Can I apply to a PhD program if I will be graduating with my undergraduate degree in the summer term instead of the spring term? I am interested in applying for PhD programs for fall admittance. While I think most undergraduates will graduate in the spring, take the summer off or do something otherwise productive, and start their program in the fall, I want to use the summer semester to finish up some general education requirements.

So my basic timeline would be:


Apply for grad schools in the late fall/early January, and of course be doing coursework in the fall semester
Take more classes in the spring, and hopefully be accepted somewhere
Finish up final degree degree requirements in the summer (only general education requirements), and graduate
Enter grad school in the fall


I want to do this so I can take more math classes in the fall and spring, and finish up my required art class and economics class in the summer. I have never heard about undergraduates doing this. Is it common, and is it okay to do? I cannot find much about it online. Is there any reason NOT to do this?
(Assuming USA) Yes, you can apply if you are graduating in the summer.  No, I do not see any reason why you should not do this.  You should probably explain your plan and the reasons for it in your application.