Undergrad in three years

[WVUTK]

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Hopefully I’m not beating a dead horse with the three year graduation question but I really am looking for some advice on this. To start with, my long term goal is to become a dentist and open up my own practice. I have two options that I am looking at as far as graduation from undergrad goes. My first option is that I can graduate in three years with a bio degree and a business minor. My second option is that I can take four years and graduate with a bio and accounting degree.

The thought behind the business minor/accounting degree is to get an understanding of the business world. I suppose I’m looking for advice on the pros and cons of doing four years of undergrad. All the excitement of wanting to get into dental school and to start working on that degree make the three year plan seem so appealing. Thanks much for any advice.

 

[shuna]

I did undergard in 6 semesters ( two years with summer semesters) but I was in a rush b/c I started college when I was 21... so my point is, if ur still young and happy in undergrad another year does not make any difference.....

Good luck!!

 

[plasticsoul]

I'd go for 3 years if I were you. I am spending 5 years undergrad and I really wish I knew I wanted to do dentistry from the start. As far as business vs. accounting, I would do business if I had to choose. Accounting sounds like it gets kinda hairy. You will probably only find your intro accounting classes useful anyways. Business might give you a more well rounded knowledge of the business world, which will definitely help you in starting and running your own practice. Can't you do a 3 year w/ business?

Another good option is to just spend the 4 years if you're not in a hurry and get a double major in BIO and Business, or just Business major + pre-dental classes.

I don't really think I've given you any advice but hopefully my rambling helps a little!

 

[PickMe]

i did my undergrad in 3 yrs bc i knew i was gonna be in school for 4 yrs after. pros would be: saving tuition money, which is a big deal bc dental school is expensive so saving any money is key, plus you get an extra year of working to pay back loans or an extra yr of retirement (gosh thats so far away). a pro for me was that i want to graduate when im younger so that i can start my life sooner (getting married, kids, etc.) cons would be: getting burned out trying to cram everything together, graduating and leaving your friends that are senior behind while they party and you suffer through your first year of dental school. given the choice id still graduate in 3 yrs bc i know when i graduate ill be so happy that im not stuck in school for one more year, but i know a lot of people who say they wouldnt sacrifice their sr yr of college for anything.

 

[I'mFillingFine]

I graduated in 3.5 years and really really wish I had the full 4. I had finished my requirements, so it was useless to pay for the extra semester, but even though it made "sense", I truly missed it. There is NOTHING like college (assuming you get the most out of it, and try to live on campus or in a nearby apartment, even if your family lives nearby), and there's a reason why it's organized into 4 years.

Most majors can indeed be done in 3, but 4 has worked for so long, and I can see why! I was bored, missed my friends, and as often as I hung out with everyone, they wanted to study...(lame).

Also, things won't be as interesting socially or fun-wise in professional school. People just don't want to go out as often, you have tons of responsibility, and fewer people are around your own age.

So I say have fun! Not just for the degree, but you mature a huge amount, have a lot of fun, and graduating early was NEVER brought up in any of my interviews, so it probably doesn't mean a lot to the adcoms.

 

[pacbum]

some dental schools prefer 4 years, even if you got your degree after 3. i'd say stay the extra year, do well in school while taking your time, and use the 4th year to become more involved in school. take all the opportunities you can like research, get involved in clubs, etc. or study abroad if that interests you...finish your degree in 3 and spend a semester abroad (literally the best experience of my life...i highly recommend it). i think it's hard to do all that while maintaining high grades and still graduate in 3 years. so take your time, enjoy college, bc dental schools look for students with a lot of e.c's. besides, you're gonna be working as a dentist for 40 years...you only go to college for 4. why rush?

 

[cocokeala]

im graduating in 3 years and this is my last year before dental school (hopefully). im excited to get out of here...so i guess if you dont really feel sure you should stay an extra year. my school is pretty expensive for one year of tuiton so im saving a lot of moeny too. accounting seems like almost too much.. business sounds great though!

 

[PickMe]

So I say have fun! Not just for the degree, but you mature a huge amount, have a lot of fun, and graduating early was NEVER brought up in any of my interviews, so it probably doesn't mean a lot to the adcoms.

graduating early was brought up in all of my interviews and i thinked it helped me because it showed i could handle the courseload in less time. i dont think it makes a huge difference though and i dont think getting a business degree would make a huge difference either. its just up to you, if you wanna give up your sr year of college fun or if you wanna save money and get on with your life. i dont think either is necessarily a bad choice.