Is it wiser to take some time off before going to grad school, or just going right into it from undergrad?

Question

I will be graduating in December 2007. I know exactly what I'll go for so that isn't the issue. My friend and I were talking about how it seems like we just keep going and going and going with school and work and homework, how things are flying by and that we just seem to be rushing all the time. And we were trying to figure out why... what are we rushing to get to?

The last question in the details section was rhetorical... :)

Answer 1

Others are correct in saying that it may be harder to get into the swing of things if you take time off. But as someone that interviews students for a graduate program I have noticed distinct differences between those that have applied directly and those that have taken a year off. Those that have taken that time off seem to be more sure about their decision to go into graduate school and the particular program they want to choose and they also seem to be a lot more mature and prepared to handle graduate school.

I personally took two years off before going to gradaute school and that time off made me even more sure about my decision to enter the field I will be going into. Yes it was difficult to start getting into the groove of school again but if your commited you will get back into it very quickly.

Answer 2

It doesn't seem like it right now, but if you do take time off, you risk not getting back into it. I went to the military for 6 yrs right after high school - getting good grades weren't hard for me, and I figured I'd go to school soon as I get in, but that's not how it ended up being. I started advancing, becoming a supervisor, and next thing I know, it's been 6 yrs and still not even an associates! Keep up w/your studies so everything is still fresh in your brain, plus, what are you going to break for when in a little bit more, you could be making more money for your future? Let's put it this way, with that "break" from school that I took, people that graduated the same year as me are graduating from med school and are going to be doctors and make around 100,000 and up a year. They stuck through it and are entering the world. If you know what you want to do, then pursue it, because in the end, there's no way you can regret it.

Answer 3

While there's no answer to this, it's strictly a personal choice. However, I personally believe that it's best to go straight through and get your Masters.

Why? Because if you take time off, you might not go back. For example, I've known many people over the years who decided to travel or work after earning their Bachelors. And they'll always say that they could go back, but many do not!

And so, I feel it's best to get all of your training out of the way first, so you can go to an employer and say I've got it! Plus, many Master's programs are designed around the working students, so you can get some practical experience while pursuing the degree. In the end, I think it's the best route.

Answer 4

I would say youre in a perfect situation. You graduate in December and a lot of grad schools don't even admit students in the spring. I would say wait until the fall and apply for grad school for the next fall. That gives you a semester off, but you still have applications out there as motivation to get back into it. I have actually thought about the same thing. I have the credits to graduate in December, but I'm afraid I won't want to go back to school. I plan to send applications in this fall to start in fall 2008 so I get a little time off but not too much. I think if you wait much longer youll be like me and won't want to go back.

Answer 5

Looking back, I'm now in favor of spending a year away from school. Working or whatever. I went to grad school straight from undergrad. Seeing how we all did in grad school and after, I really think taking a year off (as long as you spend it somewhat productively; no laying on mommy's couch playing video games for a year) helps give you a real world perspective that's very helpful. Whether you work, do some research, travel around, etc, you see things differently than as a naive college student.

Answer 6

i'm at present a PhD pupil in my third year and that i pay attention your sentiments on a daily basis from the undergrads I artwork with. the 1st question I consistently ask is why do you no longer trust the belief of waiting some years? is it on the grounds which you think of you will lose momentum? or are you afraid you would be too previous to start up a relatives once you're performed? From my journey, neither one in all those is a concern, i in my opinion waited 8 years between undergrad and grad college and that i'll nevertheless have my PhD by potential of the time i'm 33 (that's youthful in my e book). And, fairly, waiting 8 years incredibly boosted by potential of motivation for the doctorate point artwork, i replaced into completely burnt out after college! On a extra effective point, do you comprehend what you will possibly desire to learn in grad college? PhD point artwork is quite self reliant and till you incredibly comprehend what you desire to do, this is tough to stay introduced on on the main suitable music. I additionally think of (and it fairly is from own journey) that grad college demands a incredibly intense point of time administration techniques, that could in simple terms be gained via an entire-time pastime. i will tell by potential of evaluating my self to others in my application, that i comprehend a thank you to deal with rigidity and shutting dates a lot extra efficiently than my classmates who got here at as quickly as from college. i'm uncertain no count whilst you're speaking some Masters degree or a doctorate on your question, yet the two are completely diverse. whilst you're no longer specific approximately going for the PhD then i might recommend doing the MA first (in case you will get investment or funds isn't an argument). in spite of the reality that, in case you have the grades and the GRE scores to get you right into a PhD application suitable away, i might particularly recommend skipping the masters, through fact it fairly is an exceptionally costly determination! i wish this helps! somebody as quickly as instructed me that as quickly because it comprises those kinds of dilemmas, there are not any incorrect options. there is a few thing to be gained by potential of going at as quickly as for college or despite the fact that by potential of waiting some years. reliable good fortune!

Answer 7

Well, I just hope your major and all the work you plan on doing in graduate school are something you can make a living with. Too much school can be an escape from the boredom and frustrations of real life. Best of luck to you and your friend.

Answer 8

Whenever you get to whatever you're rushing to get to, let me know. There's a good chance you won't get there at all, or if you do, you'll be so burned out you'll be unable to enjoy whatever it was you were rushing to get to. In short, it's never good to rush. Almost always, bad things happen when you rush. Take some time off, atleast enough to regroup and get your bearings before you rush back into the rush to get to whatever you're rushing to get to. Gee...I hope I didn't confuse ya!!!!!

Answer 9

I tend to think it would be good to keep going as well. You're already in the habit of going to school and also are closer now (rather than in a few years) to professors who can recommend you for grad school.

Plus if you wait, younger and more eager whippersnappers are going to be graduating with/before you from grad school and will be competition for jobs. Kepp going and be a young whippersnapper :)

Answer 10

DO NOT TAKE A BREAK! you will NEVER want to go back. you'll get used to not being busy with school, start to enjoy it, and then you'll put off going back for a LONG time. just keep going on with school. i promise you you will not regret it.