Ride Big Sky]

There are arguments on both sides, but really you're the only one who has a clue what would be best for you.

 

[Totally Rad]

I came in to college with about 30 AP credits which allows me to graduate a year early. I have a 4.0 GPA with a Biology BS plan, 200+ hours of shadowing/internship/volunteering hours, tutoring, volunteering abroad, and I will be doing research this summer. Would I be at a disadvantage by applying to medical school after two years of college (this summer), or would I be better off just staying in college for 4 years? I would rather graduate early and apply, but not if it puts me at a disadvantage. Also, I am planning on taking the MCATs in June. Would taking the MCATs in June be too late, and would taking them in May be better? I feel like I would be more prepared for taking them in June, but I'm not sure what the best choice would be. Any advice would be appreciated.

I will be at my undergrad university all 4 years, yet even so, if I get accepted and everything, I'd be entering medschool at 21 years of age. That's still quite younger than the national average (24/25). A lot of people suggest that I too take a gap year and yeah, it's advantageous, but there's no harm in at least trying. If you get rejected, it wouldn't be because you didn't have the numbers ('cause you obviously do LoL), it would be because they thought you were too young and needed more experience. Go ahead and graduate early. No need to be there longer than you have to. You already have a strong application 🙂 As for the MCAT, take it when you are READY and fully prepared! I'm sure you'll do fine tho!

 

[jsh52]

I came in to college with about 30 AP credits which allows me to graduate a year early. I have a 4.0 GPA with a Biology BS plan, 200+ hours of shadowing/internship/volunteering hours, tutoring, volunteering abroad, and I will be doing research this summer. Would I be at a disadvantage by applying to medical school after two years of college (this summer), or would I be better off just staying in college for 4 years? I would rather graduate early and apply, but not if it puts me at a disadvantage. Also, I am planning on taking the MCATs in June. Would taking the MCATs in June be too late, and would taking them in May be better? I feel like I would be more prepared for taking them in June, but I'm not sure what the best choice would be. Any advice would be appreciated.

My brother and I both graduated with our bachelors at 20. He went to med school. I went to grad school. He struggled for the 1st two years of med school (he started at 20) and feels it would have been *MUCH* easier starting at 22-23. I would say the same for grad school. Personally, I would graduate, and apply to a 1 year Masters program where you are PAID (and also have a tuition waiver) and continue working to get into med school.

 

[WeAreNotRobots]

As someone who will be graduating undergrad in 3 years, took the MCAT in August, and has a 4.0 gpa lik u..... apply this summer!!!!!!! Look at my mdapps to see how my cycle went. I kno another guy on sdn who did his undergrad in 3 years.. and he has acceptances to 4 ivy leagues...

if i was able to get into gtown wit my crappy extracurriculars.. thn ull be fine

lik others said.. u do hav a slight disadvantage (note tht i hd a sht load of rejections).. so tak the may mcat.. and apply EARLY!!!!!!!

Weaksauce. There was a poster this cycle from Texas (I think Phil-something) who was trying to get after 3 years of undergrad. He got a lot of interviews but didn't get in anywhere. So we all know people with stories going either way...why risk it? To "save" a year of undergrad and limit your options for med school? You actually "miss out" on some things as well.

Anyway, I think the general problem with graduating early is that you just have fewer experiences in your app, you usually lack a certain degree of leadership experience/qualities, and you may appear immature during an interview. If you can effectively overcome these issues, then sure, go for it, but I wouldn't want to knowingly put myself at a disadvantage for something that is already crazy competitive.

 

[Disinence2]

I did it in 3 years and was successful.

Now I am very glad I did!

If you worked as hard during those 3 years, as others did during 4 then you will be in great shape. And schools will notice this as well.

PM me if you want details! I had to throw together my MCAT, Personal statement and amcas in a few short months and ended up applying rather late, but it still all worked out.

 

[Sesom]

I think you should go for it! I am now 24 and I won't be applying for about 2 years. You are going to "mature" whether you go to the med school sooner or later so I wouldn't weigh into whether you are mature enough too much. Also think about this, most students are not mature enough to get 30 ap credits by the time they finish high school not to mention some EC as well. So in a way you are already ahead of the pack and would be considered more mature anyway (good job!).

 

[dbeast]

[Note: I TLDR'd this whole thread so sorry if it's not relevant]

Yes, you *can* be extremely successful in your application if you graduate early...

BUT

Why would you want to rush straight into medical school? Yes, we are all eager to become doctors, I get that. But having one year of a job, or even an easy semester in college to have some fun will do a lot for your sanity. I know several med students and even practicing physicians who regret going straight to med school after college (in 4 years, let alone 3). Of course, not everyone who did that regrets it, but I have met zero people who regret having a year off to do something awesome. And who knows? It'll probably beef up your application when you do apply.

 

[2662]

When I was young I was always in a hurry...

I graduated high school after my junior year at 17 years-old (3.95 GPA), I graduated with a B.S. in Biology after my junior year at a Top 20 state university when I was 20 (3.92 GPA, pre-med), and I scored a 37 on the MCAT-- I was told that no med-school would touch me. 😱 So, I "took a year off" and traveled the world, 22 countries in 12 months. The next year, I worked five months at a hospital blood bank and six months in a pathology lab (as an assistant to an assistant researcher).

