Effect of graduating undergrad early on admissions?

[jess333]

Hi everyone,

I'd just like some input on the two options I have. I am currently a second semester junior with a 3.3 GPA on a pre-veterinary track. I have yet to take the GREs but will take them this summer. I plan on applying to graduate school for a masters in public health. I can cram my last classes into this fall semester and graduate early so I can apply to to grad school starting next Spring, or I can have a full last senior year, taking it easy and maybe getting some research in. I know there are a lot of factors in this decision, but I was just wondering if I have a lower chance of getting into grad school due to finishing my degree early with a decent GPA but not much experience???

[coffeeplease]

I graduated a semester early and had many of the same worries. I don't think it made a difference either way (not one school brought it up, and I think my results would have been exactly the same had I stayed the extra semester) -- LORs, experience, grades, etc all factor in much more heavily.

Is there any particular reason you want to accelerate?

[jess333]

Thank you! I go to school out of state so it would save me (well..my dad) a lot of money if I graduate early

[coffeeplease]

I think that's a really common reason...it was a big part of why I did it, too. On apps there is usually an optional section called "Additional Information" or something similar, so if you choose, you can upload a paragraph or so about why you accelerated and what you did with your time instead, but I wouldn't worry too much about it. As I said, I don't think it makes a difference one way or another.

Good luck!

[jess333]

Thanks a lot!