I found out that I can graduate from Berkeley within 3-3.5 years with all the AP credits I have. However, will I be missing out on a significant amount by graduating early, not just the student experience but also in terms of academic achievement (research, internships, etc)? And how much will whatever I miss out on affect my job/grad school prospects? Thanks!
If costs are not a factor, then what’s the rush to get through college? The opportunities and experiences here can shape your life.
@BerkeleyUX cost is actually quite a big factor
3.5 yrs, or even 3 yrs, is very possible.
Besides working hard, you should pay attention to:
- Limiting EC activities. For grad school and employment applications, ECs have very little value, much much less than for undergrad application.
- Arranging your schedule & picking your classes wisely. Sometimes you'll have to take classes/professors/TAs you don't like.
- You may need to take summer classes.
One of the things grad school ad coms look for is research experience. You’ll need to be extra active (because your’re short of time) in seeking research opportunities: go to seminars, keep contact with professors, showing them that you are willing and can be valuable to their works.