<p>I would like some thoughts on two routes I've been considering taking over the next few years.</p>
<p>Background -</p>
<p>I will be a third-year undergraduate in biochemistry with a minor in chemistry this coming fall. I am fairly certain at this point that I would like to pursue one or two years worth of industry work as an RA after graduating. My concern at this point is when exactly to apply to graduate school.</p>
<p>The way I see it so far, applying during my senior year will allow me broader options and less commitment towards a given track - I can do either grad school OR full-time employment after summer. I will also be more in touch with supervisors and advisers. </p>
<p>If I wait to apply until after I've graduated, however, I will have more research experience/publications on my resume, and there will be no need to defer enrollment.</p>
<p>I may be completely wrong with these assumptions. If so, definitely let me know. My knowledge of the admissions process is very sparse at the moment, so feedback on the general timeline for applications would be appreciated as well.</p>
<p>If you have no attentions to attend grad school immediately after college, wait until you are ready to apply. You will be doing the adcoms and professors (for recommendations) a disservice if you're not fully committed to grad school studies.</p>
<p>Many programs will not allow you to defer, because of funding issues. You should check with programs you're considering applying to before deciding which year to apply.</p>
<p>Overall, it seems like you would be best served by applying after a year or two in a research position. Just let your current professors know this, and you can have them write letters now to be sent in a year or two when you apply.</p>
<p>Agreed. This isn't undergrad admissions where you can defer. Grad schools expect that you show up in September after they send you their acceptance letter.</p>
<p>Would the disservice not be greater for the student who opted not to submit apps. out of convenience for adcoms and now faces substantially more risk in a fledging job market with no insurance at hand? Additionally, graduate school is not exactly the most selfish endeavor one can pursue. We have our livelihoods to consider as well.</p>
<p>molliebatmait,</p>
<p>Funding is a good point. I'll be sure to screen the programs once admissions season comes around, and will definitely handle rec letter issues early on.</p>
<p>ticklemepink,</p>
<p>Please clarify your comment as opinion or fact.</p>
<p>My girlfriend asked about deferral so she could work for a year and make a little bit of money to pay off some loans prior to going to graduate school. All the schools she had gotten into said they don't do deferrals and she'd have to reapply next year.</p>
<p>I'm going to repeat what other posters have said above: most graduate school programs don't offer deferrals. When they accept you, they expect you to matriculate in the same year. Graduate school admissions (especially the doctoral level) is extremely competitive and you would be taking one spot from someone who truly wants to attend grad school. Apply when you are ready. If you need money so badly, then work, save and gain some experience. It is possible to get a job (maybe not the most satisfying) in this economy. I live in a state with the highest unemployment rate (it's now above 8%) and I have a job in my major/field.</p>