Is this a bad idea? Need some help…

[700003]

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I'm supposed to graduate in Fall 2016, but I'm planning to graduate a semester early by taking 24 credits of medium-hard classes. I'm also probably going to have to take a gap year and matriculate in 2017.

There's no real reason for an early graduation other than I want to use the spring to travel, work, and apply for med schools. I could technically raise my GPA with another semester of spring classes, but it will already be at 3.84 cGPA & 3.76 sGPA. Unfortunately, I don't think it would increase very much even with another 24 credit spring course load 🙁 and I really would be more happier if I could get the spring off (for personal reasons).

So here are my questions:

1. Do you guys still think it's worth it to take spring classes? I'm hoping that my GPA (combined with a good MCAT) will be enough for MD schools, but if it's not then I'll re-consider.

2. Will adcoms frown upon me for taking so many credits just to graduate early? Will it took like I'm trying to rush out? @Goro @LizzyM @gyngyn @Ismet @Catalystik any input is greatly appreciated!

 

[700003]

Also, forgot to mention: I've taken 21 credit semesters twice before (one time with 4 labs including organic 2, physics 2, & genetics at the same time). I've received 3.9-4.0 both times.

 

[WedgeDawg]

1. If your only reason to do so is raise your GPA, then it's not worth it. Your GPA is fine for any school.

2. I don't think this will be frowned upon at all, provided that you still perform at a high level, but I'm not an adcom so I can't answer this question for sure.

Take spring off.

 

[700003]

1. If your only reason to do so is raise your GPA, then it's not worth it. Your GPA is fine for any school.

2. I don't think this will be frowned upon at all, provided that you still perform at a high level, but I'm not an adcom so I can't answer this question for sure.

Take spring off.

Thank you! I'm glad to know that the GPA is fine for MD. That was my main concern, because I don't want it to affect me at the top tiers.

 

[WedgeDawg]

Thank you! I'm glad to know that the GPA is fine for MD. That was my main concern, because I don't want it to affect me at the top tiers.

Your GPA will not be the reason you aren't accepted to any particular medical school.

 

[GrapesofRath]

Um, you can't use the spring to apply to medical school. Hell now is already getting on the late side of things for applying to MDs. Now, if you are talking about preparing for next cycle that's different.

Nobody cares when you graduate. Whether you graduate in 3 years or 6. They care about doing well and your courseload(ie the reason you are graduating late not being because you could only handle 8 credits a semester).

 

[700003]

Um, you can't use the spring to apply to medical school. Hell now is already getting on the late side of things for applying to MDs. Now, if you are talking about preparing for next cycle that's different.

Nobody cares when you graduate. Whether you graduate in 3 years or 6. They care about doing well and your courseload(ie the reason you are graduating late not being because you could only handle 8 credits a semester).

Thanks for the advice! I'm planning to matriculate in 2017, so I guess that means applying next cycle.

 

[md-2020]

Thank you! I'm glad to know that the GPA is fine for MD. That was my main concern, because I don't want it to affect me at the top tiers.

I graduated a year early and haven't looked back. Am applying to top tiers this cycle.

Don't get too far ahead of yourself looking at schools w/o the MCAT though, that s*** takes some serious dedication. Also know that the elites are very research heavy, so evaluate your ECs accordingly.

 

[700003]

I graduated a year early and haven't looked back. Am applying to top tiers this cycle.

Don't get too far ahead of yourself looking at schools w/o the MCAT though, that s*** takes some serious dedication. Also know that the elites are very research heavy, so evaluate your ECs accordingly.

Okay, thanks! and wow, your md-app profile is truly extraordinary 🙂

 

[Catalystik]

Will adcoms frown upon me for taking so many credits just to graduate early? Will it took like I'm trying to rush out? @Goro @LizzyM @gyngyn @Ismet @Catalystik any input is greatly appreciated!

We'll only frown if your GPA takes a dive. And if your ECs are less competitive due to early separation from an academic community (not that you can't find others elsewhere, but longevity counts and some that "top tiers" find appealing might be harder to find away from campus).