Coming from personal experience, I thought graduating college early would be nothing short of amazing. I had my sites set high and my goals set even higher.
To kick off this amazing pre-med track, I started dual-enrollment while still in high school at my local community college. This turned into summer classes, which then turned into an associates degree only one year after graduation and then more summer classes; now I will finish my undergraduate degree in three very short years.
Cool? I guess so. However, the advice I have to give is this: DON'T!
1. It will all go by WAY too fast
I am in disbelief that I am graduating this year. It is unfathomable, really. While writing this, the panic is running throughout my entire body, After graduation, everything gets real, a little too real. This feeling is definitely worth putting off for an extra year.
2. It is EXHAUSTING
I have been focused on school non-stop, no breaks ever. Each semester is filled with a full to the brim schedule with no time off. However, you can't forget about the clubs, volunteering, maintaining a job and much more that comes along with being a pre-med major. Not a day goes by where there isn't "something." There is always, ALWAYS something that comes along with fast-tracking your degree.
3. Bye-bye summer
In order to graduate a year early, you can not forget about taking summer classes - everyone's favorite, am I right? And not just one class either. For example, this summer I took six classes over the entirety of the summer (three in each session). This isn't my first rodeo either. There are no vacations, minimal outdoors time and an overall lack of fun. My college summers are what I wish I could change the most.
4. You miss out on just about everything
This is by far the lamest excuse, however it is most certainly a valid one. I don't really care for partying, but I am a Spartan. Being on an accelerated track does not leave much wiggle room for fun. You're too busy to darty and too tired to party. Also, with only being on Michigan State University's campus for two years, it is hard to get involved. My advice to all: get involved and get involved quick. The longer you are a part of clubs the more worthwhile they become.
5. At the end, you'll wonder why you wanted to graduate early
This is what I am struggling the most with. Why? Why did I put myself through all of this stress and chaos. For me, I am taking a gap year before med school therefore I am still starting med school at the same time had I just taken the normal four years to graduate. Yes, there are benefits to an accelerated course track, but those benefits do not outweigh the cons.