Those two years made all the difference to me, both personally and professionally - I was accepted to five med-schools at the age of 22. 👍

 

[jsh52]

When I was young I was always in a hurry...

I graduated high school after my junior year at 17 years-old (3.95 GPA), I graduated with a B.S. in Biology after my junior year at a Top 20 state university when I was 20 (3.92 GPA, pre-med), and I scored a 37 on the MCAT-- I was told that no med-school would touch me. 😱 So, I "took a year off" and traveled the world, 22 countries in 12 months. The next year, I worked five months at a hospital blood bank and six months in a pathology lab (as an assistant to an assistant researcher).

Those two years made all the difference to me, both personally and professionally - I was accepted to five med-schools at the age of 22. 👍

👍

I'm applying to med school this year at age 24, and will complete my doctorate this fall. I'm VERY happy I did the doctorate before applying to medical school. It was so much fun (after the coursework portion was over, especially) that it hardly feels like a job, degree, or any sort of work really lol. My brother is going to be a practicing anesthesiologist after this year (he is 27), but really feels like he missed out on his early 20s.

I wish I would have done was 2662 had done--travelling! Luckily I get to go to conferences with my PI and we've gone some pretty sweet places. 😎

 

[Hello678]

Thanks for the advice guys! Do you think there would be any harm in applying this summer, and if I don't get in, reapplying next summer?

 

[ejw5075]

Thanks for the advice guys! Do you think there would be any harm in applying this summer, and if I don't get in, reapplying next summer?

Will there be any harm? You will be labeled a reapplicant, which some schools scrutinize a little more (just to make sure you improved your app). Alot of people end up applying more than once, and many are successful.

To answer your original post, I was in a very similar situation to you. I graduated high school in 2008 and am graduating college this May. I start med school this fall. I don't want to discourage you, or change your mind if you are set on graduating in three years, but I am terrified of regretting this decision. I will graduate (hopefully) med school at 24 and the majority of my friends are at that age now, or older, and are just now deciding what they want to do for the rest of their lives. The decision to graduate early made sense for me because i have a family to support but if you are the traditional college student, I'd recommend waiting. It honestly cannot hurt you.

 

[mvenus929]

Thanks for the advice guys! Do you think there would be any harm in applying this summer, and if I don't get in, reapplying next summer?

If you think you're ready, feel free to apply, but be prepared to face some animosity. You have two strikes against you... you're young (younger than most, anyway), and you'll have a year fewer experiences than a good chunk of the pool, even more for a sizable chunk of the pool.

And reapplying... you might not be so lucky with the same schools the second time, and applying the cycle immediately after is more challenging, because you don't have as much to show for improvement.

Besides, this is a stressful and expensive process. I highly suggest you do it once and get it right.

 

[deleted357625]

I came in to college with about 30 AP credits which allows me to graduate a year early. I have a 4.0 GPA with a Biology BS plan, 200+ hours of shadowing/internship/volunteering hours, tutoring, volunteering abroad, and I will be doing research this summer. Would I be at a disadvantage by applying to medical school after two years of college (this summer), or would I be better off just staying in college for 4 years? I would rather graduate early and apply, but not if it puts me at a disadvantage. Also, I am planning on taking the MCATs in June. Would taking the MCATs in June be too late, and would taking them in May be better? I feel like I would be more prepared for taking them in June, but I'm not sure what the best choice would be. Any advice would be appreciated.

your fine...I'm doin the same, def not a disadvantage...

I don't see how people see that as a disadvantage when your graduating early with a solid GPA and EC's. You sir, have an advantage

 

[mvenus929]

your fine...I'm doin the same, def not a disadvantage...

I don't see how people see that as a disadvantage when your graduating early with a solid GPA and EC's. You sir, have an advantage

Since you haven't done it yet, you're not really one to say whether it's a disadvantage or not. I planned it out too, you know, and I didn't get accepted anywhere my first cycle, with a high GPA and relatively high MCAT, as well as a nice mix of ECs.

 

[IDreamtIChased]

Thanks for the advice guys! Do you think there would be any harm in applying this summer, and if I don't get in, reapplying next summer?

Ask ure adviser if it would be a gud idea to mention ure 3-year graduation and shortage of experience in your PS. You can thn go on to mention why you DO hav the experience to attend med school. IMO the best way to deal with a flaw in ure application is to address it openly.... (btw.. thts wat I did.. bt u can judge if it worked or not)

If u apply this summer, apply broad and apply early!!

 

[getdown]

Ask ure adviser if it would be a gud idea to mention ure 3-year graduation and shortage of experience in your PS. You can thn go on to mention why you DO hav the experience to attend med school. IMO the best way to deal with a flaw in ure application is to address it openly.... (btw.. thts wat I did.. bt u can judge if it worked or not)

If u apply this summer, apply broad and apply early!!

