Mind the Gap (Year)

By Elizabeth Hilfrank on June 26, 2017

Struggling to decide if the gap year is right for you? Read below for tips in helping you decide. (Picture courtesy of pixels.com)

You’ve made it to senior year of college. You’ve survived the SATs, ACTs, AP exams, undergrad interviews, adjustment to living out of the house, social changes, academic rigor, and dining hall food. So, things should be getting easier, right? Well, only if you know exactly what you want to do after college and are able to find that perfect fit.

So, for most people, the answer is no.

A common debate for life after college is considering graduate school or “real life.” Some people choose to continue directly into further education, others choose to stop with the bachelor’s degree, and still others decide to do a gap year between undergraduate and graduate school.

If you are someone who wants to go to grad school, but you do not know when, consider these questions.

Are you absolutely sure you want to go to graduate school?

Some people know exactly what they want to do and what education is required. For these people, it may be best to go directly to grad school after undergrad so that they don’t waste time getting to their ultimate dream job with the dream salary.

Others, on the other hand, may only be considering graduate school because they don’t know what else to do. If this sounds like you, then consider taking the gap year in order to get some real world experience doing what you think you want to do. That way, you can be sure that the higher education is worth the hefty price tag.

Learn about yourself and make sure you want to be there. I think the biggest problem is that people are not sure they want to be in a graduate program. If it takes a year to figure out that’s what you want to do, I say do it. — Michael Gobaud via USA Today College

What kind of experience do you have?

Some masters programs require experience before entering the school. If you have a strong background in internships and research from your time as an undergraduate, then you are probably good to go. But, if you are not confident in your resume, take a year to beef it up.

The career center at the University of California Berkeley writes to students considering the gap year:

“Professional schools want assurance that their applicants know what they’re getting into, and on the basis of prior work/internships experience are prepared to get the most out their program. If your academic record isn’t top notch, a strong recommendation from a professional in the field who has watched you work can increase your odds as an applicant.

If you have decided to become a lawyer or doctor for instance, and have already had internships in your field, you probably don’t need another one. The best reasons for doing so would be if the experience offered a unique perspective on the field, or represented a rare opportunity to get experience in a specialized, competitive area, say, entertainment law, or forensic medicine.”

How much time do you have to study?

It takes a lot to prepare for the GRE. If your senior year is looking busy, maybe consider the gap year as a way to take the time to really prepare for the exam. If you think you can manage it all, then go for it! Just always be conscious of balance.

What is your motivation level?

If you take a gap year, are you sure you will stay dedicated to getting to grad school? Consider what is best for you and your habits. Are you burnt out from your four years of undergrad and feel that you need to rest your brain before putting it to the test again? Or has the four years inspired you to always keep learning, and you can’t wait to continue?

Image courtesy of www.pixabay.com

There are pros and cons to either decision you make, but for each individual, one will outweigh the other. As you contemplate your next move, make a list of the advantages and disadvantages of each choice. Make sure to consider what age you will be by the time you complete all of your education as well. Then, look at which list is longer.

Another resource to help you decide would be to go to your career center, an advisor, or personal mentor. They can help provide insight on an individual level.

When asked if a two-year hiatus was the correct choice, Kimberly Hilfrank, who will be attending her first year of graduate school for public health and genetic counseling this fall, responded –

“It was the right move for me. I couldn’t have gone to grad school right away because I didn’t have the qualifications. I liked having some real life time too. But you have to ‘keep your eye on the prize’ and really commit yourself to studying for the GREs, applying etc.”

For questions regarding the gap year in reference to specific academic programs, check out these links:

Medical School

Dental School

Optometry School

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