Graduating in 3 Years

<p>How easy is it to graduate from Rice in 3 years? Is this common? My host for Owl Days was a biochem major who mentioned that she would be graduating early. I am between either a cognitive science, psych, or bio major as a pre-med student and I should come in with quite a bit of AP credit. In addition, would it be possible to graduate in 3 years with both a major and a minor? Any advice/help/tips would be appreciated!</p>

<p>Well, you might be able to, but you would probably have to take 20 hours a semester all 3 years…honestly though, why do you want to graduate in 3 years? College is a really amazing experience, and should be savored I feel.</p>

<p>My son is saying that his time at Rice is going by way too quickly. He will be a senior (yipes!) in only a few more short weeks. Unless money is an issue, take your time and enjoy all Rice has to offer!</p>

<p>money is an issue, and i’d rather have more money for med school. like i said i should come in with quite a bit of AP credit. are you sure it is that difficult? my host for owl days was planning on graduating early and it didn’t seem like a big deal…</p>

<p>It is probably possible, but it would be a lot of work. During O-week you should discuss your plans with the academic advisors and they can give you a better answer that is relevant to your specific situation.</p>

<p>It’s possible your host was part of a program (is it called TAM?) where high school students get an early start on a degree at Rice. My daughter has mentioned that those students usually graduate early. Your AP credits will help you get some intro courses out of the way, and give you more leeway in how many and which electives you get to take, but you can’t count on getting a whole year out of them. I agree with what everyone here says, though. Four years goes by quickly, and Rice has so much to offer. If you’re really overloaded with classes (which I’m pretty sure you’d have to be to do any of the sciences in 3 years, if it’s even possible), you’re not going to get the full college experience.</p>

<p>It is fully doable. I know a math major who’ll graduate after five semesters. She’s planning on med-school. Rice does <em>not</em> limit AP credit.</p>

<p>I know a guy who was planning on graduating in three years, but decided to stay on for his senior year. It is definitely doable, especially with Rice’s AP policy. My suitemates came in with something like 50 credits each. One’s a premed so he’s redoing all his intro science classes, but the other one is an econ major who is jumping right into upper stuff.</p>