<p>I'm planning on studying for a year abroad, during which I would get 30 credits. I also plan to have between 20 and 30 from high school. Because I want to go to med school, I want to get through my undergrad as quickly as possible, but at a good school. I don't want to go to a school that just hands out degrees to everyone and does not have a quality education. How many credits would an excellent college take and if I work through the summers and take extra classes, on average, how quickly would I be able to get my bachelors? Thanks!</p>
<p>Unless if you are sure you can maintain a good GPA and do some research at the same time, dont do it too fast. You’re gonna rush through a time where a lot of learning/growth takes place both in and outside of class.</p>
<p>Apparently the average age of a first-year med student is about 26.</p>
<p>From what I’ve read (here and elsewhere), med schools like older students for maturity, life experience, and ability to relate to patients. Applying earlier can put you at a disadvantage when you’re competing against these people.</p>
<p>Look at the state schools you’d like to attend - they generally take more credits. Most “good” private schools take very few (maybe 3 or so classes). You also have to look and see where those credits will go - often they just place you out of courses or are elective credit. </p>
<p>Hardly any schools I know of will accept over two years worth if credit - that is the minimum that must be taken at the school to get a degree.</p>
<p>Look hard at the schools and their policies before you knock yourself out. :)</p>
<p>Below are some things medical schools value in applicants:</p>
<ol>
<li>High GPA (at least a 3.6, preferably over 3.7)</li>
<li>Strong MCAT scores</li>
<li>Hospital internships</li>
<li>Research experience</li>
</ol>
<p>In order to accomplish the above, most premeds require time to graduate.</p>
<p>Are you trying to finish in less than 4 all together or 4 including year abroad. Friend of daughter took credit into college (very selective) and finished science/premed credits plus several medical mission and is now spending jr year abroad. She took MCATs end of last summer since it would be a year before she would be back. So it is possible to do some different things. BUT be sure and check what you do abroad. Schools sometimes only take courses abroad for elective credit and you probably don’t need 30 hours of elective credit which means you may not get to use all the credits you earn abroad for a degree. Also depending on what year in HS you take AP or IB classes, some colleges strongly encourage you not to try and exempt science because you might not have foundation for next class.</p>
<p>Look for a school where a significant percentage of students study abroad, and where they integrate study abroad into the programs. Many of them have partnerships with schools overseas, or even programs that they run themselves.</p>
<p>The year abroad is right after high school and I can get 30 credits, but then I have to apply to a school here that will transfer them into valid credits that can be used anywhere. Ideally, I want to complete my undergrad in 2 years, including 2 summers. I don’t want to be 30 by the time I’m out of med school, aiming for somewhere closer to 26 or 27. Would top colleges be okay with 2 years if it also included 2 summers??? I’d be willing to take up to 4 classes a semester, 5 if they’re not so delicate. And yes scmom12, I was told not take certain AP’s in high school because it won’t be fresh in my mind when I need to build on it in college.</p>
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<p>Reviewing the old final exams for any course that you may skip with AP or other transfer credit may be worth doing before deciding whether the skip the course.</p>