<p>I came into college with 30 credits from AP exams and Dual Enrollment courses – which amounts to a two semesters worth of classes at my University. I’m currently taking 4 classes (12 credits) because of issues that arose with prerequisite requirements for the fifth class I was enrolled in the beginning of the year. Hypothetically, if I took 12 credits every single semester, I would graduate in four years (8 semesters) as opposed to 6 semesters with 15 credits per semester. </p>
<p>I find now that 4 classes allows me to excel in my classes as well as allow me enough time to devote to extracurricular activities, potential internships, etc. (my school day finishes at 11am everyday.) I realize that my schedule will not be perfect as I move up in my major and sections of courses become more limited, but as of right now and the next couple of semesters, finding ideal times for sections of classes I need should not be a problem. </p>
<p>However, I am interested in grad school and wanted to know if taking lighter semesters would impact admissions into something like law school or even a graduate program for Poli Sci, even if I used my spare time meaningfully and managed to get very high marks in my classes? Would I be better off just graduating early with the standard course load? </p>
<p>Law school admission is based on GPA and LSAT (law school entrance exam) and some lesser things. Does not matter your major or semesters to graduate. </p>
<p>No, it won’t. Unless you have a specific reason to graduate early, take the lighter load, excel in your classes, and spend your extra time getting experience that will make you a better candidate for a job or a professional/graduate school. Or spend it enjoying your life.</p>
<p>I’m in a similar situation, so I’ll share what I’m doing and then give you advice.</p>
<p>I came in with about 46 credits with about 30 off them being useful so pretty similar to you. I’m an engineering major so my course load is probably a little bit heavier than yours as a political science major. I just wanted to take a course load that would push me so I did 16 credit hours this semester (max is 17). I also signed up for seventeen next semester. I like this load because it pushes me but it also makes it to where all the rest of my semesters will be around 12-13 credit hours allowing me to do exactly what you are talking about in terms of using the extra time to do internships and extra curriculars. I think it’s a good idea. If I continue on this path my entire senior year will be graduate level courses too which would be awesome and be able to get a lot of research and internship experience.</p>
<p>My advice to you is probably apparent at this point: go with the 12 credit semesters. It is a lot easier and beneficial. I think of it as a perk for taking initiative in high school. It really will be a huge advantage over your peers who are struggling and having to overload semesters. As for law school, I would definitely think your GPA would be much more important than taking lighter courses; at any rate you are still a full time student with 12 credit hours. </p>
<p>Law: YS it’ll affect you, H no, rest of the T14 (except Boalt) no.</p>
<p>Poli Sci grad program: Yes, it’ll sting. It won’t hurt your chances, but it’ll have a bit of an impact.</p>
<p>ETA: Didn’t see part two of the question. Graduating early’s up to you, but law schools aren’t really big fans. Something something discredits gpa, something something anecdotal examples (<a href=“Proud2B19 | Law School Numbers”>Recently Updated J.D. Profiles | Law School Numbers). Can’t speak to grad programs, but I think it’d have an impact as you wouldn’t have as much time to complete a thesis/do any research. Can you tack on a second major/dual degree?</p>