How bad does taking five years to graduate look?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the implications of taking five years to graduate from college, particularly in the context of applying to graduate programs in neuroscience. Participants explore the perceptions of graduate schools regarding extended graduation timelines, especially for students who change majors late in their academic careers.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about how taking five years to graduate might be viewed by graduate schools, particularly in relation to their goal of pursuing a PhD in neuroscience.
  • Another participant suggests that taking five years may not be problematic if the additional time is used to take necessary courses for graduate programs, especially after a late major change.
  • Concerns are raised about the stigma associated with extended graduation times, particularly if it results from failing courses or taking light course loads without valid reasons.
  • A participant shares their personal experience of needing to work while attending school, raising the question of how part-time attendance might affect perceptions of graduation time.
  • There is a query about whether the extra time to graduate would be beneficial for adequately preparing for the GRE subject test.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the implications of taking five years to graduate. While some argue that it may not be an issue if justified by circumstances, others highlight potential negative perceptions depending on the reasons for the extended timeline.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various factors that could influence the perception of taking longer to graduate, such as changing majors, course loads, and personal circumstances like work commitments. However, the discussion does not resolve how these factors are weighed by graduate admissions committees.

DeuteriumDude
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Hey guys, I have heard that taking five years to graduate is frowned upon by grad schools. Is this true, and if so, to what extent? Let me take a minute to explain my situation. I'm a rising junior, and I only decided to become a science major a year ago. I'm a neuroscience major (but you physics folks seem to be pretty knowledgeable about academics in all the sciences). I want to do a PhD in neuroscience after I graduate. Just finishing my major won't be a problem, but I feel like I might lack some upper level science electives. Also, I am becoming increasingly interested in computational neuroscience, and I'd like to take some more math and physics courses, as well as a computer science class or two (I've never taken computer science). Furthermore, I need to take a GRE subject test, and I won't have enough of anyone subject. If I do the chemistry one, I'll lack physical chemistry; if I do the math one, I'll lack abstract algebra and some other stuff. How bad would it look if I took an extra semester or two to graduate?
 
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Considering you are changing majors late in your college years, I don't think it'll be a problem at all, especially if you're using the extra time to build up added courses you'll need for your graduate programs.

Taking 5 years to graduate is more of a concern if the reason is 1) you had to retake a lot of courses you failed the first time, or 2) you were taking light course loads without some good reason for it (a good reason being something like having to work a full-time job to pay for school in addition to your classes).
 
Moonbear said:
Considering you are changing majors late in your college years, I don't think it'll be a problem at all, especially if you're using the extra time to build up added courses you'll need for your graduate programs.

Taking 5 years to graduate is more of a concern if the reason is 1) you had to retake a lot of courses you failed the first time, or 2) you were taking light course loads without some good reason for it (a good reason being something like having to work a full-time job to pay for school in addition to your classes).

What about just working attending school half-time/working half-time? That's my situation. I have to work to support myself to live. I've had the Pell Grant the last two years.
 
Thanks Moonbear! Do you think it would be worth the extra time just so I can take enough of one subject to do well on a GRE subject test?
 

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