<p>so guys I'm expecting to graduate from college in 4.5 years (meaning, after I finish my senior year, I will have to stay for another fall semester). I heard that fall semster of senior year won't count when applying for grad school? I actually need all my semester to count as there will be alot of gpa boost if i do well constantly. If I want to make this happen, when would be the best time to apply for grad school? Should I wait one more year and apply for it? (and during that 1 year interval, should I try to get more internship or research experiences)? I was a little late in my planning, so right now, I'm trying to get internship this summer, 2 research experiences for fall and spring semester of senior year and so on.</p>
<p>any help would be greatful and I apologize for asking too many questions from other posts</p>
<p>thank you</p>
<p>If you’re taking 4.5 years to graduate then it’s likely your entire 4.5 years will be seen by admissions committees. I know all of my schools wanted a transcript with grades from the fall I was applying, so it’s only the spring of your final year they wouldn’t see.</p>
<p>You don’t want to apply the fall of your fourth year since you aren’t expecting to have your BS by the time the following fall rolls around.</p>
<p>I graduated in 3.5 years and wound up working in a lab at my undergrad university for nine months after finishing in December but before starting in September. You can also always inquire at schools about starting over the summer, so you’d be able to join a lab in June and get a jump start on learning how whichever lab you want to work in works.</p>
<p>hmm I see, so how should I do this then? Just apply during around december around everyone else? what about the spring semester and summer? even if I do something like research or internship during those time frame, I guess it won’t count toward the admission since I’m doing it “after” applying for grad right?</p>