<p>I'm a freshman at a "new ivy" who went there due to a scholarship. My AP credits are giving me over two semesters worth of college credit, allowing me to graduate as a 20 yo (Class of 2011). My plan is to skip sophomore year and get a B.S. in both Physics and Math, which is only possible through overloading (20+ credits) every semester. Currently I am taking 21 credits. </p>
<p>Though, in a month or so, I'll likely already have a research job programming in C++ and ROOT for an educational assessment project, I am afraid that since I'll have a year less to do research, make connections, work, and prove myself I'll have a reduced chance of getting into a top grad school for a Physics Ph.D (my dream is to attend Caltech, where I was waitlisted as a HS senior). </p>
<p>Will graduate schools see me as immature and inexperienced? Will they criticize me for overloading so much? Am I REALLY missing out on numerous opportunities as an undergraduate? Would getting less than a 4.0 AND graduating early be particularly detrimental to my chances? Thank you!</p>
<p>Two questions: what is a new ivy? and are you a freshman who is three weeks into your first semester? If the answer to the second question is yes, then you may discover that "overloading" credits is not sustainable and you will need the dean of students permission to do this (which you would be unlikely to get multiple semesters in a row. Frankly, this plan would cause you to miss out on a lot of tangible and intangible things associated with being a student - life maturity, first apartment, serious relationships, building credit history, internships, networking etc. What is to be gained by starting grad school one year earlier?</p>
<p>wouldn't u have a better chance? i mean graduating earlier means u were able to handle the workload...besides, i learned in psychology that for sciences, u're mentally most capable when u're young. for hummanities, the older u get, more things to write about, more wise. i wonder if grad admissions know this.</p>
<p>They won't let you in unless you have the level. So if you do the same amount of research & high level courses than you would in 4 years, then its ok. If not, its a disadvantage I'd say. I would think a typical grad entering top schools in physics PhD already has a lot of experience in research, maybe even posseses a MS.</p>
<p>"u're mentally most capable when u're young"
I highly doubt that a 1 year difference changes anything.</p>
<p>I'm also in the same situation. But I'm using the 4rth year to get more research done during the first term. If I'd applied during my 3rd year, I'd have no chance because not enough experience.</p>
<p>Applicants aren't judged by their age: They're judged by their accomplishments/stats. Graduating too early doesn't allow you to accomplish as much.</p>
<p>I was considering graduating early. But my current plan is to come back for a fourth year, but only to do my Honors thesis, continue language work, and take history seminars. Basically, go part time to cut costs (since that's the only reason I would graduate early), but still doing the substantive work that is important for graduate school.</p>
<p>You said you'd have to overload every semester; you also said you can skip a year. How about taking a regular course load for the regular four years? That sounds like the perfect balance for your situation, unless I'm missing something or you have a strong incentive to do it differently.</p>
<p>The only real problem I can see with graduating early is that you have less time to create a strong relationship with professors to get great letters of rec. So you'd need to put in a lot of effort for that.</p>
<p>Whether you're academically able to finish in 3 years or not, I highly doubt it would be in your best interest to graduate early. I did academic overload for 5 semesters straight and I do not recommend that route for anyone. It became very difficult to balance academics, extracurriculars, and my off-campus job(s). Now I've graduated and am able to reflect on my choice to take such a demanding courseload. I honestly wished I didn't because I would have had more opportunity to enjoy my self and not feel stressed out to the point of ending up sick and mentally burnt out. </p>
<p>Also, on another note. Age really does reflect on your experience and maturity, both of which are high factors for graduate admissions. Take your time with your course work, take on a few research projects or summer internships but MOST IMPORTANTLY enjoy your time as an undergrad! You'll never get that time back so don't rush it!</p>