<p>As the title says, if I do this will graduate programs look down on me or? Also, I’m $9k in debt over student loans etc for my currently planned schooling (4yrs).</p>
<p>I’m currently a fourth year neuroscience student with a low gpa (3.0) and little research experience. Just last quarter I was able to get into two very good internships after internship hunting for a year.</p>
<p>I think if I had more time I could strengthen my gpa as well as my research experience. Even in a job hunt I think this will help me out. </p>
<p>I was a transfer student, I’m not sure if grad schools look at that since my grades declined at the university. I also had undiagnosed bipolar II that assisted in wrecking my gpa.</p>
<p>Maybe you can get a job at some kind of lab, work for a couple years.
That way you get the experience, can pay off your debt without accruing any more, and strengthen your application for graduate schools. And if you can’t get in anywhere- you already have a good job</p>
<p>Sounds to me like you have it figured out!</p>
<p>From my own experience, I don’t believe they care that you graduated in 5 years (I graduated in 6 overall!). See it like this: you are obviously bent on doing a PhD if you do so, it shows planning and commitment. On top of it you will add very valuable research experiences to you CV, potentially good recs and you will probably increase your GPA as well.</p>
<p>The only thing is, can you live with the additional debt? Plan your finances carefully.</p>
<p>I hope this helps, and good luck!</p>