Graduate school applications and pass/fail credits during undergrad?

[argentnox]

Does anyone know how grad applications and unfinished credits work? There is a whole year between when applications have to be in and when I would actually start. That is a lot of time for me to pack in more actual classes if need be, but I am not sure if grad schools normally allow that? Do undergrads usually apply while still working on their undergrad degree, or do they get their degree then just suck it up and wait the year, fiddling their thumbs? It seems kind of counterproductive to me, if the second option is the most common. That is a whole year to forget everything you learned.

If I have that extra year, I am sure I can squeeze in at least 12 more credits to make a total of 24 total course credits in my majour instead of only 12. As long as EC will let me use those as my credits and just fill in the remaining with my subject GRE, of course. I will definitely ask EC about the bio GRE. I sure hope they are able to list the specific credits I have, or that really throws a wrench in my plans to graduate on time.

Also, what about taking courses AFTER I have my degree? i.e. if I already have my undergrad degree, but just take extra courses during the time while I am waiting?

Would you just mark on your application that you will be taking the classes during the interim?


I know I need to set up an appointment with a U of C counselor. I am hoping to have that done ASAP, but it is hard working around schedules! I work full time, and I am plowing through between 21 and 30 credits a semester. Just finding time to breathe means I am doing well for the day.

I think I will try to find a way to stress the fact that I had to support myself through college, so time and money were at a premium. Therefore, testing out of some courses was a very viable way for me to complete my degree in a timely manner. Maybe I can manage to slip in that I have done well on all of the exams I took. All of my CLEPs have been 65+/50, and my two DSSTs thus far have been...well, passable, but they were not exactly super important credits. 53/46 on Principals of Supervision and a 55/? on Ethics in America.

Provided I do well enough on my biology GRE (which I should, since I intend to basically become a hermit and use all of my free time studying for it), I am going to submit that score, as well.

I intend to do the same for my General GRE; just study my behind off and get a very high mark. I should do well on the verbal reasoning and writing portions, as I have always been a natural at both (though I still intend to study). The quantitative may give me a little more trouble, but I think with some serious studying, I should be able to handle it.

From everything I hear, the GPA and GRE score is mostly just a foot in the door. The personal statement is where the people really get sorted out. (Though I could be wrong?) So HOPEFULLY--if I am able to play up my personal statement well enough--the "blank" credits will not mean as much.