Programs Do I Need a 4 Year Degree to Get into MIT or Harvard?

[matthieulabelle]

I'll be starting my physics program next week at U of Toronto but I am debating one thing, to get accepted into a top university in the USA ( mit or harvard ) for graduate studies, would i require to take a 4 year honors program or will a 3 year program suffice with good enough marks?

As a side note, how long does it take to get a Msc and a Phd (average)

thanks

 

[neurocomp2003]

4 years at UFT...unless your able to cram all those requirements at UFT into 3 years(which includes summerschool)..though people would say take your time to completely understand what you are learning, doing undergrad research would probably be a plus(especially if you can obtain one fo those NSERC undergrad scholarships for the summer).

MSc(1yr-1.66yr),Phd(2.5-3)..total almost 5 years after undergrad

 

[Tasaio]

I'm not in Physics, myself, but I recommend taking the extra fourth year.

I don't know about Physics, but for UFT math and CS, the Grad Schools generally only have access to your marks from your *second-last* year -- so if you only take 3 years, they'll be looking at your second year marks.

If you take 4 years, you'll be able to take numerous extra courses, and spread out your workload and degree sufficiently.

 

[matthieulabelle]

how about summer courses? if i do a 4 year programme in 3 years that will allow me 3 summers to take courses. wouldn't it be even it out?

 

[leright]

how about summer courses? if i do a 4 year programme in 3 years that will allow me 3 summers to take courses. wouldn't it be even it out?

IT is a more wise investment to spend your summers getting research experience than it is to take classes.