I know that many professional schools look down on students who do not take a full course load, but is the same true for graduate schools?

I'm trying to decide if it is wise to take a few (elective) classes this summer to offset the work load I'll have in my 4th year.

Any info would help!

Thanks!

You're in first year. Postpone your thoughts for another 2 years.

I have never heard of a grad school who looks down on people taking courses in the summer. A friend of mine did courses in the summer and he still got his masters position. I took courses in the summer did not have an issue with employers looking down on it either.

I'm in third year, and I have the exact same question. So if anyone has more insight, I would really appreciate hearing about it.

Thanks in advance!

It all depends on what you'll be studying in grad school and if it's a course based or thesis based masters. If you're doing a thesis based masters and don't have a full course load some professors may ask for a reason why, because it will tell more about you.

Consider this scenario, when a prof is looking through student applications:
Student 1: 3 courses/term, 11.5 average, some lab/field experience, no volunteering
Student 2: 5 courses/term, 9 average, lab/field experience while doing undergrad thesis, tons of volunteering
Even though student 1 has better marks, student 2 still meets requirements, full course load, volunteering as well...

I asked a science academic advisor, and she said that graduate schools do not care about course load, only GPA.