<p>i posted a question on the pre-med site. I would like to post the same question on the Tulane site for school specific advice.
After reading a number of threads on course loads required to adequately prepare for the MCAT by May of junior year (which I understand to be the latest one would want to take the MCAT so as not to be late), it seems to me that there are not enough days in a year to do all the things required to really have a good resume. Furthermore, it seems that students struggle to cram all the pertinent courses in that would improve scores on the MCAT. my question "What are the pros and cons to a 5 year plan versus a 4 year plan". With a 5 year plan, my son would enter Tulane in the fall of 2011 and graduate in the spring of 2016 as opposed to the 4 year plan graduating in the spring of 2015. With the 5 year plan, he could take the MCAT in late January of 2015 as opposed to taking the MCAT in May of 2014. This would allow for a lighter course load each semester allowing for more EC's, shadowing,etc. and possibly studying abroad. He would be more likely to maintain a higher GPA as well as. Furthermore, the MCAT would be taken in late January giving the winter break as a great study time as opposed to taking the MCAT in May competing with exams. Does the Tulane Medical School frown upon 5 year plans? Would a really exceptional use of the extra time through EC's, studying abroad, etc. make up for the perception. Also, would a double major on a 5 year plan look differently than a single major? It seems to me also that a student would have a better college experience on the 5 year plan? I realize the cost is a negative. I am looking for additional cons as well as pros. Thank you all so much.</p>
<p>Very interesting topic! I can’t say with any knowledge how med schools look at people that take 5 years, but I have a very hard time believing that in and of itself that is at all a negative. As you say, if it was to mostly party that might be one thing, but otherwise I bet lots of the applicants that get accepted took 5 years.</p>
<p>Personally, if you can afford it I think you make a lot of good points about taking an extra year. I have told my D that she should not be concerned about taking another year if she wants to. She is not premed, but she is taking her entire junior year in China and although she could easily graduate in 4 years anyway, she will probably want to stay and take more courses and maybe pick up a third major. It depends on a few factors and it has nothing to do with your motivations or concerns except for the part about being able to have a more fulfilling college experience in some ways. Just be aware that none of the merit awards are extended for the 5th year unless you are an architecture major.</p>
<p>I will leave it to those that might have more knowledge of the details of med school admissions to comment on those aspects, but again if cost is not a factor, then there is nothing magic about graduating in 4 years. Looking back on things, I wish I had been able to spend another year at Tulane. That would have been awesome.</p>
<p>Another option is to finish in four years, but go to summer school and take one of the more difficult pre-med classes and focus on just that one class. I have known many to do that and do research over the summer at the same time. It still gives you a chance to take a lighter course load and doesn’t extend you as much financially by going to a fifth year.</p>
<p>kreativekat -I assume you mean like taking organic chemistry as a summer class?</p>
<p>Yes, or physics is another class that is frequently taken during the summer at my D’s school.</p>
<p>i suggested the summer school route just as you mentioned on the pre-med thread.They advised against it for two reasons…1) when you condense a class that may impact the MCAT into such a small window, you do not thoroughly cover the subject and therefore are less prepared for the MCAT …2)the summer should be reserved for EC,s and improving your resume.</p>