<p>Hello all, </p>
<p>Due to signing up late for classes, I am forced to take only 3 classes next semester. If I wanted to push it, I could then take 5 classes a semester and graduate in 3 semesters. OR I could take 3-4 classes per semester and graduate in 4 semesters. My GPA will vary of course between the two options. My dream is to attend Stanford or MIT for grad school, and my question is what would matter more? The higher GPA or the heavier course load. I really dont mind taking the extra semester if its going to help me. </p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>For the fourth “course” this semester, can you do some undergraduate research that will get you a good recommendation from a faculty member?</p>
<p>GPA is like currencies, keep a reasonably good GPA. I think from some of the grad forum for Stanford, you need 3.6 GPA and above. Not sure about MIT.</p>
<p>I like the idea of taking up a research position and building a connection with a professor, that is good advice. And 3.6 seems low, but maybe I could be wrong. Thanks for the advice guys!</p>
<p>I second that research would be a good choice. Get in contact with a professor whose research interests you. Your university probably has some sort of directed study option for this type of thing.</p>
<p>Also, GPA is sort of a cut-off thing: it can hurt you if your GPA is below a certain point, but above that threshold, it doesn’t really help you. There are more important things they’re concerned with, like research experience and letters of recommendation.</p>