graduating early

<p>Due to AP scores, I'll have 69 credit units at MIT when I start. I also plan to take some ASEs. How does one get sophomore standing or graduate in 3 years? Isn't 96 credit units one year?</p>

<p>You'll probably hear from actual MIT students who know more than I do. But my impression is that most people have a lot more credits than they need to graduate, but that few choose to leave after just 3 years. My son is in the same position you are, but is sure he wants a full 4 years there anyway. (you can apply for sophomore status after your first semester, which will release you from the freshman credit limit your second semester). AP and ASE credit seems to be most useful for getting out of required intro courses and taking more electives or advanced courses.</p>

<p>To graduate with a single bachelors' of science, you need to complete the General Institute Requirements (8.01, 8.02, 18.01, 18.02, 7.01x, 5.11x/3.091, 8 HASS, 1 lab, 2 restricted science electives [which include common classes like 5.12, 6.001, 18.03, 7.05, etc], 8 PE points, swim test), plus 180 units outside the GIRs. Any class that isn't a GIR counts in the 180 units needed outside the GIRs. (Ugh, I hope that's clear. The "units outside the GIR" thing is confusing to explain.)</p>

<p>So if you can fulfill the GIRs, the requirements for a major, and get at least 180 units outside the GIRs in three years, you're set to graduate. texas137 is right, though: a lot of people could graduate early, but most opt to stay the full four years... some of them pick up a second major to "pass the time" :)</p>

<p>I believe you'd be offered sophomore standing automatically if you have enough credit by the end of IAP (I forget how much it is).</p>

<p>You need a full year of credits, meanin 96; and you must have taken a Hass D CI</p>

<p>Well, the issue for me is more financial. I want to get my degrees as quickly as I can to save my parents financial stress.</p>

<p>Graduating early is extremely uncommon, you'll be like the only one. And MIT is probably the last thing your parents will buy for you, so take heart.</p>

<p>once you get there, there may be employment opportunities that would let you reduce the burden on your parents and still spend 4 years there. Also, you will potentially be able to repay your parents by helping them out after you are established and they are retired. In vesting in you is an investment in their own future also. You have a once in a lifetime opportunity here. You need to discuss this with your parents before you try to shortchange yourself with a plan to leave MIT a year early.</p>

<p>Whenever I was at CPW I met a kid who was graduating early for financial reasons.</p>

<p>That's interesting. You know what else is interesting? I love carrots but I hate carrot soup. And I hate peas but I Love pea soup.</p>

<p>I've never tried carrot soup =(</p>

<p>Lucky for you. Ever been stung by a dead bee?</p>

<p>i killed a bee that stung me... :-/</p>