<p>I'm currently a freshmen humanities major. I'll do either English or Philosophy and I am currently taking 17 hours. Next semester I will be taking 21 hours (18 classes plus 3 music ensembles). I did the math and I will be finished with my required pre med science course by the end of my sophomore year and all the requirements for my degree by my 3rd year. I am extremly involved in my schools music program and am a talented instrumentalist. I am also intending on becoming a RA next year in addition to the usual volunteer work and possibly some research later on as well. I don't know of any students who graduated in 3 years and went on to medical school, though i do know of some who went to law school. Assuming that i do well in all my classes and maintain a high gpa and get a good mcat score, would a be a strong candidate for admission or should I just stay for another year. I don't neccesarily want to hasten my matriculation, but it would be much cheaper then staying for a 4th year. What are your thoughts on this?</p>
<p>Also, I am sorta thinking about getting a degree in music performance and my school has a five year program for that in which i'd get both my B.A. and Masters. What are your thoughts on that?</p>
<p>It's possible. I don't think that you gain any advantage in admissions by doing so. Most schools don't look at years but rather credit hours, so the time frame is a moot point really. </p>
<p>I think you should follow a plan that allows you the best chance at success, and enough time to experience most of the things that you want to experience during college. 21 hours, in which 3 are music ensembles seems like a lot (since you actually have to practice and prepare for those more than classes). Do you have a social life? Can you do the research, the co-curriculars/involvement/leadership things, the volunteering? Can you study for the MCAT properly with such a large credit load?</p>
<p>If you can honestly answer all those questions with a resounding and unequivocal yes, then by all means finish in 3. But if there is even slight hesitation, then I believe you to really look long and hard at the benefits. Is it worth the money to perhaps have a weaker application than you might garner in 4 years? It's those sorts of questions you have to answer, that's just one example.</p>
<p>Students are often advised that they should be presenting three years of coursework when applying. In other words, if you will graduate in three, you'd be better served taking a year off in between.</p>
<p>A note about being an RA - you should talk to your current RA and see what kind of time commitment it really involves. My RA is actually premed but she doesn't do any volunteering or research work, and if you are taking a large courseload, you will have some trouble keeping up. Our RAs are limited to ten hours of extracurriculars per week (not enough to volunteer AND do research, but enough to do one or the other if you don't care about anything else), and they can only spend the night away from the dorm 6 nights per quarter. Your school's RAs may have more lenient restrictions, but I would guess every school places some restrictions. You also have to be "on call" at least one night a week, where you patrol the building and make sure there are no raucous parties going on. If you have an exam the next day, you might be able to switch with someone, but if you can't, oh well.</p>
<p>My RA loves her job and I think it is an awesome leadership activity. I'd just advise you to look into it and see the full extent of that commitment.</p>
<p>I am graduating in three and am currently in the application process. I have received a few interviews already, some at high ranking institutions. Although I have only been to one interview so far, they didn't even mention my graduating in 3 years. Like Bigredmed said, if you feel that you can be a qualified applicant in those two years that you will be appying, go for it. Just be warned, this take REALLY good planning. I think I got a bit lucky the way I planned my schedule and everything worked out. The only regret I have is applying late because of the August MCAT, but it hasn't been too bad so far. Good luck!</p>