What effects does graduating in the fall have on recruiting?

Does graduating in the fall put you at a significant disadvantage as opposed to graduating in the spring? Could having an extra summer to use be beneficial?

I could either massively overload my schedule and graduate in the spring (and take a GPA hit) or wait until the fall. I also wasn't able to get an SA offer this summer so I could potentially have another summer to try to get one.

Thanks

9 Comments
 

I'm graduating in the fall and it gave me an opportunity at a BB this summer that I would not have had otherwise. For me it worked out better than graduating in the Spring

 

Delaying graduation usually won't hurt. But some schools may have restrictions that prevent you from applying for SA positions. Check and make sure that you can still apply for all on-campus internship positions.

And, while GPA is always important, the summer experience on your resume gives you much more credibility. Better to take a slight GPA hit if you can gain some solid work experience.

 
Best Response

"it depends. what would your gpa be if you graduate this spring?"

I'd be graduating spring '12 so I don't really know but I'd estimate maybe a 3.1-3.3 since I'd have to take like 20 or so credits the next two semesters. If I stay an extra semester I'd guess a bit higher since I'd have a much more manageable workload each semester (maybe a 3.3-3.5 or higher). Plus I'd have an extra summer to try to get an SA position.

"I'm graduating in the fall and it gave me an opportunity at a BB this summer that I would not have had otherwise. For me it worked out better than graduating in the Spring"

That's good to hear. Do you anticipate running into any problems for FT recruiting because of that?

"And, while GPA is always important, the summer experience on your resume gives you much more credibility. Better to take a slight GPA hit if you can gain some solid work experience."

Yeah this is what I've heard. An extra semester would both boost GPA and give me an extra chance at a summer opportunity. Hmm I guess the choice is looking pretty clear unless there would be any big complications for FT recruiting.

 

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