aquafoam

Has anybody graduated in 3 years rather than the usual 4 years? Is it possible because of all the requirements?

jabberwocky66

yep, it's possible--I was driven to the airport by a girl who was doing it. She said that she had taken summer classes and wintersession. I also imagine it depends greatly upon your major.

WendyMouse

Yep. I know at least three people originally in my year who graduated this past June. There was a fourth person I was sure was doing it, but I couldn't remember seeing her name on the commencement program. I know another person who will be graduating in the fall and going abroad as well. I could have done so if I had a different major, but I didn't particularly care to, and had no idea how I would promote myself as a student with only three years of school.

It's more difficult now that you can get a maximum of four AP credits as opposed to eight, but take five classes once or twice, through in about four labs, a wintersession course or summer class and you are there.

the_wallflower

Echoing the responses above, I have a friend who graduated in three years, and she entered the same year I did. This friend started Wellesley knowing exactly what she wanted to major in and wasted no time starting and planning her subsequent years. She took 4-5 courses each semester, and probably entered Wellesley with a lot of AP credits as well. It's entirely possible, as long as you plan very well how you're going to fulfill all of your course and major requirements.

And while doing that, you may even find time to apply and get accepted to the top graduate schools in your field (as my friend did). But that's another feat to conquer.

aquafoam

thanks for the responses. would it be possible if i were a biology major? would there be time to do intern/research/related things?

aquafoam

sorry, just to clarify. i'm already a declared biology major and i'm certain i'm keeping to it. i'm asking about early grad because i anticipate applying to dental school.

WendyMouse

A lot of research stuff is done over the summer, so probably.

I don't know very much about the bio major, its requirements and how physically possible acceleration is, although I'm sure someone has done it. One of the accelerated students I know has a facebook profile that says "medical school". I think she was biochem though, but I have no idea. The course catalog has all the major requirements as well as directions for acceleration (you talk to your Dean anytime after second semester of your first year and need to bring a course catalog).

When you make your first and second class selections, Wellesley makes you meet with your first year mentor and your academic peer tutor (you'll meet them during orientation). I imagine you will want to take Bio 110 and Bio 111 (add some random letters after if you have AP and want more work), and you may be able to take both first semester. Talk with a real biology major to see whether that idea is sane or physically possible.
There IS a predental society on campus, but I don't know if they are active.

aquafoam

ahh thanks, i think i'll take summer courses then. one last question - do you get housing if you take summer courses?