<p>Let's say I apply for grad school in the fall of my senior year. When you're filling out your application you put your current gpa, # of years of research, etc... but what if you're counting on your senior year to bump up those categories such as gpa and years of research experience? Aren't already going to decide your admission before you finish your senior year which could potentially make your application look better and change admission decisions?</p>
<p>In that case, you need to take a “gap year.” A large percentage, probably even the majority of students in some fields, do not enroll in grad school straight out of undergrad.</p>
<p>I took a year off and it ended up changing my entire discipline and career field :)</p>
<p>say I got a job after my undergrad for a year or so. Would my application for a top grad school be better when I apply then than right after I graduated?</p>
<p>If your senior year continues a strong academic trend, yes, it could improve your chances. Also, if the job is related to your intended field of study, that would certainly boost your application.</p>
<p>If not accepted into a top graduate school, do you suggest find a job in related field and reapply next year, or go to a decent graduate school for master and then reapply?</p>