<p>I'd really appreciate any advice you may have on my situation.</p>
<p>Basically, I'm set to graduate with my BS in psychology next month! Time in college has flown by and I'm really scared to be out in the real world so soon. I have a job in my field of interest, which I started part-time back in August. My boss had mentioned quite a few times that she would like me to go full-time after graduation, but I have not heard much about that lately. I plan to talk to her next week (we have a great relationship, so communication is not a problem), but am aware that it may not be financially possible with this economy. I have been trying to think of other post-graduation options lately, in case the work situation does not pan out.</p>
<p>I really want to stay in school, but unfortunately did not apply for graduate school last Fall. :( I had some serious medical problems at the time and was looking into the possibility of a lengthy hospital stay or extended treatment at a similar facility. In addition to the uncertainty about that situation, I was experiencing pretty severe cognitive impairment related to the condition. I was struggling to even just hold everyday conversations and knew I was in no shape to take the GRE. I feel like things are better now; hospitalization is no longer a concern and I don't feel as 'fuzzy' cognitively. However, I still have 3-5 appointments each week and my desire to stay with my current treatment team necessitates me staying near here for probably six months or more (no traveling or study abroad, most likely). </p>
<p>I am anxious because I feel a lot of pressure to do something really exciting after graduation, but know that will not be possible in my immediate future. I would like to stay here and continue classes (both undergraduate and graduate level), but am worried about how I would fill the rest of my time. I've been pretty busy this quarter; 23 credits in school (12 is considered full time), 20-25 hours of work a week, and 3-5 medical appointments each week. If I'm able to go full-time at work, I might be able to maintain a fairly busy schedule.</p>
<p>However, if I stay at 20 hours of work/week, I'll likely have a lot more free time. I would like to do something "exciting" in my time between graduation and graduate school. Do any of you have suggestions? What do you wish you would have take time to do after college?</p>
<p>Read more books. Learn a new language. Learn to play an instrument.</p>
<p>I remember being very impressed with Joseph Campbell's life story. </p>
<p>"A few weeks later, the Great Depression began. Campbell would spend the next five years (1929–1934) trying to figure out what to do with his life and he engaged in a period of intensive and rigorous independent study. Campbell discussed this period in The Hero's Journey: Joseph Campbell on His Life and Work (1990, first edition:52-3). Campbell states that he "would divide the day into four four-hour periods, of which I would be reading in three of the four hour periods, and free one of them...I would get nine hours of sheer reading done a day. And this went on for five years straight."</p>
<p>I don't know if I'd suggest doing this for 5 straight years...</p>
<p>Would you be able to support yourself on 20 hours of work per week? Will you have money for grad school? Maybe it would make sense to find an additional job. No, it's not necessarily exciting, but being a grown up isn't always exciting. I understand that you have had health problems, but at your age, if you are capable of working, I think you should do that and experience the feeling of independence that comes with paying your own way.</p>
<p>Thank you all for the suggestions so far! I really like the idea of reading more. I used to enjoy it a lot when I was younger, but haven't had the time recently. </p>
<p>A new city may be a good idea when my lease is up in September. I currently live close to home, but will likely need to move for graduate school. It might be good to get used to living further away before taking on additional stressors.</p>
<p>I guess I forgot to mention that I'm fairly young still. I will be 19 when I graduate next month and my parents have helped me financially, while I've been in school. I hope that I will know more about my situation next week, after talking with my supervisor.</p>
<p>What I'm about to say is a gross exaggeration, but read it and try to understand it anyway:</p>
<p>Of the millions of college seniors who are graduating this year, you're probably the only one who actually has a job. In your field. With a good boss. Who wants you to work full time.</p>
<p>The brutal reality is that you may need to take that full-time job or seek another in order to get health insurance. Once you have graduated, it may not be possible for your parents to keep you on their insurance plan, and because you have health issues, going out and simply buying insurance could be difficult and prohibitively expensive.</p>
<p>20 hours a week at a job is not full-time, and at many companies it would not entitle you to be part of the company-sponsored health insurance plan.</p>
<p>Keep the job for now, try to upgrade to full time somewhere for insurance purposes alone. Prepare for the GRE, grad school apps, get references while you are still fresh in your profs' minds. Is there a way you can postpone graduation? This would be nice if affordable as it would help you prepare more for grad school and allow your parents to keep you on their health/car insurance. </p>
<p>Went through this mental exercise with our 19 year old son- he can spend 4 years by doing the honors thesis next year as well as have more courses, take the GRE, have more references and time for grad school apps- 2 1/2 years of college doesn't give a person much time to do all of this plus take the upper level classes. There are pitfalls to an early college graduation, sometimes being ahead isn't an advantage when one has grad school planned. I've put this in for any readers thinking about zooming through their undergrad experience. It isn't the same as going through the K-12 system faster- unlike HS there are many more courses, even grad level ones, one can take before exhausting the system's offerings.</p>
<p>Good luck- let us know what happens. You are so lucky to have a job now.</p>
<p>
[quote]
There are pitfalls to an early college graduation, sometimes being ahead isn't an advantage when one has grad school planned.
[/quote]
That is VERY true. Grad schools will judge you based on classes you've taken, not just the degree/GPA/ GRE scores. You will be competing with students who took many more classes, including grad-level ones, did extensive research projects, etc.
If you are looking for a career in academia, and can afford to stay another year in school,it will be a good investment for your future. Take advanced classes, get involved in research projects, etc... </p>
<p>If that is not an option, work for a year, and apply for grad schools next year. Taking a break from school will give you time to work on your apps, to recharge, to get some perspective.</p>