4 answers
Noelle
Student
Knoxville, Tennessee
3
Questions
Asked
426 views
should i priortize graduating early?
I plan to be an oncologist, and the track is long, so I have been thinking about graduating undergrad early, but it requires a lot. Should I continue this?
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4 answers
James Hanson
Pediatric Intensive Care Physician; Consultant
160
Answers
Oakland, California
Updated
James’s Answer
Like Dr. Peevy, I graduated early from college and from medical school. I regret this, as education is never as inexpensive (yes, it only gets worse) and easy as it is in college. The more classes you take and experiences (academic and extracurricular) you have, the better you will be prepared for your future, and the more you will really know what path(s) to pursue. Most people I know changed their trajectory from what they expected as they were entering college. I certainly changed my plans often. It is cliche, but life is a journey, and you have to enjoy the trip. To become a physician, it is more of an expedition - with challenges along with thrills and adventure as you march along.
Keith Peevy
Physician—neonatologist
16
Answers
Mobile, Alabama
Updated
Keith’s Answer
Saving one year, in the long run, will not change much for you. I went to med school after three years of college, but I wish I had stayed and enjoyed the college experience another year.
After high school, a medical oncologist will spend about 14 years in education and training, so saving one year is not a major decision if not saving it makes for a better quality of life.
After high school, a medical oncologist will spend about 14 years in education and training, so saving one year is not a major decision if not saving it makes for a better quality of life.
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
1091
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Noelle,
You'll have many things going on during your undergraduate: You need to achieve an excellent GPA. You need to study for and take the MCAT and achieve a good score. You need to get volunteer and internship hours in. If possible, you want to get some research experience. There are probably pre-requisites that are not covered in your major, so you'll take extra classes. I don't think it will be helpful to try and cram in even more and graduate early. The medical path is long and hard enough, don't make it harder on yourself or risk flaming out. I am sure you are an excellent and ambitious student if you are competitive for medical school, but you also need to take some time to breathe and have a healthy social life while you are growing up in college.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
You'll have many things going on during your undergraduate: You need to achieve an excellent GPA. You need to study for and take the MCAT and achieve a good score. You need to get volunteer and internship hours in. If possible, you want to get some research experience. There are probably pre-requisites that are not covered in your major, so you'll take extra classes. I don't think it will be helpful to try and cram in even more and graduate early. The medical path is long and hard enough, don't make it harder on yourself or risk flaming out. I am sure you are an excellent and ambitious student if you are competitive for medical school, but you also need to take some time to breathe and have a healthy social life while you are growing up in college.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Perry Zuckerman
Psychiatrist
33
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Perry’s Answer
Put together, James', Karin's, and Keith's answers sum it up. Heed them.