Graduating College in 5 Years: Worth It?

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Completing an undergraduate degree in five years is increasingly common in the U.S., especially for students in demanding majors like math-philosophy and physics. Many factors contribute to this trend, including financial aid cutbacks and the growing complexity of course loads. Pursuing a five-year plan will not negatively impact applications to top graduate schools, as admissions committees understand the challenges students face today. Balancing a heavier course load of around 18 credits per semester can lead to quicker graduation, but taking a standard load over five years is a valid and acceptable choice.
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I'm in my second year of college and am majoring in math-philosophy and physics. I could probably finish in 4 years if I take ~18 credits (~6 courses) a semester but I could do it in 5 years with a normal load. I really want to go to a top notch graduate school after I earn my BS but was wondering if it would look bad if I did my undergrad in 5 years.

Thanks.
 
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No, it won't look bad.
 
5 years is getting to be the norm in the US nowadays from the students I have seen lately...
 
Thanks to cut backs in financial aid. Growth in the fields of study, yet no reducing of old classes.
 

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