Maybe I'm just an odd bird but it really bothers me when I see this type of writing on forums. Is it really that much effort to type a "y" and "o" to spell you? or an additional "h" to properly spell what? Why do people insist on writing like a 12 year old girl on AIM?

 

[Buttermellow]

Would taking the MCATs in June be too late, and would taking them in May be better?

If you're still call the MCAT the "MCATs" maybe it's too early for you to be thinking about medical school 😛

I could've graduated in 3 years, but I enjoyed undergrad so much that I am continuing into my 4th year. No need to rush to get through what might turn out to be the greatest time of your life.

 

[massmocha]

Your background sounds amazing, I am sure you would have no problem getting into med school (as long as MCAT goes well), but the biggest disadvantage is probably missing out on fun times in your early 20's. If you have no fear of burning out, then go for it.

I personally did a two-year master's in public health because I knew it would be interesting before/while applying to med school and I have loved the down time. Class two days a week is a pretty awesome transition back into the hard sciences I haven't had since undergrad.

 

[two thirty]

Just enjoy college. Pick a double major in something non-science related you enjoy. I could have graduated early too, but I don't want to rush this college process at all. It's too short how it is and then you'll be absolutely busting your ass for more years of schooling and then working the rest of your life.

 

[cheesier]

I'm not going to tell you to take your time, because I used to have the same plan as you and it pissed me off to no end when people would say "explore the world... take acting classes... etc". That said, my advice to you is to pursue medical school (ECs, good grades, shadowing), and if you're ready to apply and you're okay with the slight disadvantage, go for it. But, keep an open mind. If in a year or two you feel stressed and you want to cut back a little bit, postpone your application. If YOU decide that you want to double major because you're truly interested, go for it.

Like I said, I was planning on applying next year until very recently, but I've decided that there was no point in rushing it for me. Maybe you'll feel like I do in a year or two, or maybe you'll be just as gung ho to go to medical school as you are now. Good luck 👍

 

[ucsfstudents]

There is no hurry. Take your time. Enjoy the college experience while you still can.

 

[Hello678]

Thanks for the input everyone. I'm not so much concerned with missing out on the college experience as I am with what med schools might think about a student who graduated in 3 years and applied to enter med school directly after.

 

[Forthegood]

That depends more on the person than the situation.

 

[CurrySpice]

I am in your situation, and am taking a gap year. Love traveling & wanted some more experience hours before vet school. I was told by the Tufts adcom that I could apply after 3 years but it would put me at a slight disadvantage. I did not apply, so I don't know how successful I would have been.

 

[GoSpursGo]

Moving to What are my Chances.

 

[Hello678]

does anyone have recommendations for schools that I should be applying to? or has anyone had success or know others who have had sucess with certain schools after doing undergrad in 3 years?

 

[deleted357625]

Since you haven't done it yet, you're not really one to say whether it's a disadvantage or not. I planned it out too, you know, and I didn't get accepted anywhere my first cycle, with a high GPA and relatively high MCAT, as well as a nice mix of ECs.

did you apply late/broadly? I just don't see how it would prevent an acceptance if you have the same or even better qualifications compared to someone who was a normal grad.

 

[Hello678]

I'm wondering the same thing...

did you apply late/broadly? I just don't see how it would prevent an acceptance if you have the same or even better qualifications compared to someone who was a normal grad.

 

[Catalystik]

does anyone have recommendations for schools that I should be applying to?

BUMP this thread up again when you have an MCAT score, and we can better advise you.

 

[Hatsya]

I have a sort of similar case. I graduated early with my Associate's Degree, so I am now a 17-year-old 4.0 junior in college who has caught up with her older sister (both of us are chem majors). My brother is a year away from his Master's in Biological Chemistry and wants to apply this summer with my sister and me.

I just took the MCAT but don't know my scores yet (I consistently received 37 on practice MCATs, and have a history of doing well on standardized tests, so I have high hopes).

I have some experiences, like I did a CNA course, I've shadowed, I volunteered at hospice for 6 months and with an animal rescue group for several years, I was valedictorian of my college (leadership?), I was class senator at my high school (I'm not sure if this counts since it's high school, but it was last year), I am doing math research and am getting involved in chemistry research, etc. I know this is not a lot compared to most though.

What I would really like to do is MD/PhD, but is that possible with not a lot of experience? Is MD possible? Would applying with my siblings help or harm me?

 

[Catalystik]

Hatsya, your question will get more attention if you delete the above post and repost in your own new thread.

 

[Hatsya]

Thanks for the advice! (But I'm not sure how to delete the previous post)

 

[minka]

I also graduated in 3 years and took my MCAT in August 2009. I ended up doing ok and was planning to apply but in the end held out for one more year. I got a job in a lab, earned some nice $ that will make med school much more affordable, got some amazing experiences that gave me valuable life experiences and something noteworthy to talk about my interviews. This really helped in my process, feel free to look at my MD apps for details. If you want further input, feel free to PM me
If anyone else wants to PM me about the whole 3 year deal you are welcome as well

 

[Catalystik]

Thanks for the advice! (But I'm not sure how to delete the previous post)

Push the edit button. Delete all but one character, like a period (something must remain). Then save it.