What should I do (graduation, summer)?

[LoLFaker]

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I should be able to graduate a year early if I can stick to my schedule. My summer is going to be harsh with the Organic Chemistry sequence and hospital volunteering. The problem isn't whether I can handle it, but how admissions committees will view it.

Would graduating a year early and taking Organic Chemistry over the summer be a red flag? I'd be able to save money if I do it and I'm intent on going to the University of Michigan, since it's research focused AND affordable as far as medical schools go.

Digression: Can I realistically get into Umich? As of now, I'm a first year student, so I'd be appling next year.

• 3.7 GPA
• 500-600 hours of research (3 labs)
• 200+ hours of community service
• Clinical volunteering. If high school counts, then experience with veterans as well.
• Decent MCAT
• Interesting ECs (classical bands, marching bands, church bands)
• US citizen, black male, traditional

 

[bschaefer97]

As long as you get your degree and do well on the MCAT, you'll be fine. High school EC's do not count though, sadly. Also, just remember that EC's do not need to be interesting to anyone other than you! Sure, if they're atypical, that'll catch the eye of the adcom, but they are more worried about what you gained from the experience, not how interesting or different it was 🙂

 

[WedgeDawg]

Even with a strong app, it's not a good idea to set your sights on any individual school - that's a good way to set yourself up for disappointment

To answer your question, it won't be a red flag