Graduating Early Benefits and Drawbacks? Forum

[20170322]

I am a current undergraduate, and it was brought to my attention by an adviser that, even taking 12 hours a semester, I am on-track to graduate a year early. I am a member of an athletic team which provides a full-ride, so cost doesn't really play a factor.

Is there any reason, other than locking down my GPA, to graduate early? Or is this simply a matter of personal preference, where I should decide based on whether or not I like college?

Thanks!

[fanlinxun]

I assume you are interested in law school after graduation? I would graduate early and get some work experience.

The only drawback to graduating early is that unless you plan to get some work experience first you may be a young law school student. If you have the grades/LSAT score you will probably be fine with admissions, but depending on how mature you look or present yourself it could have an impact on job prospects on the fringes (though you are probably okay if you have great grades or a great school). This is purely anecdotal, but I have a friend who graduated a year early and looked like it. He really struggled with OCI because he was an otherwise mediocre candidate. Frankly, even those who graduated from undergrad in four years are probably better off with a year or two of work experience before law school.

I vote for getting out of undergraduate early unless you need to boost your GPA. Then get some work experience and take your time in deciding whether law school is right for you.

[Winston1984]

Stay for four years. College is so much fun. Working is okay, and having money is nice, but no need to rush it. Trust me.

[Ron Don Volante]

Don't do it. When you look back on everything as an old fart you would probably trade a lot for having had a fourth year in undergrad. I mean unless you go to a really lame UG, of course.

[chuckbass]

Yea stay. Life continues to go downhill as you age and progress.

[20170322]

So the consensus is to stay, but not for any professional or admissions benefits?

[Ron Don Volante]

nope not really, get good grades and get drunk a lot is tcr

plenty of time to worry about grown up stuff later

[chuckbass]

So the consensus is to stay, but not for any professional or admissions benefits?

I mean, assuming you don't have a 4.0, you could raise your GPA with another year as well.

[Mack.Hambleton]

if you're not paying for might as well stay and enjoy the ride

[sparty99]

I am a current undergraduate, and it was brought to my attention by an adviser that, even taking 12 hours a semester, I am on-track to graduate a year early. I am a member of an athletic team which provides a full-ride, so cost doesn't really play a factor.

Is there any reason, other than locking down my GPA, to graduate early? Or is this simply a matter of personal preference, where I should decide based on whether or not I like college?

Thanks!

I would study abroad Spring Semester if you can....

[20170322]

I am a current undergraduate, and it was brought to my attention by an adviser that, even taking 12 hours a semester, I am on-track to graduate a year early. I am a member of an athletic team which provides a full-ride, so cost doesn't really play a factor.

Is there any reason, other than locking down my GPA, to graduate early? Or is this simply a matter of personal preference, where I should decide based on whether or not I like college?

Thanks!

I would study abroad Spring Semester if you can....

Unfortunately, I signed a contract with my athletic team waiving the ability to study abroad.